E8 Series Shinkansen


The E8 series is a Japanese Shinkansen high-speed train type on order for Tsubasa services announced on 3 March 2020. It is intended to replace the E3 series, raising the top speed of the service from to. It is designed by Ken Okuyama, in cooperation with Kawasaki Heavy Industries.
The train is scheduled to enter service in 2024.

Design

The train was designed to invoke the richness of the landscape of the Yamagata region, and the "weaving together of nature and people". The exterior colouring is unchanged from the reliveried E3 series, also designed by Ken Okuyama. White, evoking the snow of Mount Zaō, deep purple inspired by the Mandarin duck, the prefectural bird for Yamagata Prefecture, together with yellow and red for the safflower, the prefectural flower of Yamagata Prefecture.
All cars are equipped with full active suspension.

Formation

The E8 uses the same 5M2T-formation as the E3 and E6 series mini-shinkansen, meaning that it consists of 5 powered, and 2 non-powered cars.

Interior

The 7-car trains have two service classes: ordinary cars and Green cars, with a seating capacity of 355. This is 39 fewer seats than the E3 series trains it replaces. Both seating configurations are 2+2 abreast, but presumably differ in seat pitch, as is the case for all other Shinkansen trains. AC power outlets are available in both classes. Both the cabins and vestibules are equipped with security cameras. The green car has room for one wheelchair user, while each ordinary car has room for 2. All 7 cars are equipped to handle large luggage.
The colour scheme of the ordinary car seating is inspired by the blue waters of the Mogami River, combined with the lush greenery covering Mount Gassan. The Green car seating draws inspiration from the traditional process of extracting the colour of the safflower, which is why the colour gradually becomes less saturated moving from the seat cushion to the headrest. The center aisle carpet was designed based on the image of the safflower, represented by the seats, reflecting on the waters of the Mogami River as it flows between them.