Japan has unveiled a new ‘earthquake resistant’, 200mph (320kph) bullet train – that’s designed by a British firm.
Studio Tangerine, which is headquartered in London, has become the first non-Japanese design partner entrusted with helping to create one of Japan’s iconic Shinkansen.
The new East Japan Railway Company (JR East) train – the E10 – will come into service in 2030 and replace the existing E2 and E5 bullet trains on the Tohoku route, which connects Tokyo with the city of Aomori in the north of the country.
Tangerine was commissioned to craft both the train’s ‘striking’ two-tone exterior livery and its ‘sophisticated interior, which spans distinct passenger classes’.
The consultancy said in a statement: ‘The E10 Shinkansen’s exterior livery pays homage to the diverse regions the train traverses, with a mid-green colour palette reflecting the lush mountain forests and coastlines along the route.’
Japan has unveiled a new ‘earthquake resistant’, 200mph (320kph) bullet train that’s designed by a British firm, Tangerine. The consultancy has become the first non-Japanese design partner entrusted with helping to create one of Japan’s iconic Shinkansen. The E10 (above) will enter service in 2030
The E10 features seat dividers and USB ports, with the interior ‘inspired by Japanese aesthetic traditions and craftsmanship’
The bright green colour at the top is called ‘Tsugaru green’ and the dark green colour at the bottom is ‘evening elm’.
The graphic shapes, meanwhile, ‘are inspired by the silhouette of Sakura flowers – an iconic symbol of Japan, both domestically and internationally’.
The interior is ‘inspired by Japanese aesthetic traditions and craftsmanship, creating a refined and inviting environment’.
Tangerine continued: ‘Interior lighting has been carefully considered, utilising indirect wash lights to create a soft, calming ambience.
‘Seating and layout variations across all classes elevate comfort for a diverse range of passengers while ensuring operational efficiency for JR East.
‘A consistent design was established across all classes, with graduated wall and seat upholstery creating an impactful, premium aesthetic and an enhanced onboard experience.’
Tangerine said: ‘Interior lighting has been carefully considered, utilising indirect wash lights to create a soft, calming ambience’
On the new E10 (above), passengers will enjoy a ‘premium aesthetic and an enhanced onboard experience’
The E10 will replace the E5 bullet train (pictured) on the Tohoku route
Seating features include dividers to improve sound insulation and privacy, large headrest ‘side wings’, USB ports, and wide tray tables.
JR East also revealed that the next-generation train will have a shorter braking distance and ‘dynamic dampers to absorb shaking during earthquakes’ to prevent train damage and derailment.
The train will be ‘safer than ever’, remarked JR East.
Tangerine added that the E10 ‘is set to become a source of national pride and a point of intrigue for overseas visitors’, with Matt Round, Chief Creative Officer at the consultancy, declaring: ‘The E10 Shinkansen represents a milestone in UK-Japan collaboration within the rail sector, setting new benchmarks for hospitality-focused design and sustainable travel.
‘With its blend of Japanese spirit, innovation, and user-centric design, the E10 Shinkansen is poised to redefine high-speed rail travel for decades to come.’
