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JR Shikoku and JR West in Japan will expand the number of reserved seats on the Limited Express “Shiokaze” during the year-end and New Year holiday period.
From December 27 through January 4, 2026, for services that arrive at and depart from Okayama Station, six of the eight cars will be reserved seating.
Both the 8000 and 8600 series will operate in eight-car formations, with Car 5 changed to a reserved-seat car. The number of reserved-seat cars will increase from five to six, while non-reserved cars will be reduced from three to two.