First Electric Multiple Unit in Japan

On June 4, 1905, the Kobu Railway in Japan began operating the country's first electric multiple unit (EMU) trains between Iidamachi and Nakano. This innovation replaced steam locomotives on the busy suburban line and represented a major technological leap for Japanese railroading. The EMUs, built with German technology, offered cleaner, quieter, and more frequent service, paving the way for the extensive electrified networks that would later define Japan's efficient urban and intercity rail systems. The move reflected broader global trends toward electrification and helped modernize Tokyo's growing commuter infrastructure.