On October 1st, 2021, Japan's last double-decker Shinkansen, the E4 series, ended its regular services.
The E4 series Shinkansen started commercial operation in 1997 on the Tohoku Shinkansen line. It was used in conjunction with the Yamagata Shinkansen "Tsubasa" and mainly on the Joetsu Shinkansen line connecting Tokyo and northern regions of Japan. In the past, double-decker Shinkansen trains were operated on various lines, including the Tokaido Shinkansen line, however, with the retirement of the E4 series, the double-decker model no longer operates in regular Shinkansen service in Japan.
The features of the E4 series include its “chunky” looks and its high-capacity, the latter which was the biggest advantage of the double-decker vehicle. The E4 series, which used the familiar nickname "Max", was manufactured to cope with increased passenger demand for commuting to work or school in the morning and evenings. Max trains can operate in 16 car configurations by coupling two 8-car sets, carrying a total of 1,634 seated passengers, which was the highest-capacity HSR trainset in the world (as of October 2021). However, since the debut of the E5 series, the maximum speed of the Shinkansen has been increased by reducing the vehicle weight, which has shortened the travel time. In addition, the total number of trains in operation has been increased. Together, these two improvements have enabled transport demand to be met and, thus, the need for the double-decker Shinkansen has ended.
Many people were drawn to the appearance of the E4 series, majestically entering the platform. The view from the its upper-deck seat windows was wonderful, giving passengers a higher and wider line of sight and unobstructed views. As the E4 series travelled to the north from Tokyo, passengers enjoyed the passing of the seasons through the autumn leaves gradually deepening in the fall and the snowy scenery growing darker and darker in winter. The memories of the E4 series written by JR East employees well describe and remind us of this beloved Shinkansen.
https://www.jreast.co.jp/niigata/maxlastrun/staff.html
(Japanese page only)
For more on the "last run" of the E4 series, please check out the following article.
https://japanrailtimes.japanrailcafe.com.sg/web/article/news/max-last-run
The Shinkansen will continue to evolve by adapting to trends and demands, but because of its contribution to people’s everyday lives and society, its memory will be long cherished.
