Osaka Metro 400 series

Osaka Metro 400 series
406-02 in July 2023
Technical specifications
Manufacturer(s)	Hitachi
Designer(s)	Ken Okuyama
Type of locomotive	Electric multiple unit
Constructed	2022 – Present
Number built	36 cars (6 sets)
Number under construction	132 cars (22 sets)
Dimensions	N/A
Gauge	4 ft 8½ in (1,435 mm)
Power supply	Third rail
Electric system(s)	750 V DC
Traction system	Variable frequency (hybrid SiC)
Traction system model	Hitachi VFI-HR2415M
Service information
In service	25 June 2023 – Present
Formation	6 cars per set
Number in service	12 cars (2 sets)
Fleet numbers	406-01 – 406-23
Preservation information
Preserved	N/A
Number scrapped	N/A

The Osaka Metro 400 series is a Japanese city commuter electric multiple unit operated by Osaka Metro since June 2023 on the Osaka Metro Chūō Line.

History

Plans for the design of a new train to be used on the Chūō Line were put forth by Osaka Metro on 1 August 2018. The company performed a public offering campaign to look for people who would be willing to design the interior and exterior of the train. The entire project is estimated to cost ¥13m (USD 117k, 2018 currency); the project's slated completion date was 29 March 2019. The final design for the sets was unveiled in December 2021, designed by noted designer Ken Okuyama, with the first set unveiled in November 2022. These were be tested on various lines for driver training before entering service on 25 June 2023, pushed back from an original target of April.

The cars are intended to replace the 20 series and 24 series sets, the latter of which will be redeployed to other lines.

The 400 series is one of two recipients of the 2024 Laurel Prize, alongside the Utsunomiya Light Rail HU300 series streetcars.

Design

The sets feature a "fun to ride" aesthetic, incorporating the latest technologies. The sets feature a barrier-free design, LCD displays, onboard Wi-Fi and security cameras. The set's aesthetic features a front profile evoking that of a spaceship's cockpit. The interior features a "calm" color scheme. Design of the sets was overseen by Ken Okuyama.

Specifications

The sets are built by Hitachi and feature an aluminum construction.

Trivia

• The 400 series sets are the first trainsets ordered by Osaka Metro under private ownership; all previous sets were ordered by the Osaka Metro when it was still under control of the Osaka Municipal Transport Bureau.