E261 series

The E261 series, branded Saphir Odoriko, is a Japanese limited express electric multiple unit currently operated by JR East since March 2020. Two sets were built for JR East and are used on the Izu area.
==History==
Details about the E261 series sets were released on 8 May 2018. Two sets are scheduled to be built for JR East, possibly to replace older 251 series sets. The brand name of the sets, Saphir Odoriko, was decided on 9 May 2019; the new brand name uses the French word for sapphire (Saphir) and the Odoriko name from the sets they are intended to replace. The trains entered service on 14 March 2020 with the introduction of JR East's revised timetable.
==Design==
The E261 series sets use a streamlined design of sorts, with some design cues from the E001 series "Train Suite Shiki-Shima" set. The E261 series sets are designed by famed designer Ken Okuyama. The sets have an azure body with beige and black accents. The azure body is supposed to evoke the colors of the sea and sky in the Izu region, the beige accents are supposed to evoke thoughts of the colors of the sand on the beach and the black accents are supposed to evoke thoughts of the Jogasaki Coast.
==Specifications==
The sets are constructed by Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Hitachi. The sets use Hitachi pure silicon carbide-based MOSFET drives which produce a hissing sound. The sets also feature a regal-sounding musical horn.
Category:JR Group trains
Category:Electric trainsets
Category:Hitachi locomotives
Category:Kawasaki locomotives