Latest news with #railwayfans
NHK
30-06-2025
- NHK
Final run for 'Cassiopeia,' popular luxury train in Japan
The last express sleeper train that once connected the Japanese capital to the northern prefecture of Hokkaido has pulled into Tokyo's Ueno Station, retiring after 26 years. The double-decker "Cassiopeia" made its debut in 1999 as a luxury express sleeper. It paused regular service in 2016 due to the launch of the Hokkaido Shinkansen bullet train. East Japan Railway has operated the train on an irregular basis, exclusively for tours, as it was very popular. But JR East announced in May that the Cassiopeia will retire because its cars were getting old. Shortly before noon on Monday, the silver train cars carrying about 120 passengers departed Sendai Station in the northeastern prefecture of Miyagi for the last time. It arrived at Ueno Station around 5:30 p.m. After arriving, the passengers took photos in front of the train and touched the coaches for the last time. At 6:07 p.m., the train ended this chapter of its history and left the Ueno Station platform, with passengers and railway fans watching. A passenger in his 40s said he rode on the Cassiopeia with his wife for their 20th wedding anniversary. He said he has taken the overnight express more than 10 times and has many fond memories that cannot be expressed in a single word. He added that some of its cars are getting old and their paint may be peeling in places, but he thinks the train has fulfilled its role to the fullest. JR East says it is considering using the train cars for events. It says that in July, visitors will be able to enjoy dining in the train at Ueno Station.
NHK
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- NHK
'Doctor Yellow' Shinkansen draws fans at rail museum in central Japan
Railway fans have flocked to a museum in central Japan to see a retired "Doctor Yellow" Shinkansen bullet train that went on display on Saturday. The distinctive yellow-colored trains have been used to check the condition of tracks and other facilities while running. Their rarity has made them beloved by train enthusiasts. People applauded and cheered as the train was unveiled at the SCMAGLEV and Railway Park in the city of Nagoya. Some chosen by lottery were allowed to go into the driver's cabin. A man from western Japan says he was the first to enter. He said he was happy enough to cry and that he imagined being the train's driver by touching the lever. The Doctor Yellow on display is owned by Central Japan Railway Company, or JR Tokai. The company ended the use of the train for inspections in January due to aging and other factors.
NHK
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- NHK
Nagoya museum holds ceremony for retired 'Doctor Yellow' shinkansen train
Japanese railway fans have helped with preparations for the planned display of the iconic "Doctor Yellow" Shinkansen train at a museum in Nagoya City, central Japan. The Doctor Yellow train is owned by Central Japan Railway Company, or JR Tokai. It had been used to inspect Shinkansen railway tracks until it was retired in January due to aging. The train was manually repainted at a factory to prepare to go on public display on June 14. A ceremony was held on Saturday at SCMAGLEV and Railway Park in Nagoya. Museum curator Okabe Hitoshi said that he is looking forward to creating new memories with the Doctor Yellow train. Thirty-eight railway fans chosen by lottery from around the country helped to move the train about 10 meters to its display location. The enthusiasts then enjoyed eating lunch boxes on board another Shinkansen train while they admired Doctor Yellow. One participant who came from Kanagawa Prefecture said the yellow train on display will be loved by many people who will be happy that it is fulfilling its second role.
