JR East launches public test ride for new E131 train series

In late July 2026 six cars of the E131 series—three‑car N11 and N12 sets—were transferred from the Shinzu (J‑TREC Shinzu) workshop to the Nagano General Vehicle Center, the move being performed by an E493‑type locomotive.

On 30 August 2026, East Japan Railway Company (JR East) held a parent‑child trial‑ride event for the new E131 series at Kofu Station. The event was open to families who presented a receipt from a purchase at the nearby Seiro department store, limited to 39 pairs (78 participants). The programme included registration, a test ride on a three‑car E131 set, a railway‑manners lesson, and a commemorative photo on the platform.