Doctor Yellow is Japan’s iconic Shinkansen diagnostic train, designed to monitor track conditions and overhead wiring while traveling at high speeds.
Introduced in the 1960s, the current generation runs primarily on the Tōkaidō, Sanyō, and Kyushu Shinkansen lines. Its bright yellow livery and sleek design make it instantly recognizable, and it can reach speeds of up to 270 km/h while performing detailed inspections of tracks, signals, and overhead lines.
The fleet consists of a small number of specialized EMUs, each equipped with advanced sensors, cameras, and measurement instruments. Although it is not for public service, sightings of Doctor Yellow are considered extremely lucky by rail fans, making it a beloved and legendary part of Japan’s high-speed rail system.
