E8 Series Shinkansen

The E8 Series Shinkansen is a Japanese high-speed electric multiple unit operated by the East Japan Railway Company since March 2024.
==History==
The first details of the E8 Series were unveiled by JR East on 3 March 2020, these are intended to replace the E3 Series Shinkansen trains currently plying the Tsubasa services on the Yamagata Shinkansen. The trains will be constructed by Kawasaki Railcar Manufacturing, Hitachi and J-TREC; the first set was completed by September 2022 and arrived at Sendai in January 2023; testing commenced in February 2023. The trains entered service on 16 March 2024, with G1, G2 and G3 used for the initial Tsubasa services pulled by the series.
==Identification==
Externally, the E8 Series Shinkansen has a streamlined body shape reminiscent of the E5 and E6 Series Shinkansen. The train was designed by famed automotive designer Ken Okuyama. The color scheme is unchanged from that of the reliveried E3 Series.
The color schemes of the interior of the normal cars is inspired by the Mogami River covered by the greenery of Mount Gassan, while the color schemes of the Green car draws from the process of extracting the colors of the safflower, the prefectural flower of Yamagata.
==Specifications==
The bodies of the sets are constructed of an aluminum alloy. The trains' traction motors are IGBT variable frequency drives manufactured by Hitachi. They are stated to be capable of 300 km/h (186 mph) and the trains are equipped with active suspension.
==Gallery==
E8 & E5.jpg|G1 connected to an E5 Series Shinkansen set
File:E8 G1 2023.jpg|G1 in February 2023
File:E8 Concept.png|Artist's impression
==References==
Category:JR Group trains
Category:Electric trainsets
Category:Kawasaki locomotives
Category:Hitachi locomotives
Category:J-TREC locomotives
Category:Japanese locomotives
Category:Japan
Category:Standard gauge locomotives
Category:4 foot 8 1⁄2 inch gauge