First Electric Multiple Unit in Japan

June 2, 1900, saw the debut of Japan's inaugural electric multiple unit (EMU) service on the Tokyo-Yokohama line by the Japanese Government Railways. Using imported equipment from General Electric and Brown Boveri, these 600-volt DC cars replaced steam operations on the busy corridor, offering cleaner and more frequent service. Engineer Shibusawa Eiichi championed the electrification amid rapid modernization following the Meiji Restoration. The innovation addressed urban congestion and coal shortages, paving the way for Japan's extensive electrified network. Notable for its role in the Russo-Japanese War logistics, the EMUs influenced later Shinkansen designs. Enthusiasts appreciate the wooden-bodied cars for their historical charm in scale modeling.