E7 and W7 series Bullet Train
Data (as of 29 Nov 2025)
| Status: | Least Concern |
| Constructed in: | 2023-25 |
| Number built: | 105 |
| Registered: | 105 |
History
The E8 series is a type of mini-Shinkansen for the Yamagata route, E3 series. The E8 series is based on E6 series, but the E8 series can only run at up to 300 km/h (187 mph), slightly slower than the E6 series.
Each unit is formed of seven coaches, and it joins to E5 series between Tokyo and Fukushima. One of the seven coaches is Green Car (first class), but unlike other Shinkansen types introduced after the 2010s, the E8 series has no Glan Class coach.
The E8 series entered into service in March 2024, but temporarily withdrawn from all services in June 2025 due to fatal technical issues. As JR East finally found the cause of the problem, the company timidly reinstated it more than a month later.
Current Operations & Future Prospects
The E8 series is used for Tsubasa (Tokyo - Shinjo via Yamagata) and a few Nasuno (Tokyo - Nasushiobara).