By TOSHINARI TAKAHASHI/ Staff Writer
October 1, 2020 at 07:00 JST
The Genbi Shinkansen bullet train at JR Omiya Station (Asahi Shimbun file photo)
The Genbi Shinkansen bullet train, known as “the world’s fastest art experience” in Niigata Prefecture, will go out of service after its final run on Dec. 19, East Japan Railway Co. (JR East) said.
Until then, the contemporary art-themed train will make three round trips between Echigo-Yuzawa and Niigata stations on weekends and holidays.
The six-car Genbi Shinkansen, in service since 2016, was remodeled from an E3 series train for the Akita Shinkansen Line. The exterior was designed by photographer and film director Mika Ninagawa, with the interior of each car decorated with photos, objects and other works created by various artists.
According to JR East’s Niigata Branch Office, the Genbi Shinkansen’s vehicle inspection required for operations will expire, and the company decided to scrap the train in consideration of its service life.
JR East has no plans to introduce a new train to take over the service.
The railway operator plans to offer special food items in the cafe space to celebrate the train’s last run.
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