Plarail, a division of Takara Tomy, is a brand of battery powered toy trains in Japan that every Japanese person knows. These toy trains are popular not only among children, but also adults and collectors. 2019 marks the 60th anniversary of Plarail and the company is currently celebrating all of the different train models, past and present, including private train lines, bullet trains, and special collaboration models. In this article, we will introduce you to the current toy line of Bullet Trains that are modeled after actual trains and currently running bullet trains.
Plarail Video Picture Book (Shinkansen edition)
S-01 700 Series Bullet Train with working headlights
The toy is modeled after the original 700 series bullet train, that had a top speed of 285km/h, the overall performance height of the lightweight aluminum body and the truck with semi-active suspension. Just like the real train, the headlights of the toy light up. (All information accurate as of April 2014)
Product Information
- Headlights：Lights up
- Speed：User can choose between one of two speeds by flipping a switch
- Suggested retail price: 2,200yen (not including tax)
- Credit: Japan Railways Group- Tokai
S-02 500 Series Bullet Train with working headlights
This toy is modeled after the 500 Series of trains that are owned and operated by West Japan Railway Company. This train first debuted in Japan in 1996, designed to travel at a top speed of 320 km/h, this train usually operates at 300km/h. This series of trains can be found operating on the Sanyo Shinkansen Line, under the name “Kodama.” As with the 700 Series of toys, the headlights on this toy light up. (All information accurate as of April 2014)
Product Information
- Headlights：Lights up
- Speed：User can choose between one of two speeds by flipping a switch
- Suggested retail price: 2,200yen (not including tax))
- Credit: Japan Railways West Japan Commercialization License
S-03 E5 Bullet Train “Hayabusa” (Consolidated Specification)
This toy is modeled after the bullet train that runs between Tokyo and Shin-Aomori in Northern Japan. This train is well known for its unique shape and its green, pink, and white tri-color design. (All information accurate as of April 2014)
Product Information
- This product uses magnetic joints to connect with other cars.
- Speed：User can choose between one of two speeds by flipping a switch
- Suggested retail price: 2,200yen (not including tax)
- Credit : Japan Railways East Commercialization License
S-04 N700 Series Bullet Train ”Mizuho” and “Sakura” with working headlights
This train is modeled after the train that runs on the Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen lines, connecting Shin-Osaka and Kagoshima Chuo. This train is known for its blue and white design that is said to be calming. (All information accurate as of April 2014)
Product Information
- Headlights：Lights up
- Speed：User can choose between one of two speeds by flipping a switch
- Suggested retail price: 2,200yen (not including tax)
- Credit：Japan Railways West Japan Commercialization License, Japan Railways Kyushu
S-05 700 Series Bullet Train “Hikari Rail Star” with working headlights
This toy is modeled after the “Hikari Rail Star,” operated by Japan Railways West. This train runs between Shin-Osaka and Hakata. The train is white with a stylish yellow stripe running the length of the lead and subsequent cars. Just like the real train, the headlights of the toy light up. (All information accurate as of April 2014)
Product Information
- Headlights：Lights up
- Speed：User can choose between one of two speeds by flipping a switch
- Suggested retail price: 2,200yen (not including tax))
- Credit: Japan Railways West Japan approved
S-06 E3 Bullet Train ”Tsubasa” (Consolidated Specification)
The “Tsubasa” debuted in 1999. It operates exclusively on the Yamagata Shinkansen, using both bullet train and conventional train lines. As of April 2014, this train is known for its two tone grey design with a thin green stripe running the length of the cars. (All information accurate as of April 2014)
Product Information
- This product uses magnetic joints to connect with other cars.
- Speed：User can choose between one of two speeds by flipping a switch
- Suggested retail price: 2,200yen (not including tax)
- Credit: Japan Railways East Commercialization License
S-07 923 Doctor Yellow Set T4 with working headlights
This series of trains run the various bullet train tracks, checking for problems or distortions in the track, the overhead wires, the conditions of the signals, and other potential hazards on the train line. While the official name of the train series is "Shinkansen Electric Track Comprehensive Test Vehicle," it is better known by its nickname, Doctor Yellow. (All information accurate as of April 2014)
Product Information
- Headlights：Lights up
- Speed：User can choose between one of two speeds by flipping a switch
- Suggested retail price: 2,200yen (not including tax))
- Credit: Japan Railways Tokai Approved
S-08 E2 Bullet Train (Consolidated Specification)
Debuting on the Shinkansen lines in March 1997, this train runs on the Tohoku Shinkansen Line (and on the Morioka-Hachinohe extension.) The toy is modeled after the 1000 series design, known for its pink stripe and the depiction of the famous Aomori apples. (All information accurate as of April 2014)
Product Information
- This product uses magnetic joints to connect with other cars.
- Speed：User can choose between one of two speeds by flipping a switch
- Suggested retail price: 2,200yen (not including tax)
- Credit: Japan Railways East Commercialization License
S-10 E4 Bullet Train “Max” (Consolidated Specification)
The “Max” is based on the Japan Railways East’s 2 story bullet train. Along with a pink stripe running down the side of the cars, the train also features a Japanese crested ibis design, the symbol of Niigata Prefecture. (All information current as of July 2015)
Product Information
- This product uses magnetic joints to connect with other cars.
- Speed：User can choose between one of two speeds by flipping a switch
- Suggested retail price: 2,200yen (not including tax)
- Credit: Japan Railways East Commercialization License
S-16 Speed change on the rail! E5 Bullet Train “Hayabusa”
This toy is an advanced version of "S-03 E5 Shinkansen Hayabusa" written about above. It is a version of the Plarail toy that has a special "super speed chassis" that can change the speed using the "speed-changing rail". The speed can be switched in two stages. (All information accurate as of April 2014)
Product Information
- “Super Speed Chassis” which allows for speed change while in motion
- Speed：User can choose between one of two speeds by flipping a switch
- Suggested retail price: 2,800yen (not including tax))
- Credit: Japan Railways East Commercialization License
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※ All data is accurate as of the April 2014 information
※Purchase the items above at plastic rail shops or from toy departments such as those in department stores.
Plarail Shop Tokyo Station
Tokyo Character Street Tokyo Station B1
1-9-1, Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Postcode 100-0005
Store Hours: 10：00～20：30／Open 365 days a year
Plarail Shop Tokyo Skytree Solamachi
Tokyo Sky Tree Town Solamachi 3rd floor
1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida-ku, Prefektur Tokyo, Postcode 131-0045
Store Hours 10：00～21：00／Closed on fixed holidays
Plarail Shop Osaka
Daimaru Umeda 13th floor
3-1-1, Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka, Postcode 530-8202
Store Hours 10：00～20：00／Closed New Years Day
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