# 115 series

The 115 series (115系, 115-kei) is a DC electric multiple unit (EMU) train type developed by Japanese National Railways (JNR) and now operated by West Japan Railway Company (JR-West), and the Shinano Railway.

## Operations
### JR East

JR East operated their last 115 series train on 11 March 2022. 115 series trains were previously used on the Shōnan-Shinjuku Line, Takasaki Line, Utsunomiya Line, Chuo Main Line(East Line), Shinonoi Line, Oito Line, Agatsuma Line, Ryomo Line, Joetsu Line, Shinetsu Main Line, Yahiko Line, and the Echigo Line.

### JR-West

Currently used on the Hakubi Line, Maizuru Line, Sagano Line, Sanin Main Line and the Sanyō Main Line

### JR Central

Formerly used on the Minobu Line, Gotemba Line and the Tōkaidō Main Line. Sets owned by JR East currently operate on the JR Central Iida Line and Chūō Main Line (West Line).

### Shinano Railway

Currently used on the Shinano Railway Line. Start of retirement in July 2020 with the debut of the new SR1 series on 4 July 2020.

## Variants
### 115-0 series

This is a cold-weather and mountainous line version of the earlier 113 series. The first examples were introduced from 1963 on the Takasaki Line out of Ueno.
* 115-0 series in 1989

### 115-300 series

Air-conditioned version introduced from 1973.
* 115-300 series in 2008 January
* Interior view in November 2014

### 115-1000 series

Introduced from 1978 with increased seat pitch and improved cold-weather performance.
* 115-1000 series in January 2017
* Interior view in October 2021
* Priority seating in October 2021

### 115-2000 series

Hiroshima, Shimonoseki and Shizuoka area version introduced in 1978. Specifications based on 115-1000 series.
* 115-2000 series in March 2009

### 115-3000 series

Two-door version introduced from November 1982 to replace 153 series EMUs on "Rapid" services in the Shimonoseki area.
* 115-3000 series
* Interior view in December 2021
* Priority seating in December 2021

### 115-3500 series

Former 117 series MoHa 117 and MoHa 116 two-door cars converted from May 1992 for use in the Okayama and Hiroshima areas.
* Moha115-3500 in March 2009

### 115-6000 series

JR-West 2-car sets converted in 1999 by building new cabs at one end of former MoHa (non-driving motor) cars.
* 115-6000 series in August 2006

## Livery variations

* Shōnan livery in April 2022
* "Suka" livery in November 2018
* Minobu Line livery in November 1983
* Original Nagano livery June 2018
* New Nagano livery in January 2008
* Coca-Cola livery
* First Niigata livery in 1989
* Second Niigata livery in February 2007
* New Niigata livery in February 2007
* First Yahiko Line livery in October 2020
* Second Yahiko Line livery in March 2015
* Setouchi livery in June 2008
* Hiroshima Rapid livery in August 2008
* Kansai refurbished livery (115-1600 series) in May 2007
* Hiroshima refurbished livery (115-1000 series) in August 2009
* Setouchi area livery (115-600 series) in October 2010
* (Old) Fukuchiyama Line livery
* New Fukuchiyama Line livery
* Shinano Railway livery in March 2018

### Special liveries

In January 2017, Niigata-based set N3 was repainted into the original "Niigata Livery" of red and yellow formerly carried by JNR 70 series EMU trains.
* Original "Niigata Livery" in January 2021
In April 2017, Shinano Railway three-car set S7 was repainted into the original Nagano livery of cream and green as part of the Shinshu area promotional campaign to be held from July to September 2017.
In September 2017, Niigata-based set N37 was repainted in the first "Niigata area" livery.

## Withdrawal

Withdrawals first begun in 1985 following the introduction of 211 series. The 115 series were gradually phased out on some services. The first units were scrapped in 1987.

## Preserved examples

Former JR East end car KuMoHa 115 1061 is scheduled to be displayed at the Niigata City Niitsu Railway Museum in Niitsu, Niigata between July and September 2017. Car KuHa 115 1106 is preserved at an onsen in Chikuma, Nagano.