JR Kyushu have revealed their latest design plans for the new “Kamome” shinkansen which will use state-of-the-art N700S series trains. The N700S series was first introduced by JR Central and JR West on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen lines in 2020.

JR Kyushu’s Kamome Shinkansen N700S series train
“Kamome” means “seagull” in Japanese and these sleek white 6-car trains will bear a distinctive seagull-shaped logo on their exterior along with the name “Kamome” written in Japanese calligraphy. A dynamic stripe of red, JR Kyushu’s corporate color, will also be added to the exterior.

The new logo and the name “Kamome” written in Japanese calligraphy
The choice of materials, colors, and forms for the interior of the train have been chosen with the following themes in mind: “gentle, bright, fun, comfortable, and beautiful”.

Reserved seats on the Kamome shinkansen
The intention was to blend classic and contemporary Japanese and Western styles, to create a unique new space that retains a sense of nostalgia. In cars 1 to 3 reserved seats will be arranged in rows of 2 + 2, while in cars 4 to 6 the non-reserved seats in rows of 2 + 3.

Non-reserved seats on the Kamome shinkansen
The Kamome will run on the Kyushu Shinkansen’s new western route which will connect Takeo Onsen and Nagasaki and which is scheduled to open in the fall of 2022.

A deck design on the Kamome shinkansen
Article by Michael Lambe. Photos courtesy of JR Kyushu. All rights reserved.