Japan has a reputation for its punctual, high-speed bullet trains, which are also highly-rated for being among the safest forms of transport anywhere in the world. For example, since its launch in 1964, the Tokaido Shinkansen rail line between Tokyo and Osaka has maintained a record of zero passenger fatalities while being able to reach a maximum speed of 285km per hour.
These impressive numbers are the result of umpteen tests, inspections and safety protocols, including the operation of high-speed test trains that are used to monitor cross-prefectural train tracks and overhead wires. One such train is JR Central’s cheery, bright-yellow seven-car shinkansen fondly known as Doctor Yellow.
Fitted with special equipment for inspecting the Tokaido Shinkansen tracks, Doctor Yellow doesn’t carry passengers. It also lacks the typical seating of regular shinkansen trains. Because it’s not available for public use, this yellow bullet train's schedule has always been kept under wraps, though it's known to run between Tokyo and Hakata roughly every ten days. Perhaps due to its rarity, Doctor Yellow has become a symbol of good luck for frequent travellers and avid trainspotters. According to urban legend, spotting Doctor Yellow is an omen of future happiness.
【幸せの黄色い新幹線】ドクターイエロー “ラストラン”
— 報道ステーション＋サタステ (@hst_tvasahi) January 29, 2025
2001年に運行を開始した車両が29日にラストランを迎えた
1964年に開業した東海道新幹線。これまで、列車の脱線や衝突による乗客の死亡事故は0件
→安全運行を支えているのが「ドクターイエロー」
▼正式名称は「新幹線電気軌道総合試験車」… pic.twitter.com/2S1l3tySn9
Sadly, the iconic railroad physician will no longer be running as JR Central has officially retired Doctor Yellow after its final shinkansen track inspection on January 29 2025. Saying goodbye to this auspicious shinkansen was bittersweet as fans gathered on the platform at Tokyo Station to say a final goodbye.
Part of the 700 series of shinkansen trains, the current model of Doctor Yellow has been in use since 2001, but will be replaced to make way for newer technology and equipment. JR Central says it will introduce around 17 new test shinkansen between 2026 and 2028. Meanwhile, JR West railway company will retire its own Doctor Yellow in 2027.
This article was published on June 18 2024 and updated on January 30 2025.
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