JR Hokkaido first luxury train planned for 4/2026

[lighthouse]

got this message in the morning:

 

https://2nd-train.net/events/article/4460/

 

Translation:

 

"According to the Hokkaido Shimbun, JR Hokkaido will begin operating a luxury sightseeing train in April 2026. The trains are expected to be named "Red Star" and "Blue Star." Eiji Mitooka, the designer of JR Kyushu's Seven Stars, will be in charge of the design. The plan is to completely remodel the existing Kiha 143 class train at a cost of approximately 1.7 billion yen, and install lounge seats where meals can be taken, a tea room, etc. These trains travel around routes throughout Hokkaido, apparently with the aim of revitalizing areas in the red and attracting tourists. It will also be introduced to replace the "Norokko" train, which will end its service in 2025 due to aging. Eight of the Kiha 143 types used at the Tomakomai driving station (Kiha 143-102 + Kiha 143-152 + Kiha 143-157 + Kiha 143-156 + Kiha 143-103 + Kiha 143-153 + Kiha 143-104 +Kiha 143-154) had already been sent to the Kushiro Transportation Depot, and their movements were being watched closely."

[Tony Galiani]

Looking forward to seeing this.  Though I hope Eiji is a bit more restrained with the lettering than he was on the Kyushu Shinkansen.

Tony