Tobu Railway and Hitachi have announced that the 90000 Series has jointly received the Good Design Best 100 Award 2026.

The train, which was designed, developed and manufactured by Hitachi for use on the Tobu Tojo Line, has also been selected for the ‘My Favorite Design 2026: Good Design Award Judge’s Selection’ – a special recognition chosen by Good Design Award judges.

Tobu Railway & Hitachi’s 90000 Series has won the Good Design Best 100 Award 2026

© Hitachi Rail

Designed in line with the concept of ‘A ferryboat that connects the region, people, and the future: Watashi-bune’; the 90000 Series fleet entered operation on the Tobu Tojo Line on September 26, 2026. The train drew inspiration from the historical river transport culture that once supported the movement of people and goods along the Arakawa and Shingashi Rivers in the Tobu Tojo Line area.

The train was praised for its design, which was inspired by a traditional Takase-bune riverboat. Judges stated that its exterior styling and interior environment ‘successfully incorporates regional history and culture into a modern commuter train’, and commended the project for demonstrating ‘new possibilities in public transport design, leading to its selection in both programmes’.

Hitachi’s latest 90000 Series incorporates energy-efficient technologies, including full-SiC VVVF traction control systems, high-efficiency induction motors, and LED lighting in an effort to  reduce power consumption by more than 40% compared with the existing 9000 Series trains.

Tags

Products & Services

source= https://railway-news.com/tobu-railway-hitachis-90000-series-wins-good-design-best-100-award-2026/