'TODEN Vehicle Renewal Project' Mitooka Eiji-Designed Renewed Tram Completed!
The Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation has completed the renewal of Toden Arakawa Line's Car 8501, funded via crowdfunding. Designed by Eiji Mitooka, it features a golden yellow exterior and a wooden interior, launching on April 16, 2026.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 16, 2026 at 00:00
- 🔍 Collected: April 15, 2026 at 15:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 19, 2026 at 09:23 (89h 51m after Collected)
The Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation (Location: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; Director General: Tomohide Watanabe) announces that, as part of the 'TODEN Vehicle Renewal Project' aimed at further enhancing the appeal of the Tokyo Sakura Tram (Toden Arakawa Line) and revitalizing the areas along the line, the renewal of Car No. 8501 has been completed with the support of crowdfunding, and it will begin operation on Thursday, April 16.
With the cooperation of designer and illustrator Eiji Mitooka (Dawn Design Institute: Itabashi-ku, Tokyo), known for JR Kyushu's 'Seven Stars in Kyushu', the vehicle that has been beloved by the community for 35 years since 1990 has been reborn into a new form clad in a nostalgic golden yellow color.
The 'Fun Toden', where everyone can enjoy moving from daily use to sightseeing purposes, is finally departing. While cherishing the connections with Toden fans nationwide born through crowdfunding, we will operate this vehicle and work to further enhance the appeal of the Toden, which has continued to run as a line rooted in the community, and revitalize the areas along the line.
1. Features of the Renewed Vehicle (Car No. 8501)
Exterior
- The body color is 'golden yellow', reminiscent of the old Toden.
Interior
- The floor, walls, ceiling, benches, and counter roll blinds are all made of wood, and the floor is parquet.
- The front of the vehicle can be seen through cedar Kumiko woodwork.
- The ceiling lighting and ventilation openings have been redesigned.
- Tables suitable for eating and drinking can be set up. (Available only during events)
2. Operation Start Date
Scheduled for Thursday, April 16, 2026 (Reiwa 8)
With the cooperation of designer and illustrator Eiji Mitooka (Dawn Design Institute: Itabashi-ku, Tokyo), known for JR Kyushu's 'Seven Stars in Kyushu', the vehicle that has been beloved by the community for 35 years since 1990 has been reborn into a new form clad in a nostalgic golden yellow color.
The 'Fun Toden', where everyone can enjoy moving from daily use to sightseeing purposes, is finally departing. While cherishing the connections with Toden fans nationwide born through crowdfunding, we will operate this vehicle and work to further enhance the appeal of the Toden, which has continued to run as a line rooted in the community, and revitalize the areas along the line.
1. Features of the Renewed Vehicle (Car No. 8501)
Exterior
- The body color is 'golden yellow', reminiscent of the old Toden.
Interior
- The floor, walls, ceiling, benches, and counter roll blinds are all made of wood, and the floor is parquet.
- The front of the vehicle can be seen through cedar Kumiko woodwork.
- The ceiling lighting and ventilation openings have been redesigned.
- Tables suitable for eating and drinking can be set up. (Available only during events)
2. Operation Start Date
Scheduled for Thursday, April 16, 2026 (Reiwa 8)