Tokyo Monorail Celebrates 60th Anniversary with a Special Livery on the 10000 Series

The Tokyo Monorail unveiled its wrapping train (Set 10041) of the 10000 series, designed to mirror the original livery of the 100 series vehicles, at the Showajima Vehicle Base on September 14. The special livery commemorates the 60th anniversary of the monorail’s operation, starting from September 15.

The Tokyo Monorail initially opened its route between Hamamatsucho and the (old) Haneda Station on September 17, 1964. The 100 series, which was introduced concurrently with the monorail’s launch, was manufactured by Hitachi, Ltd., in technical collaboration with the German company Alweg. These vehicles were shorter than the current ones, measuring 10 meters in length, and were operated in three-car fixed formations, although they were capable of running in multiple unit operation.

The newly unveiled Set 10041 sports the 100 series’ ivory and light blue body, dark blue skirt, and the V-shaped ‘Kintarō’ paint scheme on the front, all represented through full wrap. This is the first time a 10000 series train has been fully wrapped. The wrap also features the old monorail ‘M’ logo and simulates the louvers on the sides of the train.

According to Tokyo Monorail, the concept behind this retro wrap on the 10000 series was to reflect the paint scheme of the main vehicles from 60 years ago onto today’s main vehicles. Additionally, Set 10041 was previously wrapped in a collaboration with Sanrio’s characters ‘Little Twin Stars’, running as the ‘Kiki & Lala Monorail Kira Kira Star’ formation from September 2020 until August 23 this year.

Inside, the train has been turned into a ‘Monorail Museum’, showcasing 30 photos that reflect the 60-year history of the Tokyo Monorail in the advertising frames of each vehicle. Many of the photos originate from the company published book ’50 Years of Tokyo Monorail’, though some were taken by employees.

The inaugural run is scheduled for September 15, starting with a departure ceremony at the Haneda Airport Terminal 2 station, where employees will see off the Hamamatsucho-bound regular train departing at 10:55 AM.