MONDAY, JULY 4, 2011
Women-only Cars --- Are You in Favor or Not?
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A sign indicating "women-only cars" boarding area, Yoyogi-uehara Station, the Odakyu Line
In the Tokyo metropolitan area, 8 million people commute to their offices by train every day. The trains are so crowded that passenger’s bodies are squashed together during the rush hour. Because of this, women-only cars are provided on many trains in the mornings and evenings on weekdays, excluding holidays. Platforms (the top photo) and trains (the bottom photo) are marked with signs indicating boarding areas and the times when the cars are women-only.
The history of Japanese women-only cars goes back quite a long way. In 1912, the Japanese Government Railway launched the first women-only cars on the Chuo Line (present JR East Line), but it was short-lived. After World War II, the government launched women and children only cars in 1947 on the Chuo Line. Operation of these cars continued until 1973 when the priority seats, otherwise known as the Silver Seat, for seniors and persons with disabilities were launched.
88 years after the Japan’s first women-only cars operation, Keio Electric Railway Company launched them again in the evenings on weekdays in 2000. That was a start of the permanent introduction of women-only cars in Japan. Nowadays, most commuter railway companies in the Tokyo metropolitan area operate women-only cars. Many women are quite pleased, but there are complaints as well. For example, some people claim that special coaches for the handicapped and elderly should have been provided instead of women-only cars.
Women-only cars --- are you in favor or not?
The history of Japanese women-only cars goes back quite a long way. In 1912, the Japanese Government Railway launched the first women-only cars on the Chuo Line (present JR East Line), but it was short-lived. After World War II, the government launched women and children only cars in 1947 on the Chuo Line. Operation of these cars continued until 1973 when the priority seats, otherwise known as the Silver Seat, for seniors and persons with disabilities were launched.
88 years after the Japan’s first women-only cars operation, Keio Electric Railway Company launched them again in the evenings on weekdays in 2000. That was a start of the permanent introduction of women-only cars in Japan. Nowadays, most commuter railway companies in the Tokyo metropolitan area operate women-only cars. Many women are quite pleased, but there are complaints as well. For example, some people claim that special coaches for the handicapped and elderly should have been provided instead of women-only cars.
Women-only cars --- are you in favor or not?
A women-only car (see a sticker on the side window), EMU JR East E233 series at Kanda Station, the Chuo Line
FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2011
News from Jakarta --- "JALITA" New Color
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2011 color of EMU 8613F "JALITA", ex-Tokyu 8500 series at Bogor Station in Indonesia
Photo: Courtesy Faris Fadhli
Photo: Courtesy Faris Fadhli
I’ve received news from an Indonesian railfan in Jakarta … “JALITA” has changed its body color. What’s JALITA? It’s one of the commuter trains, which operate in the Jakarta metropolitan area of Indonesia. This train was manufactured in the 1970s in Japan under the name of EMU 8613F in the 8500 series and was operating on the Tokyu Electric Railway for more than 30 years.
In February 2009, JALITA retired from the Tokyu Electric Railway and arrived in Indonesia to spend a new life in Jakarta. This train was ardently welcomed by the Jakartans. In May, 2009, the Indonesian government held a special ceremony to establish a new commuter railway company in the Jakarta metropolitan area. On that occasion, JALITA was gaily-painted (the bottom photo) and selected as the celebratory train. That day, it carried VIPs such as the Transport Minister and the Secretary of State. For your information, JALITA stands for Jalur Lingkar Jakarta, in Indonesian, which means Jakarta Loop Line. Its godfather is the Transport Minister of Indonesia.
As I mentioned at the beginning of the article, JALITA changed its body color again recently as part of a periodic overhaul (the top photo). I always admire Indonesian people’s color sense, because they use distinct color designs. This time, they created a red, yellow and white colored face … very cool! I hope that this ex-Tokyo train will be active in Jakarta forever.
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In February 2009, JALITA retired from the Tokyu Electric Railway and arrived in Indonesia to spend a new life in Jakarta. This train was ardently welcomed by the Jakartans. In May, 2009, the Indonesian government held a special ceremony to establish a new commuter railway company in the Jakarta metropolitan area. On that occasion, JALITA was gaily-painted (the bottom photo) and selected as the celebratory train. That day, it carried VIPs such as the Transport Minister and the Secretary of State. For your information, JALITA stands for Jalur Lingkar Jakarta, in Indonesian, which means Jakarta Loop Line. Its godfather is the Transport Minister of Indonesia.
As I mentioned at the beginning of the article, JALITA changed its body color again recently as part of a periodic overhaul (the top photo). I always admire Indonesian people’s color sense, because they use distinct color designs. This time, they created a red, yellow and white colored face … very cool! I hope that this ex-Tokyo train will be active in Jakarta forever.
2009 color of EMU 8613F "JALITA", ex-Tokyu 8500 series at Bogor Station in Indonesia
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 2011
Ekiben --- a Unique Railway Culture in Japan
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Ekiben --- it’s a unique railway culture in Japan.
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Ekiben “Hayabusa-mamegui Bento” sold in Tokyo Station
An "Ekiben" is a meal for railway passengers in Japan. It is packed in a box to be easily carried around and sold at stations and on trains. Many vendors launch thousands kinds of unique ekibens throughout the country and compete with each other in their sales. Generally speaking, ekibens are typically filled with local foods, which are cooked with local recipes. Their wrapping papers usually depict the sceneries or specialties of the particular areas.
The top photo shows an example of an ekiben, which is sold in Tokyo Station. It’s one of my favorite. Unfortunately, Tokyo is a big city without any famous local foods. Instead, this ekiben is sumptuous and healthy. Its layout is colorful and sophisticated as well. A salmon slice and eggs, an eel slice, a chicken egg, a scallop, mushrooms, vegetables and vinegered rice are cooked Japanese-style.
When I was small, railway passengers bought ekibens from vendors on station platforms. As soon as a train stopped at a way station, passengers opened the train windows and called the vendors, who were shouting “bento, bento… (meaning a meal box)”. I was always surprised that vendors were selling dozens of ekibens with brisk efficiency during the train stop of several minutes. But times have changed since then. Nowadays, we cannot open the train windows. So, there is no shouting vendor on a platform and we have to buy ekibens at special shops in station yards or on trains. However, ekibens have survived as a "must-have" for railway travellers in Japan.
The top photo shows an example of an ekiben, which is sold in Tokyo Station. It’s one of my favorite. Unfortunately, Tokyo is a big city without any famous local foods. Instead, this ekiben is sumptuous and healthy. Its layout is colorful and sophisticated as well. A salmon slice and eggs, an eel slice, a chicken egg, a scallop, mushrooms, vegetables and vinegered rice are cooked Japanese-style.
When I was small, railway passengers bought ekibens from vendors on station platforms. As soon as a train stopped at a way station, passengers opened the train windows and called the vendors, who were shouting “bento, bento… (meaning a meal box)”. I was always surprised that vendors were selling dozens of ekibens with brisk efficiency during the train stop of several minutes. But times have changed since then. Nowadays, we cannot open the train windows. So, there is no shouting vendor on a platform and we have to buy ekibens at special shops in station yards or on trains. However, ekibens have survived as a "must-have" for railway travellers in Japan.
Ekiben --- it’s a unique railway culture in Japan.
Hayabusa-mamegui Bento, before opening up
TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2011
EMU JR Central and West N700 Series --- a Culmination of Shinkansen Technologies
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Shinkansen N700 series at Tokyo Station
As I introduced before (see the blog of April 23rd, 2011), “Shinkansen” is the train that represents Japan. Its total railway network length is nearly 2400km and there are 1 million passengers per day now.
The history of the Shinkansen started in 1964 when the Tokaido Shinkansen was opened between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka stations. The round-nosed first Shinkansen train; EMU 0 series was launched just before the Tokyo Olympics. So far in the 47 years, Japan National Railway and its successors; JR companies have launched 15 series of trains one after another.
Look at the top photo. It’s the EMU JR Central and West N700 series at Tokyo Station. This train, which was launched in 2005, is the latest model on the Tokaido and the Sanyo Shinkansen. It consists of 16 cars (2 units of 3M1T and 2units of 4M) and its maximum speed is 300km/h on the Sanyo Shinkansen, meanwhile 270km/h on the Tokaido Shinkansen.
The most distinctive feature of N700 series is its improvement in speed on a curve passage. There are a lot of tight curves on the Tokaido Shinkansen because it's the oldest one. Its minimum curve radius is 2500m; therefore, the maximum speed on a curve passage was limited to only 255km/h in the past. However, by tilting the train's body with a high technology, the N700 series achieved operating at a speed of 270km/h on a 2500m radius curve passage.
JR N700 series … it’s a culmination of Shinkansen technologies.
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The history of the Shinkansen started in 1964 when the Tokaido Shinkansen was opened between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka stations. The round-nosed first Shinkansen train; EMU 0 series was launched just before the Tokyo Olympics. So far in the 47 years, Japan National Railway and its successors; JR companies have launched 15 series of trains one after another.
Look at the top photo. It’s the EMU JR Central and West N700 series at Tokyo Station. This train, which was launched in 2005, is the latest model on the Tokaido and the Sanyo Shinkansen. It consists of 16 cars (2 units of 3M1T and 2units of 4M) and its maximum speed is 300km/h on the Sanyo Shinkansen, meanwhile 270km/h on the Tokaido Shinkansen.
The most distinctive feature of N700 series is its improvement in speed on a curve passage. There are a lot of tight curves on the Tokaido Shinkansen because it's the oldest one. Its minimum curve radius is 2500m; therefore, the maximum speed on a curve passage was limited to only 255km/h in the past. However, by tilting the train's body with a high technology, the N700 series achieved operating at a speed of 270km/h on a 2500m radius curve passage.
JR N700 series … it’s a culmination of Shinkansen technologies.
Shinkansen N700 series passing through Yurakucho, a downtown of Tokyo
SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 2011
During the Rainy Season … Hydrangea and Train
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Hydrangea and EMU Keio 1026F at Higashi-matsubara Station on the Inokashira Line
It’s rainy season just before midsummer in Tokyo. We have been having hot and humid days. At times like that, the only thing that saves my gloomy feelings is viewing hydrangeas which come into flower this season. There are many famous places with hydrangea blossoms in the Tokyo metropolitan area, but one of the undiscovered viewing spots is on the Inokashira Line of the Keio Electric Railway.
This railway company has been working on planting plants on the embankments of the railways to prevent slope failure and protect the environment since 1991. Nowadays, we can enjoy seeing colorful hydrangea blossoms at the side of the railways specifically around Shimo-kitazawa, Shin-daita, Higashi-matsubara and Meidaimae stations in June. The top photo shows beautiful purple and blue blossoms with EMU 1026F at Higashi-matsubara Station. Meanwhile, the bottom one is of pink and white blossoms with EMU 1015F near Shimo-kitazawa Station.
Among them, my favorite one is Hagashi-matsubara station, because the side of the railway at this station is illuminated from mid to late June to allow evening viewing of the blossoms. Although, we can see the beautiful blossoms as we have in the past, the night lights were cancelled this year, because of the electric power shortage, which was caused by the nuclear power plant disasters that followed the giant earthquake and tsunami. I’m really disappointed, but it’s inevitable when I think about the disaster victims.
The hydrangeas at Higashi-matsubara Station this year will withstand the test of time for me as a memorable scene of the giant earthquake year.
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Hydrangea and EMU Keio 1026F at Higashi-matsubara Station on the Inokashira LineIt’s rainy season just before midsummer in Tokyo. We have been having hot and humid days. At times like that, the only thing that saves my gloomy feelings is viewing hydrangeas which come into flower this season. There are many famous places with hydrangea blossoms in the Tokyo metropolitan area, but one of the undiscovered viewing spots is on the Inokashira Line of the Keio Electric Railway.
This railway company has been working on planting plants on the embankments of the railways to prevent slope failure and protect the environment since 1991. Nowadays, we can enjoy seeing colorful hydrangea blossoms at the side of the railways specifically around Shimo-kitazawa, Shin-daita, Higashi-matsubara and Meidaimae stations in June. The top photo shows beautiful purple and blue blossoms with EMU 1026F at Higashi-matsubara Station. Meanwhile, the bottom one is of pink and white blossoms with EMU 1015F near Shimo-kitazawa Station.
Among them, my favorite one is Hagashi-matsubara station, because the side of the railway at this station is illuminated from mid to late June to allow evening viewing of the blossoms. Although, we can see the beautiful blossoms as we have in the past, the night lights were cancelled this year, because of the electric power shortage, which was caused by the nuclear power plant disasters that followed the giant earthquake and tsunami. I’m really disappointed, but it’s inevitable when I think about the disaster victims.
The hydrangeas at Higashi-matsubara Station this year will withstand the test of time for me as a memorable scene of the giant earthquake year.
Hydrangea and EMU Keio 1015F near Shimo-kitazawa Station on the Inokashira Line
SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 2011
Odakyu Romance Car, Yearning since My Childhood
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In the Tokyo metropolitan area, several private railway companies compete with gorgeous express trains as their flagships. One of the famous and venerable trains is “the romance car”, which is operated by Odakyu Electric Railway Company. Its route extends from Shinjuku; a subcenter of Tokyo to Hakone; a reputable mountain resort in a western suburb.
Odakyu first launched a resort train in 1935 as the “hot spring express”; however, it was forced to stop operating due to World War II in the 1940’s. After the war, Odakyu resumed the operation of the express in 1950 under the name of the romance car.
An epoch-making event occurred in 1957, when they launched the romance car, EMU 3000 series. This train established 145km/hour; the world’s fastest record of a narrow gauged railway at that time. Then, Odakyu launched new romance cars one after another.
Look at the top photo. It’s the oldest existing romance car; EMU 7000 series, which has been operating since 1980. I like this train very much, because the passengers can enjoy the view ahead. The cockpit is up stairs.
Meanwhile, the recent trend of the romance car is not only a resort train but also a commuter express. Look at the bottom photo. It’s the newest model; EMU 60000 series. This train operates between downtown Tokyo, such as Otemachi on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line and Karakida; a commuter town in a western suburb of Tokyo.
Odakyu romance car … it’s a yearning since my childhood.
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The existing oldest romance car, EMU 7000 series near Chitose-funabashi Station
In the Tokyo metropolitan area, several private railway companies compete with gorgeous express trains as their flagships. One of the famous and venerable trains is “the romance car”, which is operated by Odakyu Electric Railway Company. Its route extends from Shinjuku; a subcenter of Tokyo to Hakone; a reputable mountain resort in a western suburb.
Odakyu first launched a resort train in 1935 as the “hot spring express”; however, it was forced to stop operating due to World War II in the 1940’s. After the war, Odakyu resumed the operation of the express in 1950 under the name of the romance car.
An epoch-making event occurred in 1957, when they launched the romance car, EMU 3000 series. This train established 145km/hour; the world’s fastest record of a narrow gauged railway at that time. Then, Odakyu launched new romance cars one after another.
Look at the top photo. It’s the oldest existing romance car; EMU 7000 series, which has been operating since 1980. I like this train very much, because the passengers can enjoy the view ahead. The cockpit is up stairs.
Meanwhile, the recent trend of the romance car is not only a resort train but also a commuter express. Look at the bottom photo. It’s the newest model; EMU 60000 series. This train operates between downtown Tokyo, such as Otemachi on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line and Karakida; a commuter town in a western suburb of Tokyo.
Odakyu romance car … it’s a yearning since my childhood.
The newest model of the romance car, EMU 60000 series at Seijo-gakuenmae Station
More information about Odakyu Romance Car: http://www.odakyu.jp/english/rc/index.html
THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011
The Yamanote Line, Japan's Most Crowded Trains
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EMU JR East E231-500 Series at Tokyo Station, the Yamanote Line
As I introduced in my last article (see the blog of June 22nd, 2011), the Yamanote Line is well known as Japan’s most crowded railway. The train runs every 2.5 minutes in the morning, every 4 minutes in the daytime and every 3 minutes in the evening of weekdays. Meanwhile, it operates every 3 minutes on Saturday, Sunday and national holydays. The train, whose name is EMU JR East 231-500 series, is composed of 11 cars (6M5T). The track gauge is 1067mm and the electric system is 1500V DC overhead.
This busy line is looped through several down town areas of Tokyo, such as Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ikebukuro and Shinagawa. Its total length is 34 km and all the trains run in the same direction throughout the day; clockwise or counterclockwise. The train covers the entire route in about 60 minutes. There are 29 stations and most of them are interchange stations to the subway, private railways and/or other JR lines.
It’s quite intersting that the inside of the Yamanote loop is regarded as the center of Tokyo in general. For example, if you have a house or an apartment there, you would get prestige as being rich or a winner (My apartment is located on the outside of the Yamanote loop unfortunately). Most of the prices inside of the loop are more expensive than those on the outside.
The Yamanote Line … it might be a modern castellated wall, which separates the center and the suburbs of Tokyo City.
This busy line is looped through several down town areas of Tokyo, such as Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ikebukuro and Shinagawa. Its total length is 34 km and all the trains run in the same direction throughout the day; clockwise or counterclockwise. The train covers the entire route in about 60 minutes. There are 29 stations and most of them are interchange stations to the subway, private railways and/or other JR lines.
It’s quite intersting that the inside of the Yamanote loop is regarded as the center of Tokyo in general. For example, if you have a house or an apartment there, you would get prestige as being rich or a winner (My apartment is located on the outside of the Yamanote loop unfortunately). Most of the prices inside of the loop are more expensive than those on the outside.
The Yamanote Line … it might be a modern castellated wall, which separates the center and the suburbs of Tokyo City.
An automatic platform gate to prevent passengers from falling off the platform edge at Meguro Station, the Yamanote Line
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