The new Yamagata Shinkansen train, the E8 series, which was updated for the first time in 25 years, began commercial operation on the 16th, and a departure ceremony was held at JR Yamagata Station.
The E8 series is the third generation Yamagata Shinkansen train and the first new model in 25 years.
The "nose" of the lead vehicle is 9 meters long, 3 meters longer than the previous "E3 series", and the upper part is painted purple after Yamagata Prefecture's bird, the mandarin duck, and the line is painted with the prefecture's flower. Each color incorporates yellow from safflower.
The maximum operating speed is 300 km/h, which is 25 km faster than the E3 series, and it will connect Yamagata Station and Tokyo Station in 2 hours and 22 minutes, 4 minutes shorter than before.
On the morning of the 16th, a departure ceremony was held at JR Yamagata Station, and after the ribbon cutting, the Yamagata Station Master and others called out, ``Proceed with departure,'' and the brand-new train cars departed toward Tokyo Station.
The seats in regular cars are 1 cm wider and 4 cm deeper than before, and all seats have electrical outlets, making passengers more comfortable.
Prior to the departure ceremony, the E8 series departed from Shinjo Station at 5:40 a.m. on the 16th, and an 18-year-old high school student who boarded said, ``The seat pillows were adjustable, and the ride was more comfortable than before.'' It was a very unique vehicle.''