E7series

The E7 series is a high-speed Shinkansen train type developed for Japan’s railway companies JR East and JR West. Introduced in 2014, the E7 forms part of the E7/W7 family of Shinkansen trains, with the E7 operated by JR East and the complementary W7 operated by JR West. The trains were built by Kawasaki Heavy Industries in collaboration with Hitachi and entered revenue service in 2015 on the Hokuriku Shinkansen line, connecting Tokyo with Kanazawa.

Configuration and design: Each formation consists of 12 cars, with seating divided into ordinary and Green car (first class). The ordinary cars use a 2+2 seating arrangement to maximize passenger comfort on long journeys, while the Green cars offer more spacious seating. Exterior styling features a slender, aerodynamic nose and a distinctive livery shared by the E7/W7 family. The trains employ energy-efficient propulsion equipment, regenerative braking, and safety systems aligned with Shinkansen standards, including earthquake detection and automatic train control.

Operations: The E7 and W7 were designed for high-speed operation on the Hokuriku Shinkansen line, with a service speed around 260 km/h under favorable conditions. They typically run on Kagayaki services between Tokyo and Kanazawa, and may also appear on other Hokuriku Shinkansen timetables as demand warrants.

History: Development aimed to provide faster, more comfortable service on long-haul Shinkansen routes. The first sets were delivered in the early 2010s and entered service in 2015. Since then the fleet has expanded to meet growing demand on the Hokuriku corridor, complementing existing rolling stock and enabling more frequent service.