The is a suburban

electric multiple unit An electric multiple unit or EMU is a multiple-unit train consisting of self-propelled carriages using electricity as the motive power. An EMU requires no separate locomotive, as electric traction motors are incorporated within one or a numbe ...

(EMU) train type operated by

West Japan Railway Company , also referred to as , is one of the Japan Railways Group (JR Group) companies and operates in western Honshu. It has its headquarters in Kita-ku, Osaka. It is listed in the Tokyo Stock Exchange, is a constituent of the TOPIX Large70 index, and ...

(JR-West) in the

Kansai Region The or the , lies in the southern-central region of Japan's main island Honshū. The region includes the prefectures of Nara, Wakayama, Kyoto, Osaka, Hyōgo and Shiga, often also Mie, sometimes Fukui, Tokushima and Tottori. The metropolita ...

Chūgoku region The , also known as the region, is the westernmost region of Honshū, the largest island of Japan. It consists of the prefectures of Hiroshima, Okayama, Shimane, Tottori, and Yamaguchi. In 2010, it had a population of 7,563,428. History '' ...

and

Shikoku is the smallest of the four main islands of Japan. It is long and between wide. It has a population of 3.8 million (, 3.1%). It is south of Honshu and northeast of Kyushu. Shikoku's ancient names include ''Iyo-no-futana-shima'' (), '' ...

of Japan. Multiple batches of the train have been built with varying differences (particularly motor output control), although the overall general appearance remains similar. Design of the rolling stock was an improved adaptation of the 221 series, with three pairs of doors per side per car and a transverse seating layout. Production of the train type first began in 1993.

Variants

223-0, 223-2500 series

The first model (223-0) was delivered earlier than expected, and saw introduction into service on 1 April 1994, on the

Hanwa Line The is a commuter rail line in the Osaka-Kobe-Kyoto Metropolitan Area, owned and operated by West Japan Railway Company (JR West). The 61.3 km (38.1 mi) line runs between Osaka and Wakayama, Wakayama, Wakayama, Japan and has a 1.7 km branchlin ...

. On 4 September of the same year, it began serving the Kansai Airport Line Rapid Service as

Kansai International Airport Kansai International Airport ( ja, 関西国際空港, Kansai Kokusai Kūkō) commonly known as is the primary international airport in the Greater Osaka Area of Japan and the closest international airport to the cities of Osaka, Kyoto, and K ...

opened. The train was initially fitted with luggage racks, for passengers travelling to/from the airport. A 1 + 2 seating configuration has been adopted to allow passengers to place bulky luggage on the floor where necessary. Between 1996 and 1998, baggage cars were included, but due to lack of use it was reverted. Unable to cope with the increasing passenger traffic, new cars were produced and designated as the 223-2500, based on the 223-2000 model. These cars were introduced in 1999. The 223-0 and 223-2500 series see regular service on the

Osaka Loop Line The is a railway loop line in Japan operated by the West Japan Railway Company (JR West). It encircles central Osaka. Part of a second, proposed outer loop line, the Osaka Higashi Line, from Hanaten to Kyuhoji was opened on March 15, 2008, an ...

(and Kansai Airport Line), and the

Kisei Main Line The is a railway line that parallels the coastline of the Kii Peninsula in Japan between Mie Prefecture and Wakayama Prefecture. The name takes the ''kanji'' characters from the names of the old provinces of and . The line is operated by Ce ...

. They are typically operated in 4+4-car formations, uncoupled at Hineno. In May 2018, set HE401 was refurbished, and began test running later on the same month. File:JRW series223-0x Hanwa KishujiRapid.jpg, 223-0 series as it was when it first appeared, August 2004 File:Series223-102.jpg, 223-0 series set HE411, July 2017 File:阪和線223系2500番台.jpg, State before attaching the safety fence set HE431, July 2019 File:Series223-2509.jpg, 223-2500 series set HE425, July 2017 File:223-0 Renewal,front inHineno.jpg, The first refurbished set, HE401, November 2018

223-1000 series

This sub-series was manufactured in 1995, and were quickly pressed into service in the summer of the same year to curb dwindling passenger travel in the aftermath of the

Great Hanshin earthquake The , or Kobe earthquake, occurred on January 17, 1995, at 05:46:53 JST (January 16 at 20:46:53 UTC) in the southern part of Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan, including the region known as Hanshin. It measured 6.9 on the moment magnitude scale and had ...

, replacing older 221 series sets on Special Rapid services. The trains sport a higher top service speed of 130 km/h, and were manufactured jointly between

Kinki Sharyo is a Japanese manufacturer of railroad vehicles based in Osaka. It is an affiliate company of Kintetsu Corporation. In business since 1920 (as Tanaka Rolling Stock Works) and renamed The Kinki Sharyo Co., Ltd in 1945. They have produced light ...

Hitachi () is a Japanese multinational corporation, multinational Conglomerate (company), conglomerate corporation headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan. It is the parent company of the Hitachi Group (''Hitachi Gurūpu'') and had formed part of the Ni ...

, and

Kawasaki Heavy Industries (or simply Kawasaki) is a Japanese Public company, public multinational corporation manufacturer of motorcycles, engines, Heavy equipment (construction), heavy equipment, aerospace and Military, defense equipment, rolling stock and ships, headq ...

. Fold-up seats replace some of the regular ones, in order to increase standing capacity during peak hours. To lower the

center of gravity In physics, the center of mass of a distribution of mass in space (sometimes referred to as the balance point) is the unique point where the weight function, weighted relative position (vector), position of the distributed mass sums to zero. Thi ...

, air-conditioning units have been shifted to the bottom of the carriages. The 223-1000 series is used on several routes:

Hokuriku Main Line The Hokuriku Main Line ( ja, 北陸本線, ) is a 176.6 kilometer railway line owned by the West Japan Railway Company (JR West) connecting the Maibara Station in Maibara, Shiga, with the Naoetsu Station in Joetsu, Niigata. The section betwee ...

Tōkaidō Main Line The is a major Japanese railway line of the Japan Railways Group (JR Group) network, connecting and stations. It is long, not counting its many freight feeder lines around the major cities. The high-speed Tōkaidō Shinkansen largely parallel ...

Sanyō Main Line , stylized as SANYO, is a Japanese electronics company and formerly a member of the Fortune Global 500, ''Fortune'' Global 500 whose headquarters was located in Moriguchi, Osaka, Moriguchi, Osaka prefecture, Japan. Sanyo had over 230 subsidiari ...

Kosei Line The is a commuter rail line in Osaka-Kobe-Kyoto Metropolitan Area, operated by West Japan Railway Company (JR West). The line was completed in 1974 by the former Japanese National Railways (JNR) to provide faster access from the Kansai region t ...

Kusatsu Line The is a railway line in western Japan operated by West Japan Railway Company (JR West). It connects Tsuge on the Kansai Main Line with Kusatsu on the Biwako Line The is the nickname used by the operator of the West Japan Railway Compa ...

, and

Sagano Line The is the popular name for a portion of the Sanin Main Line in the suburbs of Kyoto, Japan. The electrified and double-tracked railway is a commuter rail line in the Osaka-Kobe-Kyoto Metropolitan Area, owned and operated by West Japan Railway ...

. A total of 92 cars were produced, and they are typically in 4- or 8-car formations. In Spring 2019, select 223-1000 end cars on 4-car sets underwent modifications to introduce the "A-Seat", a reserved seat service currently found on select 12-car Special Rapid Service trains. On these cars, straight blue stripes run along the sides of the car and the center door is permanently sealed. Seating is in a 2 + 2 configuration and WiFi is equipped along with power outlets. File:Jrw223-1000.jpg, State before attaching the safety fence set W6, November 2007 File:Series-223-1000-V4 50th.jpg, With safety fence attached 4-car set V4, January 2021 File:Series223-V5R.jpg, 223-1000 series refurbished 4-car set V5, April 2021 File:Kuha222-1007-2019-4-6.jpg, 223-1000 series A-SEAT car, April 2019

223-2000 series

In 1999, Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Kinki Sharyo received a further order of 236 cars. This sub-series was built with substantial improvements: for example

universal access Apple Universal Access is a component of the macOS operating system that provides computing abilities to people with visual impairment, hearing impairment, or physical disability. Components Universal Access is a preference pane of the Sys ...

toilets and heat absorbent windows. Its formation and assignment of routes are similar to the 223-1000 model. File:Jrw223-2000.jpg, State before attaching the safety fence set W30, November 2007 File:Series223-2000-V7.jpg, The prototype unit, 4-car set V7, 16 February 2021 File:Series-223-2000-J14-Local (2021-03-23).jpg, 223-2000 series 6-car set J14, March 2021 File:Series223-2000-W25.jpg, 223-2000 series 8-car set W25, January 2021

223-5000 series

This sub-series was built in 2003 by Kawasaki Heavy Industries, intended to replace the aging

213 series Thirteen or 13 may refer to: * 13 (number), the natural number following 12 and preceding 14 * One of the years 13 BC, AD 13, 1913, 2013 Music * 13AD (band), an Indian classic and hard rock band Albums * ''13'' (Black Sabbath album), 2013 * ...

operating on the ''

Marine Liner The is a rapid train service in Japan operated by West Japan Railway Company (JR West) and Shikoku Railway Company (JR Shikoku) since April 1988. The ''Marine Liner'' links Okayama, the capital city of Okayama Prefecture and a major station on ...

'' services on the Seto-Ōhashi line. It can be coupled to the bilevel

JR Shikoku 5000 series The is a suburban electric multiple unit (EMU) train type operated by Shikoku Railway Company (JR Shikoku) in Shikoku, Japan. Seven 2-car sets were introduced in 2003 by JR Shikoku along with the JR West 223-5000 series. 223-2000 series cars ...

, and ATS-P is not utilized. It was subsequently introduced on October 1 of the same year. JR-West classifies its sets as 223-5000, while JR Shikoku classifies its sets as 5000 series. They were delivered as 3 car sets but subsequently reduced to two car sets (plus the Green car). File:Series223-5000 5003.jpg, 223-5000 series set P3, September 2018 File:JRW series223-5000 & JRS series5000 connection.jpg, A 223-5000 series (left) coupled with a JR Shikoku 5000 series (right)

223-5500 series

16 2-car sets were delivered in 2008, with the first sets entering service in July 2008. These sets are based at Fukuchiyama Depot, and are equipped for ''wanman'' driver-only-operation. Formation is KuMoHa223-5500 + KuHa222-5500. File:Fuchi2235500.jpg, 223-5500 series set F16, October 2019

223-6000 series

This sub-series was created by modifying 223-2000 series sets with performance restricted to match that of 221 series sets. The first 4-car set (V25) was returned to service on 21 January 2008. These sets are distinguished by an orange stripe on the front gangway doors between the headlight clusters. File:Series223-6000-CV26 with original formation sticker.jpg, 223-6000 series set V26 leading an 8-car consist File:Mc223-6116.jpg, Driver's cab of a 223-6000 series

223-9000 series (U@tech)

In September 2004, JR-West unveiled the 3-car "U@tech" (you, Urban Network, ubiquitous, future + technology) experimental EMU converted from former Kawasaki Heavy Industries KuMoHa 223-9001, which was the prototype of the 223-2000 series and Seto-Ōhashi Line

cars. This set was used to test and develop new technology for use on future narrow-gauge trains. It was based at Suita Depot and began testing on the

JR Kyoto Line The is a commuter rail line in the Osaka-Kobe-Kyoto Metropolitan Area owned and operated by West Japan Railway Company (JR West). The name applies to the section of the Tōkaidō Main Line between Kyōto Station and Ōsaka Station. The Kyoto ...

and

JR Kobe Line The is the nickname of portions of the Tokaido Main Line and the Sanyo Main Line, between Osaka Station in Osaka, Osaka Prefecture and Himeji Station in Himeji, Hyōgo Prefecture. The line, along with the JR Kyoto Line and the Biwako Line, form ...

from August 2004, and was withdrawn on 31 March 2019."Tetsudō Daiya Jōhō" magazine, June 2019 File:JRWest kumoya223-9001.JPG, KuMoYa 223-9001

Gallery

File:JR West 223 series EMU 006.JPG, WDT59 powered bogie File:JR West 223 series EMU 007.JPG, WTR243A trailer bogie

Operations

JR-West

223-0/2500 series

(through services from Kansai Airport Line) * Kansai Airport Line *

(Kinokuni Line) ( - or )

223-1000/2000 series

(

Biwako Line The is the nickname used by the operator of the West Japan Railway Company (JR West) to refer to the portion of the Tōkaidō Main Line (between Maibara Station and Kyoto Station) and the Hokuriku Main Line (between Maibara Station and Nagahama ...

) ( - ) *

(JR Kobe Line) (Kōbe - ) *

(Biwako Line) ( - Maibara) *

(through services from Hokuriku Main Line) *

Akō Line is a railway line owned by West Japan Railway Company (JR West) between Aioi, Hyōgo to Okayama, Okayama in Japan. A loop line off the Sanyō Main Line, the Akō Line commences at Aioi, is situated south of the main line approximately parallel ...

( - )

223-5000 series

Seto-Ōhashi Line The is a railway line operated by West Japan Railway Company (JR West) and Shikoku Railway Company (JR Shikoku) in Japan which links Okayama Station in Okayama Prefecture with Takamatsu Station in Kagawa Prefectu ...

(''

'') **

Uno Line The is a Japanese railway line which connects Okayama Station in Okayama to Uno Station in Tamano, both in Okayama Prefecture. It is owned and run by the West Japan Railway Company (JR West). It is also referred to as the . Part of the line, b ...

( - ) ** Honshi-Bisan Line (Chayamachi - )

223-5500 series

Fukuchiyama Line The is a railway line operated by West Japan Railway Company (JR West) connecting Osaka and Fukuchiyama, Kyoto, Fukuchiyama, Japan. Within JR West's "Urban Network" covering the Osaka–Kobe–Kyoto metropolitan region, the line from Osaka to S ...

( - ) *

Sanin Main Line The is a railway line in western Japan, which connects Kyoto and Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi, operated by West Japan Railway Company (JR West). It is the major railway line of the San'in region, approximately paralleling the Japan Sea, crossing Kyot ...

(

) ( - ) *

Maizuru Line The is a railway line in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan, operated by the West Japan Railway Company (JR West). It connects Ayabe and Higashi-Maizuru, the line beyond there being called the Obama Line connecting to Tsuruga. Stations *Local trains sto ...

223-6000 (Aboshi depot) series

* Tōkaidō Main Line (Biwako Line, JR Kyoto Line, JR Kobe Line) (Maibara - Kōbe) * Sanyō Main Line (JR Kobe Line) (Kōbe - Kamigōri) *

Bantan Line The is a railway line that connects Himeji and Wadayama station in Asago City, Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan. The line is operated by the West Japan Railway Company (JR West) and serves as a connector between the Sanyo Main Line and the Sanin Main ...

( - , sometimes substituted for 103 and 221 series) * Akō Line (Aioi - Banshū-Akō)

223-6000 (Miyahara depot) series

* Tōkaidō Main Line (JR Kobe Line) ( - ) * Fukuchiyama Line (JR Takarazuka Line) (Amagasaki - Sasayamaguchi or Fukuchiyama)

223-6000 (Kyoto depot) series

* Tōkaidō Main Line (Biwako Line) (Kyoto - Yamashina) * Kosei Line (Yamashina - Nagahara) * Sanin Main Line (

) (Kyoto - )

JR Shikoku

223-5000 series

* Seto-Ōhashi Line (''Marine Liner'') ** Honshi-Bisan Line (Kojima - ) **

Yosan Line The is the principal railway line on the island of Shikoku in Japan, connecting the major cities of Shikoku, and via the Honshi-Bisan Line, with Honshu. It is operated by the Shikoku Railway Company (JR Shikoku), and is aligned approximately p ...

(Utazu - )

Formations

223-0, 223-2500 series

4-car sets (HE prefix)

The KuMoHa 223 and MoHa 223 cars are each fitted with one scissors-type pantograph.

223-1000 series

8-car sets (W prefix)

4-car sets (V prefix)

The KuMoHa 223 and MoHa 223 cars are each fitted with one scissors-type pantograph.

223-2000 series

8-car sets (W prefix)

6-car sets (J prefix)

4-car sets (V prefix)

The KuMoHa 223 and MoHa 223/222 cars are each fitted with one scissors-type pantograph.

223-5000 series

2-car sets (P prefix)

The KuMoHa 223 cars are each fitted with one scissors-type pantograph.

223-5500 series

2-car sets (F prefix)

The KuMoHa 223-5501/5502/5503/5504/5509 cars are equipped with a second de-icing pantograph.

223-6000 series

4-car ''Aboshi depot'' sets (CV prefix)

The KuMoHa 223 and MoHa 222 cars are each fitted with one scissors-type pantograph.

4-car Miyahara depot sets (MA prefix)

The KuMoHa 223 and MoHa 223 cars are each fitted with two scissors-type pantograph.

4-car ''Kyoto depot'' sets (R prefix)

The KuMoHa 223 and MoHa 222 cars are each fitted with one scissors-type pantograph.

223-9000 series (U@tech)

The KuMoYa 223 end car was fitted with one single-arm pantograph.

Interior

File:JRW-223-1000EC-Seat.JPG, Interior view of 223–1000 series File:JR-West S.rapid A-SEAT 20190324.png, Interior view of 223–1000 series A-SEAT car File:JR West 223 series EMU 002.JPG, Interior view of 223–2000 series File:JRW series223-2500(3) inside.jpg, Interior view of 223–2500 series File:JR West 223 series EMU 003.JPG, 2-abreast flip-over seats File:Fukuchiyama 223-5500 interia Longseat.JPG, 223-5500 series longitudinal seating File:JR West 223 series EMU 001.JPG, 223-2000 series universal access toilet File:Fukuchiyama 223-5500 driversroom.JPG, Driver's cab end of 223–5500 series showing LED fare board for ''wanman'' driver-only operation JR West 223-2000 passenger information display 202020707.jpg, 223-2000 series original passenger information display File:JRW Series 223 set V13 interior display 01.jpg, 223-2000 series LCD display for passenger information File:JRW Series 223 set V13 interior display 02.jpg, 223-2000 series LCD display for digital signage

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:223 Series Electric multiple units of Japan West Japan Railway Company Hitachi multiple units Train-related introductions in 1993 Kawasaki multiple units Kinki Sharyo multiple units 1500 V DC multiple units of Japan