Rolling stock • Block train • High speed train • Hitachi Japan • Shinkansen E10
Summary: East Japan Railway (JR East) will introduce the E10 Shinkansen, its next-generation bullet train for the Tohoku Line, with testing to begin in 2027 and commercial service in 2030. Designed to replace the E2 and E5 fleets, the 10-car train will operate at 320 km/h while offering improved earthquake safety, cutting braking distance by 15%. Passenger comfort is prioritized with power and USB outlets at every seat, wider layouts, and enhanced accessibility. London-based Tangerine shaped the design, inspired by Tohoku’s landscapes. The E10 will also support cargo via Hakobyun, advancing JR East’s safety, efficiency, and sustainability goals.
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In brief
East Japan Railway (JR East) has announced the development of its next-generation bullet train, the E10 series, for the Tohoku Shinkansen Line connecting Tokyo with northern Japan. The new trains, which will replace the E2 and E5 fleets, are scheduled for completion of the first prototype in autumn 2027, with commercial service expected to begin in fiscal 2030.
The E10 will operate in 10-car formations at a top speed of 320 km/h, matching the performance of the E5 but offering significant upgrades in safety, comfort, and design. Braking systems will be enhanced to shorten emergency stopping distance by 15% in response to earthquakes, supported by new suspension and vibration-control technologies developed under JR East’s ALFA-X experimental program.
Passenger experience is a key focus. All seats will feature power and USB outlets, while some cars will adopt a two-by-two seating layout for added comfort. Interior design, created by London-based agency Tangerine, emphasizes space, privacy, and calm lighting. Business travelers will benefit from shared “train desks,” while accessibility will be improved through larger wheelchair areas and new accessible toilets. Luggage handling is also being enhanced, with larger racks and a special cargo-loading door in Car 5 to support JR East’s Hakobyun freight service.
The exterior livery draws inspiration from Tohoku’s mountain landscapes, with two shades of green accented by patterns echoing cherry blossoms. Lightweight silicon carbide inverters and blower-free induction motors will improve efficiency and reliability, while smart, condition-based maintenance will support long-term operations.
Family name: Shinkansen
Class: E10
Manufacturer(s): Hitachi Japan
Train type: Trainsets
Sector: Passengers transport
Type of service: Main line
Operator(s): JR-East
First services: —
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Train length: —
Maximum speed: 320 km/h
Traction system: —
Electric system(s): 25 kV 50 Hz AC
Pantograph: —
Braking system(s): —
Track gauge: 1,435 mm
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Formation: 10 cars (including 4 power cars)
Executive: —
Business: —
Premium: —
Standard: —
Restaurant car: no
Bar car: —
Total seats: — seats
The E10 will be the first JR East Shinkansen designed with future extensions to Sapporo in mind, ensuring it can serve Japan’s northernmost regions. With its blend of advanced safety features, sustainable technology, and refined design, the E10 marks a major step forward in Japan’s high-speed rail evolution.
Japan and India will simultaneously adopt the new train, with India also deploying it on the Mumbai–Ahmedabad high-speed rail corridor under construction. Originally, India planned to buy E5 series trains, but escalating costs and delivery delays shifted focus to domestic production. To resolve negotiations, Japan offered to gift one E5 and one E3 set, supporting commissioning in 2026 and introducing the E10 series in 2030. Inspection trains will gather data for potential E10 manufacturing in India. During Prime Minister Modi’s August 2025 visit to Japan, he will tour the Miyagi Prefecture plant developing the E10 prototype.
The definition of a high-speed train varies by region, but generally, it refers to trains that operate at speeds of at least 250 km/h (155 mph) on newly built lines and 200 km/h (124 mph) on upgraded lines. In Europe, for example, the UIC (International Union of Railways) considers a commercial speed of 250 km/h as the principal criterion for high-speed rail. In the United States, the definition can include trains operating at speeds ranging from 180 km/h (110 mph) to 240 km/h (150 mph).
➤ See the UIC definition
Customers of this train
JR-East
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Technical details
Coming soon
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Rolling stock • Block train • High speed train • Hitachi Japan • Lexical