The Sankei Shimbun 
Doctor Yellow departs from Tokyo Station for the Train Depot. January 29, JR Tokyo Station. (©Sankei by Masahiro Sakai)
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One of JR Central's two T4 Doctor Yellow inspection trains for the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen lines recently completed its approximately 24-year-long mission. On January 29, it made its final run, marking the end of its service.
Known as the "train doctor," Doctor Yellow was beloved by many, and due to its rarity, an urban legend emerged that seeing it would bring good luck. Railway fans gathered at stations and along the tracks to witness its last journey, bidding a heartfelt farewell.
Last Stop
At around 6 PM, when the T4 arrived at the platform of Tokyo Station after its final run, the gathered crowd raised their cameras in unison. Excited voices of children filled the air. Hayate Fukushima (6), who came from Kawasaki City, smiled and said, "It was so cool! Thank you for fixing the tracks all these years."
The T4 was developed based on the 700-series Shinkansen and entered service in 2001. Together with JR West's Doctor Yellow T5, which debuted in 2005, it operated between Tokyo and Hakata, inspecting rails and electrical equipment. Its schedule was undisclosed, making it a rare sight and earning it a special place in the hearts of railway fans.
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Author: The Sankei Shimbun
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