This video profiles the E3 series ‘Tsubasa’ Shinkansen on the Yamagata Shinkansen line, which is set to be replaced by the new E8 series trains in 2026. Featuring striking visuals of the train running through scenic Japanese landscapes, it offers a nostalgic look at the E3 series as it nears the end of its service life as the workhorse for the Yamagata Shinkansen.

The E3 series Tsubasa has been significant for connecting Tokyo with the Tohoku region, particularly Yamagata (山形) and Fukushima (福島) prefectures. Launched as an extension of the high-speed network into these mountainous areas, the train is designed for mini-shinkansen tracks and is well loved by train enthusiasts for its distinctive profile and engineering that allows it to handle the line’s sharp curves and rural settings. You’ll catch glimpses of the lush countrysides and classic railway scenes unique to the Yamagata line, making the video appealing to both travelers and railway fans.

The soundtrack, ‘Tsugareshi Omoi’ by TAM Music Factory, adds an emotional layer to the footage, underscoring the sense of transition as the E3 prepares to pass the baton to the E8 series in 2026. The Yamagata Shinkansen itself is notable for enabling direct travel from Tokyo to Yamagata (and onwards to Shinjo), with key stops in cities like Fukushima. If you’re planning train trips across Tohoku, experiencing this service before the E3 series is retired is an unforgettable slice of modern Japan rail history.