The Tobu 10000 series (東武10000系, Tōbu 10000-kei) is a DC electric multiple unit (EMU) commuter train type operated in Japan by the private railway operator Tobu Railway since 1983.
First entering service in 1983 on the Tobu Tojo Line (1984 on the Tobu Isesaki Line), production continued through to 1995, with a total of 486 vehicles built.
The 10000 series was developed as a successor to 8000 series. There are two, six, eight and ten-carriage units, and used both on major main lines and small branch lines. Those introduced after 1988 look different (10030 subseries), four of which are prototypes with inverter-controlled traction (10080 subseries).
The 10000 series (except the 10080 subseries) are based on 9000 series, but the 10000s cannot run underground. They first entered services on Tojo Line, and then also on Tobu Nikko and Isesaki Lines, transporting commuters to and from two terminals in Tokyo. They have been refurbished since 2007, but the exterior design is almost unchanged.
The 10000 series are used on Tojo Line between Ikebukuro and Ogawamachi, Isesaki Line between Asakusa and Tatebayashi, Tobu Nikko Line as far as Minami-kurihashi, the entire Noda and Sano Lines. Bands of the 10030 subseries allocated to Noda Line are repainted blue and green, which resemble Family Mart convenience stores.
Due to service reduction on Isesaki and relevant lines in 2022 triggered by COVID-19 pandemic, considerable number of trainsets have been redundant, and thus even refurbished units have been sent for scrap. In addition, the company is going to introduce new trains to Noda Line from financial year 2024, replacing the 10030 subseries.
Tobu Railway – Asakusa Sta., Asakusa, Taitō, Tokyo, Japan
Photo Taken: April 12, 2024
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