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New Limited Express Train Series N100 “SPACIA X” Wins the “Red Dot Award: Product Design 2025”!
Tokyo, July 8, 2025: Tobu Railway Co., Ltd. (Tobu Railway) and Hitachi Rail new, jointly developed, limited express train, the Series N100 “SPACIA X,” has been awarded the prestigious “Red Dot Award: Product Design 2025,” organized by the Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen in Germany.
SPACIA X, which began operation on July 15, 2023, connects Asakusa with the Nikko and Kinugawa areas. Developed under the concept of “Connect & Updatable,” the train inherits the legacy and brand identity of the conventional Series 100 SPACIA, while aiming to evolve into a more refined flagship limited express train.
The Red Dot Design Award is an international product design competition held in Germany since 1955. SPACIA X was highly praised in the Product Design category for its outstanding integration of regional characteristics, architecture, culture, and atmosphere, offering a captivating travel experience.
Following its initial recognition with the 2023 Good Design Award, SPACIA X has received multiple accolades, with this being its seventh award to date. Tobu Railway remains committed to enhancing passenger comfort and convenience through continuous innovation.
Each train set has 212 seats and includes a total of 6 formats for passengers to choose between, including luxurious Cockpit Suite, Cockpit Lounge, Compartment, and Premium Seat. On the train, you can also enjoy original craft beer and craft coffee developed in collaboration with companies in Nikko.
Designed in-house by Hitachi, the SPACIA X train cars evolved while maintaining the original SPACIA form, with the colours evoking a noble white reminiscent of the "Gofun" painted on the Yomeimon Gate, Karamon Gate and main sanctuary of Nikko Toshogu Shrine. The window frames are inspired by carefully handmade crafts such as the muntins (Kumiko) in Kanuma and bamboo weaving that have been handed down from the Edo period.
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About Hitachi Rail:
Hitachi Rail is connecting the future of mobility - helping every passenger, customer and community enjoy the benefits of more seamless, sustainable transport.
With innovative technology and world-leading delivery capabilities, Hitachi Rail is a trusted partner to customers and consortia partners globally. The company is an expert in every part of the railway: from train manufacturing and maintenance to digital signalling and smart mobility. Its pioneering products, such as the iconic high speed bullet train, enable billions of passenger journeys and the transport of millions of tonnes of freight, every year.
Drawing on the powerful expertise of the wider Hitachi group companies, Hitachi Rail is uniquely placed to further enhance its offer to customers through pioneering new digital solutions and services.
In FY22, Hitachi Rail had revenues of over €5bn. The company has around 15,000 employees in 38 countries, and it invests in its diverse and talented teams.
Hitachi Rail's business is local, but its reach is global. With deep roots in its communities, the company is committed to delivering sustainable progress for all.
Find out more by visiting hitachirail.com