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Shinkansen rolling stock2 min read

N700S Series Shinkansen

新幹線N700S系電車

The N700S Series Shinkansen (the "S" standing for "Supreme") represents the sixth generation of revenue rolling stock designed for the Tokaido Shinkansen. Development was announced in June 2016 when JR Central revealed plans for a new prototype 16-car trainset.

The prototype, designated J0, was unveiled at JR Central's Hamamatsu depot on 10 March 2018 and entered test running from 20 March 2018. High-speed trials at 360 km/h were conducted in 2019 on the Tokaido Shinkansen, though revenue service operates at a maximum of 285 km/h on the Tokaido and 300 km/h on the Sanyo Shinkansen.

JR Tokai N700S series set J2 running between Hamamatsu and Toyohashi on the Tokaido Shinkansen.
JR Tokai N700S series set J2 running between Hamamatsu and Toyohashi on the Tokaido Shinkansen. · MaedaAkihiko · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

History

The N700S introduced several engineering advances over its predecessors. Its traction system incorporates silicon carbide (SiC) power semiconductors, which generate less heat than conventional components and enable the elimination of forced-air cooling fans. Combined with a new aerodynamic design, the traction system reduces power consumption by approximately 7 percent. Green cars are fitted with a fully active damping control system for improved ride quality, while ordinary-class cars provide AC power outlets at every seat. The braking system was refined to reduce emergency stopping distances by 5 percent compared to earlier series.

The N700S carries large-capacity lithium-titanate batteries made by Toshiba. In the event of a power disruption, the batteries allow the train to operate under its own power at low speed, enabling it to reach a safe location for passenger evacuation. The system was the first of its kind on a high-speed railway.

The first full-production J set (J1) was delivered to JR Central in April 2020. Revenue service began on 1 July 2020 on the Tokaido Shinkansen, operated by JR Central. JR West introduced its 16-car H sets from 13 March 2021. A 6-car variant (Y sets) built for JR Kyushu entered service on the newly opened Nishi-Kyushu Shinkansen on 23 September 2022, making the N700S the inaugural rolling stock for that line.

JR Kyushu N700S-8000 series front end (722-8102) at Nagasaki Station. View full size (opens in a new tab)
JR Kyushu N700S-8000 series front end (722-8102) at Nagasaki Station.MaedaAkihiko · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

An export derivative, designated N700ST, is under order for Taiwan High Speed Rail. Twelve 12-car sets (144 cars total) are planned. The first set arrived at the port of Kaohsiung on 15 August 2026 and went into static testing; Taiwan High Speed Rail aims to begin revenue service on 1 July 2027. In 2021, the N700S was awarded the Laurel Prize by the Japan Railfan Club.

Timeline
  • 2016JR Central announces development of the N700S prototype in June.
  • 2018Prototype set J0 unveiled at Hamamatsu depot on 10 March; test running begins 20 March.
  • 2019High-speed trials at 360 km/h are conducted on the Tokaido Shinkansen.
  • 2020First production set J1 delivered in April; revenue service begins 1 July on Tokaido Shinkansen under JR Central.
  • 2021JR West introduces N700S H sets from 13 March. N700S awarded Laurel Prize by Japan Railfan Club.
  • 20226-car Y sets enter service on Nishi-Kyushu Shinkansen on 23 September, making N700S the line's inaugural rolling stock.
  • 2027Revenue service for the export variant N700ST on Taiwan High Speed Rail is planned from 1 July, the operator's target.

Sources

Last updated 16 October 2026.

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