Shinkansen Series 500 and Doctor Yellow Retirement, Japan Loses Two Railway Icons

Japan will lose two of its bullet train icons in 2027. JR West confirmed that the Shinkansen series 500 and the Doctor Yellow inspection train will be retired from regular service in January 2027.

Launching a report by Kyodo News, quoted Wednesday, June 24, the Shinkansen 500 series will stop from regular service on January 13, 2027, about three decades after it first operated.

This train was once one of the fastest shinkansen in the world. When it started serving passengers in 1997, the 500 series was able to operate at a speed of 300 kilometers per hour.

The shape is easy to recognize. There is a blue line on the body of the train and a long, tapered nose that makes it look like a real bullet.

JR West will still use the Shinkansen 500 series for special services before the train is completely withdrawn in July 2027.

The 500 series once served the Nozomi route connecting Tokyo Station and Hakata. However, since 2010, this train only operates between Shin-Osaka and Hakata.

Its popularity is also strengthened through special versions. The 500 series has appeared in collaborations with the anime Neon Genesis Evangelion and the Hello Kitty character from Sanrio.

JR West President Shoji Kurasaka said the company had an emotional attachment to the train set. JR West, said Shoji, will prepare an opportunity for many people to witness the retirement of the train.

In addition to the 500 series, JR West will also retire the T5 edition of Doctor Yellow in January 2027. This yellow train has been used to check for disturbances on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen lines.

The retirement of the T5 follows the Doctor Yellow edition of the T4 owned by Central Japan Railway Co. which was previously discontinued in January 2025.

JR West did not prepare a special replacement for Doctor Yellow. The malfunction inspection device will be installed on the N700S bullet train.

Doctor Yellow has a special place in the hearts of the Japanese public. The train is popular because fans believe seeing it can bring happiness.