Hitachi Rail has announced that it will manufacture the rolling stock for Japanese operator Seibu Railway’s new premium dining car, which will be named the Fine Dining Train “vies” and is scheduled to enter service in March 2028.
Along with the announcement regarding the train’s manufacturer, the name of the new multiple unit and the logo design were also officially unveiled, with the project set to continue the concept of tourist and dining trains developed in recent years on the Japanese rail market.
Hitachi Rail is drawing on the experience gained with the Laview train
According to the company, the new train will be designed and manufactured based on the Laview model, the flagship express train of Seibu Railway, also built by Hitachi Rail and introduced into service in 2019.
The Japanese manufacturer says it will use in this project the technologies and experience developed during the creation of the Laview train, including the concepts of an open and spacious interior—made possible by large windows—design solutions intended to blend into the landscape, and technologies designed to ensure a high level of comfort for passengers.
Furthermore, Hitachi’s contribution will not be limited to vehicle construction. The company states that it will also leverage its expertise in control systems and technologies that support safe, stable, and passenger-comfort-oriented operations.
The goal is to create a travel experience in which gastronomy and interior design are seamlessly integrated at a superior level into a luxury rail product.
A New Chapter Following Fifty Two Seats of Happiness
The new Fine Dining Train “vies” builds on the concept launched by “Fifty Two Seats of Happiness”, Seibu Railway’s dining car that has been in service since 2016.
According to the project presentation, the new train aims to offer an even more refined space and culinary experience, in a more exclusive format than that of the current train.
In Japan, such special trains play an important role not only in transportation but also in promoting rail tourism, gastronomy, and premium experiences associated with train travel.
What does the name “vies” mean?
The company explained that “vie” means “life” in French, and the choice of the name reflects respect for nature and for the idea of life associated with food, a concept considered important in Japanese culture.
The plural form, “vies”, was chosen to suggest the desire to enrich the life of every passenger.
Additionally, when read backward, “vies” becomes “Seibu”, creating a subtle connection to the railway operator’s name.
Together with the subtitle “Fine Dining Train”, the name is intended to convey the idea of a special space where diverse destinations and experiences converge through gastronomy.
Logo Inspired by the Train’s Shape
The logo of the new train was also designed in direct connection with the shape of the rolling stock. According to the official presentation, the organic curve of the letter “s” and the line extending from it suggest the train’s distinctive silhouette.
At the same time, the word “vie”, associated with the ideas of life, living, and vitality, is integrated into the visual identity to symbolize both the refined cuisine and the passengers who will enjoy this experience.
Unlike traditional symbols associated with speed or efficiency, the logo emphasizes a relaxed, refined, and generous experience, characteristic of a premium product dedicated to leisure travel.
Seibu dining cars, a well-established tourist product
Hitachi Rail notes that it has previously supported Seibu Railway’s dining car projects, including “Fifty Two Seats of Happiness”, which entered service as a full-fledged dining car on April 17, 2016, following the modernization of several 4000 series multiple units.
This train was designed by architect Kengo Kuma, and its exterior and interior design was inspired by the Chichibu area, one of the most important tourist destinations served by the operator. The exterior features motifs inspired by the Arakawa River, while the interior includes elements reminiscent of traditional Chichibu Meisen textiles and locally sourced Nishikawa wood.
The train runs primarily on weekends and holidays between Ikebukuro / Seibu-Shinjuku and Seibu-Chichibu, and in April 2026 it will mark 10 years since its launch.
Laview, Seibu Railway’s Flagship Train
Meanwhile, Laview, the 001 series express train from Seibu Railway, represents the operator’s flagship product for the new generation of services. It debuted on March 16, 2019 and was also built by Hitachi Rail.
The name Laview combines the idea of a luxurious, living-room-like space with that of speed and a wide panorama, visible through the expansive glass surfaces. The concept aims to offer a comfortable express journey, harmoniously integrated into both the urban landscape and the natural surroundings.
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