Ōigawa Railway will begin operating Ex–Japan National Railways Class 12 passenger carriages, transferred from West Japan Railway Company (JR West), starting Sunday, November 16, 2025.
Since March 2025, our railway has been running electric locomotives painted in the classic “Blue Train” livery. The Class 12 carriages, paired with the “Blue Train” livery electric locomotive, will revive the nostalgic long-distance passenger trains of Japan—now brought back to life along the Ōigawa Main line.
As autumn deepens, we warmly invite you to experience the new face of Ōigawa Railway—the Class 12 passenger cars.
Overview of the Class 12
The Class 12 passenger coaches were introduced by the former Japanese National Railways (JNR) between 1969 and 1978, with a total of 603 vehicles built. They represented the last generation of express‑type loco‑hauled coaches in Japan, designed to modernise passenger rolling stock at a time when many pre‑war carriages were still in service.
Origins and Purpose
The Class 12 coaches were developed to meet the transport demand spike of the 1970 Osaka Expo, and to provide flexible stock for seasonal and group trains. Unlike electric or diesel multiple units, coaches could be stored during quieter periods and hauled by locomotives that were otherwise under‑utilised outside peak freight seasons.
Design Innovations
These coaches featured bright interiors with laminated panels, automatic folding doors, and improved seating, marking a significant step forward in passenger comfort. Their design influenced later rolling stock, including the KiHa 65 diesel multiple units.
Operational Role
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Class 12 coaches were widely used on express services across Japan, replacing ageing stock such as the SuHa 32 and OHa 35 series coaches. They became a familiar sight on loco‑hauled express trains, though they were distinct from the famous “Blue Train” sleeping cars, as the Class 12 were strictly standard‑class day coaches.
Later Years and Variants
In the late JNR era and after privatisation, many Class 12 coaches were rebuilt into “Joyful Trains”—special excursion sets with themed interiors, panoramic windows, or distinctive liveries. These conversions extended their service lives and gave them a new role in leisure travel.
Future Operations on the Oigawa Main Line
From 17 November 2025 onwards, our tourist train services will operate using a combination of Class 12 passenger coaches and older‑style coaches, with the specific formation varying by day.
The locomotives rostered will also differ depending on the schedule.
Please refer to the operational calendar (Ōigawa Railway Schedule) to check which trains are rostered to run with the Class 12 coaches. Trains formed of Class 12 coaches can be identified by the notation “12系”.