[Detailed Explanation] Goodbye Doctor Yellow, the successor is 'Doctor S'! What is the future of Shinkansen inspection carried by the N700S?

The 'Doctor Yellow' has been loved by many for the jinx that 'you will be happy if you see it.' With its retirement announced for 2027 and beyond, many people, not just railway fans, have expressed their sadness.

As attention gathered on who would take up the baton, JR Central finally announced its successor yesterday, April 16, 2026.

Its name is 'Doctor S'.

The yellow body that has been loved for many years will disappear, and the latest commercial vehicle 'N700S' will take on this important role. This means that the mechanism for protecting the safety of the Shinkansen will evolve into a new era.

In this article, I will explain the details of 'Doctor S' announced yesterday and how our Shinkansen will change because of it, with a little sadness and great expectations.

**Announced yesterday! Its name is 'Doctor S'**

The name of the inspection-equipped vehicle that will succeed Doctor Yellow, announced by JR Central yesterday, is 'Doctor S'.

This 'S' is the S from the base vehicle 'N700S', and it may also contain the meaning of 'Supreme'. The logo mark released at the same time is designed with a yellow line that makes you feel the traces of Doctor Yellow, and you can feel the will to inherit its aspirations.

**This is amazing! 3 differences between Doctor S and Doctor Yellow**

So, what is different about 'Doctor S' from the Doctor Yellow we have known? There was a major technological innovation there.

1. Inspecting while carrying passengers! Moving to 'Commercial Vehicle Inspection'
The biggest difference is that 'Doctor S' is not a dedicated business vehicle, but a normal commercial vehicle that carries passengers. By installing inspection functions on the N700S vehicle, it will be possible to check the condition of tracks and overhead wires while running on a normal schedule. As a result, the frequency of inspections, which was about once every 10 days, will be dramatically improved, leading to early detection of abnormalities and more timely maintenance.

2. Detecting abnormalities with AI eyes
AI-based image analysis technology will be introduced to 'Doctor S'. The AI will automatically analyze the condition of overhead wires and other parts photographed while running at high speed to detect signs of abnormalities. By combining human eyes with advanced technology, it is expected that the accuracy of inspections will be further improved.

3. From 'Special Days' to 'Safe Every Day'
Doctor Yellow was elusive and lucky to encounter. However, 'Doctor S' will have a part of the N700S that runs daily take on that role. In other words, the special 'yellow Shinkansen' will be gone, but instead, many N700S will become 'doctors' that support our daily safety behind the scenes.

**Inheriting the thoughts as well. Reusing aluminum from Doctor Yellow**

Not only technology and roles, but its 'thoughts' will also be inherited. A plan to recycle some of the aluminum used in the body of the retiring Doctor Yellow and reuse it as part of the 'Doctor S' vehicle parts was also announced. Even if the form changes, the soul of Doctor Yellow will continue to live on in the Shinkansen of the future.

**Thank you Doctor Yellow, and nice to meet you Doctor S!**

It is natural to feel a touch of sadness that Doctor Yellow as a dedicated vehicle will disappear. The sight of that vivid yellow body running by was definitely a special scene that remained in the hearts of many people.

However, this can be said to be an inevitable evolution to pursue safety at an even higher level.

'Doctor S' is scheduled to start inspections in January 2027. It is a symbol of a new era that connects the world's highest level of Shinkansen safety to the future with new technology.

Heartfelt gratitude to Doctor Yellow, who has supported our safe travels for many years.
And I would like to have high expectations for 'Doctor S', which will take on that heavy responsibility from now on.

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