The , also known as "Laview", is an

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 the private railway operator

Seibu Railway is a conglomerate based in Tokorozawa, Saitama, Japan, with principal business areas in railways, tourism, and real estate. Seibu Railway's operations are concentrated in northwest Tokyo and Saitama Prefecture; the name "Seibu" is an abbreviati ...

limited express A limited express is a type of express train service. It refers to an express service that stops at a limited number of stops in comparison to other express services on the same or similar routes. Japan The term "limited express" is a common ...

services in the Tokyo area of Japan. They will replace the 10000 series EMUs currently in service on the

Seibu Ikebukuro Line The is a railway line of the Japanese private railway operator Seibu Railway. It originates at Ikebukuro Station, a large railway junction in north-western Tokyo, extending to northwest suburbs as far as Tokorozawa, Saitama, and nominally ter ...

and Chichibu Line.

Design

The trains are designed by

Kazuyo Sejima is a Japanese architect and director of her own firm, Kazuyo Sejima & Associates. In 1995, she co-founded the firm SANAA (Sejima + Nishizawa & Associates). In 2010, Sejima was the second woman to receive the Pritzker Prize, which was awarded jo ...

, and feature large windows and a rounded front end with an oval windscreen. Based on the concept of "a new train that no one has ever seen before," it was designed based on the following design concepts. *A limited express that blends softly into the landscape in the city and nature *A limited express like a living room where everyone can relax *A limited express that creates new value and becomes a destination, not just a means of transportation File:Seibu 001 series 20190703a2.jpg, Rounded front File:Seibu 001 series 20190703a3.jpg, Exterior, showing large windows

Formation

The trains consist of eight cars per set.

Interior

Seating accommodation consists of 2+2 seating, with power outlets at all seats. The interior also features wheelchair spaces and a ladies’ powder room. Free WiFi is provided in all cars. File:Seibu 001 series 20190703c3.jpg, Interior File:Seibu 001 series 20190703c11.jpg, Power outlets File:Seibu 001 series 20190703c10.jpg, Seats File:Seibu 001 series 20190703c1.jpg, Passenger information screens File:Seibu 001 series 20190703b11.jpg, Toilet File:Seibu 001 series 20190703b10.jpg, Powder room File:Seibu 001 series 20190703b1.jpg, Cab of a 001 series train

History

Seven sets were ordered as a replacement for the New Red Arrow EMUs. The first set was presented to reporters at Kotesashi depot on 14 February 2019. The 001 series entered revenue service on 16 March 2019. In 2020, the train type received the Blue Ribbon Award.

References

External links

* {{Seibu trainsets Electric multiple units of Japan 001 series Train-related introductions in 2019 1500 V DC multiple units of Japan