JR Central has announced plans to manufacture and introduce the “S0 Series,” the next-generation Shinkansen trains for the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen lines. This marks the first full model change since the N700S (which debuted in 2020), and commercial service is scheduled to begin in July 2029.
Following the introduction of one verification test train set in August 2028, the plan is to gradually introduce a total of 25 train sets from fiscal year 2029 through the first half of fiscal year 2032. The train’s designation, “S0 Series,” is said to be a combination of the “S” from “Shinkansen” and “Supreme,” and the “0,” which represents the starting point for a new evolution of the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen lines.
The S0 series is equipped with a driver-attended automated driving system (GOA2) that utilizes 40 GHz millimeter-wave train radio, enabling automated operation according to a preset schedule, on-time arrivals, and precise stopping at designated locations. In addition, an early earthquake detection system utilizing this radio technology reduces the time from earthquake detection to the initiation of braking from the current approximately 2 seconds to approximately 0.2 seconds—about one-tenth of the previous time—and shortens the braking distance from 285 km/h by approximately 5% compared to the N700S.
The exterior of the train features a new nose design called the “Twin Leemeks Shape,” inspired by a bird’s flight feathers, which improves running efficiency and reduces the train set’s total power consumption by approximately 6 percent compared to the N700S. In addition, the proportion of recycled aluminum components in the train’s structure has been increased to approximately 20 percent to reduce the environmental impact.
As for the amenities in the Green Car, “multifunctional armrest seats” will be installed in cars 8 and 9, and “partitioned seats” in car 10. Car 10 will also feature six “Supreme Class Seats”—semi-private seats in the highest class—and one “Supreme Class Cabin,” a fully private compartment.
In addition, a new powder room will be installed on the deck of Car 9, and 5G-compatible transparent glass antennas will be installed in Cars 8 through 10 to expand the coverage of the free Wi-Fi service “S Wi-Fi for Biz” to Cars 9 and 10. Legroom has been increased by approximately 140 mm compared to the N700S, and ride comfort in the Green Class seats has been improved through control enhancements to the fully active dampers, which reduce lateral sway during train passing maneuvers by approximately 10 percent.
As for common amenities, including those in standard cars, the number of luggage storage areas on the decks of cars 3, 7, and 15 will be increased from 6 to 9, and overhead luggage rack space will be expanded by approximately 25% in the lead car and approximately 5% in the middle cars. In the women-only restrooms, the space will be expanded by approximately 25 percent and a new baby changing table will be installed; in the men-only restrooms, sliding doors will be installed and the width of the sink area will be increased.
The new Green Car service will be introduced first on the newly manufactured N700S trains scheduled for deployment in December 2027 or later, and retrofitting work to add autonomous driving capabilities and other new features will be carried out sequentially on the existing N700A and N700S trains.
© Source travel watch