JR East Japan is making significant strides to modernize its rail services with the announcement of its new E10 series Shinkansen train, set to hit the tracks by 2030. This initiative, revealed during a press conference on March 4, 2025, aims to succeed the existing E2 and E5 series trains, enhancing both comfort and safety for passengers traveling on the Tohoku Shinkansen line.
At the heart of this development is the desire to create more airport-like services within the train system, with President Kosei Kiwada emphasizing the commitment to making travel "more comfortable and valuable." The new E10 series will feature advanced design inspired by the natural beauty of the Tohoku region, incorporating two distinct green colors reminiscent of local mountains and cherry blossoms.
The E10 train will boast various improvements over its predecessors, with a maximum operating speed of 320 km/h. The design utilizes technology verified by the ALFA-X test platform, aiming to absorb earthquake tremors—significantly enhancing passenger safety by reducing the risk of derailment or damage during seismic events.
Among the innovative features of the E10 series will be the 'TRAIN DESK' service, offering reserved seating configurations with increased space between seats (2 + 2 arrangement). This setup will accommodate passengers wishing to work or study during their journeys. Each seat will also come equipped with power outlets to support electronic devices and provide enhanced personal space with dividers between seats.
Additional measures to improve comfort include the installation of wider tables, nursing lounges, and areas where passengers can enjoy scenic views, particularly for passengers using wheelchairs, who will have easy access to panoramic viewpoints.
Car 5 of the E10 train will have specialized luggage transport doors, allowing for smoother loading and unloading procedures, which will complement the newly enhanced 'Hacobyun' luggage delivery service commencing on April 18, 2025. This service will provide flexibility for travelers needing to transport larger items, with units now accepted for transport starting from as few as 100 boxes at a time.
The aesthetic aspects of the E10 series are carefully crafted to reflect the essence of the Tohoku environment, with the upper section featuring bright "Tsugaru green" and the lower section showcasing "Evening elm." Elements inspired by cherry blossoms will contour the train's design, merging functionality with traditional Japanese beauty. The contemporary design is the result of collaboration with the UK-based design firm Tangerine, marking the first time such international expertise has been applied to JR East's train projects.
The company aims to initiate trial runs of the E10 series after its anticipated completion post-autumn 2027, with the goal of launching commercial operations by 2030. This launch is part of JR East's broader initiative, called "Transform 2027," which focuses on improving the quality of transportation services.
While these advancements focus primarily on passenger comfort and safety, JR East is also addressing growing logistics needs. The company has taken steps to improve efficiency within its freight operations by utilizing retired E3 series train cars. Modifications will convert these cars for dedicated freight transport, with the capacity to carry up to 1,000 cardboard boxes, which will begin operating alongside passenger trains as early as autumn 2026.
A recent initiative includes transporting cartons every week on passenger cars on the northbound lines of the Shinkansen, which will significantly expand the capacity and versatility of the service.
President Kosei Kiwada noted the dual approach of enhancing passenger services and addressing societal issues such as labor shortages within logistics, stating, "By ensuring profitability as a business, we also aim to tackle challenges like reducing CO2 emissions and supporting logistics needs." He reiterated the commitment of JR East to develop sustainable systems and effective transportation solutions for the future.
With the blend of modern technology, careful aesthetic designs, and improved passenger features, JR East's E10 series is poised to transform the passenger experience on the Tohoku Shinkansen line, leading the way for railway innovation and sustainability.