The Current State of Old Rolling Stock (JNR-era/Early Showa/Heisei Era) [2026 Edition]
In 2026, the landscape of the local railway lines that surround us is changing, slowly but surely.
Including regions once called "JNR Hiroshima" or "a paradise for JNR-era rolling stock," many legendary Showa-era trains have disappeared over the past few years. Today, I would like to start by organizing the harsh reality of "old rolling stock" as of 2026, and then talk about the "future appeal of local lines (software)" that transcends the hardware of the trains themselves, incorporating episodes from two railways running in Northern Kanto (Mooka Railway and Kanto Railway Ryugasaki Line).
First, we must face a reality that is a bit sad for railway fans. Many trains were retired by the end of fiscal year 2025, and currently, the focus is on the final stages toward the complete extinction of "JNR-era" stock and the replacement of "early JR-era (early Heisei)" stock.
1. JR West: The end of the "paradise" for JNR-era stock
Although JR West had many JNR-era trains remaining until the end, modernization has been rapidly nearing completion over the past few years.
201 series (Yamatoji Line, etc.)
[Completely Retired] The long-beloved light green 201 series was fully retired as of March 2025. With this, JNR-era commuter trains have disappeared from the Keihanshin area.
381 series (Limited Express "Yakumo")
[Regular Service Ended] Regular service ended by June 2024, and unification with the 273 series was completed. As of 2025, it is effectively out of operation, and the era of JNR-era limited express trains has come to a close.
113 series, 115 series, 117 series (Okayama, Yamaguchi, Shimonoseki, etc.)
[Flickering in the wind] Due to the increase of 227 series "Urara" and other trains, a large number were retired between 2024 and 2025. Currently, only a very small number of formations remain, making it difficult to even encounter them. The countdown to their total extinction is underway.
103 series (Bantan Line, Kakogawa Line, etc.)
After service ended on the Wadasaki Line, the number of active units on the remaining lines has also plummeted. As of 2026, they are truly an "endangered species," and it would not be surprising if they were removed from operation at any time.
2. JR Central: The generational change of early stainless steel cars is at its peak
JNR-era stock has completely disappeared, and currently, the "early stainless steel trains" from just after the establishment of JR are the targets for replacement.
211 series, 213 series, 311 series
[Significant Decrease] These are the "oldest" trains currently in JR Central, but unification with the new 315 series is progressing rapidly. Many formations were retired by 2025, and there is little time left to see the "211 series with the orange stripe."
3. JR East: Complete withdrawal from the Tokyo metropolitan area and "new car" transition in rural areas
The policy of introducing new cars (E131 series, etc.) tailored to local lines, rather than "hand-me-downs," is accelerating the elimination of JNR-era stock.
205 Series (Senseki Line, etc.)
They have already been withdrawn from the Tokyo metropolitan area. They remain on their last stronghold, the Senseki Line (Miyagi Prefecture), but plans to replace them with trains like the E131 series are underway, and they are expected to disappear around 2026.
211 Series (Nagano/Takasaki Area)
A significant number still remain, but these are also listed as targets for future replacement.
185 Series
Regular service ended in 2021. Although they continued to run as special trains afterward, they have had almost no opportunities for operation since 2024, effectively putting them in a state of retirement.
4. Private Railway Companies: Are Showa's Famous Trains Being 'Transferred' or 'Scrapped'?
Even at major private railways, the trains that supported the Showa era are stepping down from the front lines.
Seibu Railway (2000 Series/New 2000 Series)
They have been almost entirely retired from the Seibu lines. What is noteworthy is their transfer as 'sustainable vehicles.' Some cars have been transferred to companies like Ohmi Railway in Shiga Prefecture, and since 2025, they have begun a 'second life' in a new environment.
Tobu Railway (8000 Series)
The 8000 series, once called the '103 series of private railways,' is also undergoing full-scale replacement due to the introduction of the new 80000 series trains on the Noda Line (Urban Park Line).
Tokyu Corporation (8500 Series)
[Completely Retired] Service ended in 2023. Currently, except for preserved cars and some transferred units, they have disappeared from the main lines.
As such, 2026 can be called an era where it has become difficult to rely on the charm of 'old rolling stock' hardware. So, if trains become new and the sense of nostalgia fades, will rail travel become dull?
I do not think so. Here, let us shift our perspective to the stories of two railways running in northern Kanto—the 'Mooka Railway' and the 'Kanto Railway Ryugasaki Line.' One is a battle to protect 'rolling stock,' and the other is a story of daily life that charms through its 'people.'
1. 2026, Consecutive Suspensions of Mooka Railway SL Service
The SL that can be called the synonym of the Mooka Railway, 'C12 Type No. 66'. For this locomotive, which has been the only C12 type continuing to run in active service in Japan, 2026 will be a major milestone year.
Having passed over 90 years since its manufacture and continuing to run while battling aging, it has been announced that it will enter long-term suspension for about one year starting in April 2026 for a general inspection.
It is impossible to hide the fact that the train is in a battered state, as evidenced by the cancellation of the 'SL New Year's Train' this past January, likely due to mechanical issues or maintenance adjustments. Even so, the fact that many engineers continue to perform maintenance with the determination to 'somehow keep it running,' and that the decision was made to proceed with a general inspection costing tens of millions of yen, is a testament to the profound resolve of the local community and the railway company to ensure this railway culture does not fade away.
The steam locomotive of the Mooka Railway has transcended the boundaries of mere tourism resources and is being preserved through the company's 'technical expertise' and the 'ridership' of many people. That is where things stand in 2026.
2. The 'Handmade Warmth' I Witnessed on the Kanto Railway Ryugasaki Line
On the other hand, the Kanto Railway Ryugasaki Line ('Ryutetsu'), a short line only 4.5km long connecting Sanuki Station and Ryugasaki Station in Ibaraki Prefecture, offered a different kind of 'dedication to preserving a railway.'
I previously participated as a volunteer staff member in an event held there. What I saw was not tourists drawn by flashy vehicles like steam locomotives or historical heritage, but a scene where 'local people were creating their own fun.'
People from the shopping streets along the line, local students, and railway company employees all came together to run the event by hand. No one was acting under orders; they were naturally cooperating because 'it's our railway,' and people along the tracks were waving to welcome the train.
If the Mooka Railway is protecting the extraordinary through 'professional technical skill,' I felt that the Ryugasaki Line is protecting the warmth found in everyday life through 'community solidarity.'
3. A Railway Can Be Loved Even Without Old Rolling Stock
As mentioned in the first part, JNR-era rolling stock is destined to disappear. However, through my volunteer experience on the Ryugasaki Line, I realized deeply that 'the appeal of a railway is not just in the specs of its vehicles.' The Ryugasaki Line still has an old vehicle manufactured in the Showa era called the KiHa 532. However, because they have fewer vehicles than other companies and the line is short, it only attracts the attention of rail fans during events.
Of course, steam locomotives running while puffing smoke and JNR-era electric trains running with a roar are cool. But even without special vehicles, a railway shines if there are 'people' there. When I saw the happy faces of the local people sweating as volunteers, I felt I understood why this line continues to be loved.
The Mooka Railway, which protects the hardware of history through technology and funding.
The Ryugasaki Line, which protects the software of the community through smiles and cooperation.
And the various railways that connect eras through transfers to new locations or upgrades to new models.
Though their forms differ, the sentiment of 'wanting to keep a railway in our town' is the same for all of them.
In 2026, there is a sadness in not being able to hear the steam whistle for a while, but in the meantime, it might be nice to take a trip on a local line where you can feel the 'warmth of people,' like the Ryugasaki Line. There, you will surely find a genuine 'local heartbeat' that is not listed in the latest vehicle guides.
Regarding the Hitachinaka Seaside Railway KiHa 205 (operation ended) and the Hachiko Line KiHa 110 (currently being replaced), I will publish separate articles in the future.
Please come and ride.
Thank you very much.
Japanese Railway Stroller, Akiyama 🎀🍒