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Farewell, Doctor Yellow! Japan’s Legendary Shinkansen Bullet Train's Retirement Announced - Starting 2025

Date published: 13 June 2024

In the world of high-speed trains, Japan’s Shinkansen stands out as a marvel of engineering and efficiency. Among these sleek and fast trains, there is one that holds a special place in the hearts of rail enthusiasts and the general public alike—the Doctor Yellow Shinkansen.

According to reports made by Central Japan Railway Company and West Japan Railway Company on June 13, the iconic "Doctor Yellow" Shinkansen, known for its bright yellow body, is set to retire by 2027. This unique inspection train has been a cherished sight on the tracks, but it's time for it to take a well-deserved rest due to aging and other factors.

This article will be updated on an ongoing basis to include details of commemorative events and products when they are announced, so be sure to bookmark it!

(Main image: PIXTA)

For those unfamiliar, "Doctor Yellow" isn't your typical Shinkansen. Doctor Yellow is the affectionate nickname given to the Shinkansen test trains used for diagnostic purposes.

Painted in a distinctive bright yellow color, these trains are equipped with advanced monitoring and diagnostic equipment. Their primary function is to check and ensure the safety and integrity of the Shinkansen tracks and overhead wires. Unlike regular Shinkansen trains that carry passengers, Doctor Yellow runs special trips along the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen lines, keeping Japan’s high-speed rail system in perfect condition.

The current Doctor Yellow is based on the 700 series Shinkansen, consisting of seven cars, and it operates roughly once every ten days.

While the general public can't ride it, and its schedule isn't published, spotting Doctor Yellow is considered a good omen among train fans.

JR Central and JR West, the companies that operate "Doctor Yellow," have officially announced the train’s retirement plans. JR Central's train will cease operations in January 2025, followed by JR West's train in 2027. After these dates, both of the existing "Doctor Yellow" sets will be retired.

Post-retirement, inspections will continue with "N700S" trains, which will be equipped with specialized inspection devices. This means the era of dedicated inspection trains like "Doctor Yellow" is coming to an end.

Despite its crucial role, the current "Doctor Yellow" trains, introduced in 2001 and 2005 respectively, are showing signs of age. Hence, the decision to retire these beloved trains.

So, let’s cherish the remaining years of "Doctor Yellow" and appreciate the legacy it leaves behind. If you’re lucky enough to spot it on the tracks, don’t forget to make a wish – after all, who knows what kind of luck it might bring!

For those eager to catch sight of this iconic train, there are a few tips to increase your chances:
・Timing: Doctor Yellow often runs during off-peak hours, typically early in the morning or late at night.
・Stations: Major stations along the Tokaido and Sanyo lines, such as Tokyo, Shin-Osaka, and Hakata, are prime spots for a potential sighting. (Actually, from the LIVE JAPAN office, we can always see the Shinkansen running. Spotting the Doctor Yellow during work breaks makes us feel lucky and happy!)
・Social Media: Rail enthusiasts often share sightings on social media platforms like X, providing hints and real-time updates.

To honor Doctor Yellow's service, a variety of events and special merchandise will be available, including:
・Photo sessions at the train depot
・Experience rides on Doctor Yellow
・Cleaning events for the train body
・Sales of commemorative Doctor Yellow merchandise

This article will be updated to include details of these events and products when they are announced, so be sure to bookmark it!

Whether you’re a seasoned rail enthusiast or a curious traveler, seeing Doctor Yellow in person is a memorable experience.

So next time you find yourself in Japan, keep an eye out for that bright yellow train zipping by—it might just bring you a bit of good luck on your journey.

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