Photo/Illutration West Japan Railway Co. (JR West)’s new Yakumo express service is unveiled during a ceremony held at JR Izumoshi Station in Izumo, Shimane Prefecture, in April. (Kazuhiko Ishikawa)

The Yakumo express service introduced by West Japan Railway Co. (JR West) in April won the top prize at the 23rd Japan Railway Awards.

It connects Okayama Station in Okayama Prefecture and Izumoshi Station in Shimane Prefecture. The four-car train is the first new model to be introduced on the route in 42 years.

The Yakumo was praised for a range of aspects. They included its semi-private compartments equipped with a large window offering a superb view and the distinctive color of the carriage bodies known as “Yakumo bronze.”

Also cited was the enhanced passenger comfort on curves made possible by a tilting mechanism called the “natural pendulum system,” its barrier-free accessibility and its contributions to local revitalization.

The Japan Railway Awards are hosted by the executive committee of Railway Day, which falls on Oct. 14. Its members include representatives from the transport ministry and railway operators.

The awards were founded to recognize outstanding efforts associated with railway infrastructure.

This year, the executive committee received 22 submissions from around the country.

In addition to the top prize, a special prize was given to four entrants.

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