381 series

The 381 series (381系, 381-kei) was a tilting DC electric multiple unit (EMU) train type introduced in 1973 by Japanese National Railways (JNR), and operated by West Japan Railway Company (JR-West), and Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central) in Japan.

Fleet

As of 1 April 2023, 62 vehicles were operated by JR-West.

Operations

JR Central

• Shinano (1973–May 2008)

JR-West

• Kuroshio (from October 1978 until 30 October 2015)
• Yakumo (from July 1982 until 15 June 2024)
• Kounotori (until 31 May 2011, from 1 June 2012 until 30 October 2015)
• Kinosaki (from 1 June 2012 until 30 October 2015)
• Hashidate (from 16 March 2013 until 30 October 2015)
• Hanwa Liner rapid service (until March 2011)
• Yamatoji Liner rapid service (until March 2011)

Livery variations

History

The 381 series EMU was developed from the experimental 591 series 3-car articulated tilting EMU tested from 1970.

Trainsets entered revenue service from 10 July 1973 on the Shinano limited express between Nagoya and Nagano.

JR-West 381 series trains were removed from Kuroshio, Kounotori, Kinosaki, and Hashidate limited express services in October 2015, with the last services operating on 30 October.

As the new 273 series sets began service from 6 April 2024, it was announced by JR West in December 2023 that the remaining 381 series sets were scheduled to be retired from June 2024. The next sets to be retired were those repainted in various historic liveries; the sets sporting the Yuttari Yakumo livery were scheduled for retirement at a later date. The last regularly scheduled Yakumo run by this series took place on 15 June 2024 thus marking the end of regular service of the 381 series as a whole.

Preserved examples

• KuHa 381-1: (built 1973 by Kawasaki Heavy Industries) SCMaglev and Railway Park, Nagoya.
• KuRo 381-11: (built 1974 by Kawasaki Heavy Industries) formerly at the SCMaglev and Railway Park, Nagoya, removed in June 2019.
• KuRo 381-1104: (built 1978 by Kawasaki Heavy Industries) Suita Depot, Osaka.

Notes

References