JNR 713 series Sunshine Miyazaki

Data (as of 23 May 2026)

History

The 713 series is a type of suburban train developed by Japanese National Railways. In the early-1980s, JNR planned to introduce new rolling stock to stopping services in Kyushu, providing trains more frequently than ever. Four two-carriage prototype units were introduced in total, with transverse seating and two sets of doors per carriage.

JNR envisaged that the 713 series would be deployed to various lines across the island of Kyushu, but the plan was revoked due to extremely huge deficits. Thus, no more carriage was ordered, and JNR introduced 715 series and 717 series instead, both of which were converted from much older trains.

The 713 series was initially painted ivory with green bands and used on the Nagasaki and Sasebo Lines. They were repainted white with blue bands in 1986-87, but replaced with 813 series in 1996. All trainsets were refurbished, named Sunshine Miyazaki and reallocated to Miyazaki depot. They became compatible with driver-only operation in 2003, and their traction was replaced with new one in 2008-10.

Since the reallocation, all four units were used on the Nippo Main Line (Nobeoka - Nishi-Miyakonojo) as well as the Miyazaki Airport Line, but all of their regular works have been replaced by 817 series in March 2026. However, the 713 series sometimes runs even after that due to a shortage of the 817 series units in the area.

Current Operations & Future Prospects

The 713 series does not run every day, but sometimes engage in passenger services on the Nippo Main Line in Miyazaki area. Since it is a temporary measure, it is not clear when the remaining 713 series units will really retire.