New Shinkansen "N700S" starts operation from July 1 JR Tokai January 5 15:00

The new Tokaido Shinkansen train "N700S" introduced by JR Tokai for the first time in five years will be operated from July 1, just before the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics are held.

The Tokaido Shinkansen opened in 1964, when the last Tokyo Olympics were held, the second tournament will be held, and JR Tokai has announced that it will introduce a new vehicle "N700S" for the first time in five years.

The operation of the "N700S" will be decided from July 1 immediately before the tournament, and JR plans to introduce 5 trains before the Tokyo Games, and to switch 40 trains to new models by 2022.

On the other hand, with the introduction of N700S, the "700 series" that has been in operation for about 20 years will retire in March.

Lower than noise and air resistance

I compared the appearance of the new vehicle "N700S" with the change of the appearance of the previous vehicle.

First, the top is slightly shaped with left and right edges compared to previous vehicles. The name "Dual Supreme Wing" is said to further reduce noise and air resistance.

For the first time, LED lights have been adopted as headlights.

And next to the car body is a blue line with the image of "N700S" drawn in gold and the last "S" attached to the initial of "Supreme" which means "best" .

Strengthen security measures

This time, I summarized the features of the car.

The first thing that is nice for users is the expansion of outlets. Previously only at the window, it is attached to the armrest of every seat.

With the reclining function, as a result of pursuing a more comfortable sitting comfort, the seat surface sinks several centimeters in conjunction with the backrest.

Security measures have also been strengthened. Up to now, security cameras, which were only at both ends of the vehicle, will be added to the ceiling, and six vehicles will be monitored per vehicle.

On the other hand, on the Tokaido Shinkansen, from mid-May, extra large luggage, such as a large suitcase with a total of three sides exceeding 1 meter and 60 cm, requires reservations to be brought in.

Strengthen response to abnormal situations such as earthquakes

The "N700S" has improved not only in appearance and interior, but also in performance.

First, speed. The maximum operating speed is the same as before at 285 km / h, but on test runs it has exceeded 360 km / h.

In addition, response to abnormal situations such as earthquakes has been strengthened. The brake system has been improved, and the braking distance in the event of an earthquake is 5% shorter than the newest N700A.

In addition, it is equipped with a battery that can run on its own even if a power failure occurs due to a natural disaster, so that you can easily move to a place where it is easy to evacuate even if it stops once due to a power failure.

Next-generation Shinkansen aiming at 360 km / h

For the Shinkansen, JR East is also developing new vehicles. That is the Tohoku Shinkansen next-generation Shinkansen test vehicle, the “ALFA-X”. This test vehicle was developed by JR East for about 10 billion yen with the aim of completing it by FY2030.


Since May last year, test runs have been conducted between Sendai Station and Shin-Aomori Station twice a week during the night when commercial operation has ended, and will continue until March next year. The biggest feature is the shape of the leading vehicle.

The so-called "nose" is 22 meters and occupies approximately 80% of the vehicle. This shape is said to be the result of pursuing the suppression of pressure waves that cause noise when entering a tunnel at high speed.

The policy is to further improve speed. The maximum operating speed of the Tohoku Shinkansen is 320 km / h, which is the fastest speed on the Shinkansen, but the ALFA-X aims to increase the speed to 360 km / h.

In addition, "ALFA-X" will be equipped with devices that will stop safely and quickly in the event of an earthquake so that it can operate safely even at high speeds. This means that the system can be maintained at low cost.