The 205 series (205系, 205-kei) is a DC electric multiple unit (EMU) commuter train type introduced in 1985 by Japanese National Railways (JNR), and inherited by JR East and JR West after the privatization two years later.

The first set entered service on the Yamanote Line on 1985, and has remained a staple of the JR fleet network ever since.

It was originally built with the low-end resistor-controlled traction systems, as they were cheaper to produce than the typical thyristor chopper-controlled motors or something similar to that, but this was somewhat dated technology due to the advent of the high-end variable frequency drive which had just started being used around this time.

It uses a traditional design with an unpainted stainless steel body very much like most trains of the period.

Filling their retirement from JR, 524 205–0 series vehicles have been shipped to Jakarta, Indonesia from 2013 to 2020 to continue their operation overseas replacing aging commuter trains and mass improvement of public transportation in Greater Jakarta by train, while there are still 205–0 series operational in JR West lines.

It was manufactured from 1984 to 1991 and initially built 10-car trainsets for test-run conducted in 1984 for JNR Yamanote Line.

The basic structure is similar to that of the subsequently manufactured vehicles like the 201 series & the 203 series, but the difference is that the window shape is a two-pane window panels with the upper stage descending and the lower stage rising.

The trip number indicator of each leading car was initially introduced as a traditional roller-binding display as commonly used by other JNR rolling stocks, but in 1985, it was newly installed for the first time with the LCD type trip number indicator display and also later replaced along with the 0-subseries mass-produced vehicles.

As for storage, it is automatically stored (using springs and gas dampers) at the push of a button after entering the depot without passengers.

[citation needed] The body uses a panel structure developed by Kinki Vehicle to reduce costs and improve performance.

This is also for the purpose of improving the physique of modern people and reducing the feeling of pressure in the car during rush hours.

In addition to the panel-type structure, the gas damper-type balancer mechanism unit-type descending window to the side window and the customer door using Honeycomb structure have been a motivation to incorporate the technologies unique to Kinki Sharyo vehicles.

The air conditioner uses the AU717 type (50,000 kcal/h・58.0 kW), which has a capacity of about 20% compared to the conventional model because the door opening is large.

On the ceiling, auxiliary blowers (line delia) are added from 4 to 6, and circulator is installed at the top of each door (12 places).

On the other hand, it is compatible with barrier-free by installing wheelchair space here by utilizing the end of the vehicle.

", but since the 100s are in the same style as 209 series, "The door can be opened by hand by pulling the handle inside."

[citation needed] In Yamanote Line cars,[9] an information service using an in-vehicle display monitor has been started on a trial basis.

This is intended for JR East to provide information in a timely manner in consideration of improving passenger services.

Only this vehicle did not have a destination indicator, but the Saikyo Line transfer car has some windows modified and installed with LED type.

Originally located in the Yamate Electric Railway ward (currently Tokyo General Rolling Stock Center), it was connected to No.

[8] In addition, the shape of the luggage rack is a pipe type similar to the 100s,[8] which is slightly higher than the mass-produced vehicle (height 1,950 mm (77 in)).

Replacement, removal of selective opening and closing functions, installation of auxiliary power supply device for own vehicle (described in the next 0 series), etc.

[11] The four Nikko Line sets are finished in a livery with "classic ruby brown", "gold", and "cream" bodyside stripes.

[11] The Utsunomiya Line sets are finished in a livery with Shonan green and orange bodyside stripes.

[11] Their services ended on 11 March 2022 ahead of the introduction of newer E131-600 series trainsets.

[16] Features include having a different windshield panel design, which is likely inverted their directions to avoid confusion of the pre-existing 205–0 series, which were formerly Tokaido Line Local Services in same blue stripe during that time.

[20] Current: The 205–5000 series are fitted with two-level insulated gate bipolar transistor variable frequency drives as a traction system which produce a distinctive, high-pitched whine and it is one of the latest refurbished trains among 205-series which is specifically unique compared to the other refurbished 205 series classification which their former Yamanote Line 205–0 series cars were modified with new VVVF-controlled AC motors between 2002 and 2008, used on the Musashino Line & some parts of Keiyō Line to be scheduled for ending operations on the late 2020 prior to the acquisition all of these trainsets for overseas use to be shipped to Jakarta, Indonesia to be operated by Kereta Commuter Indonesia from 2018 to 2020.

Upon resale & overseas use, there are 288 vehicles (36 eight-car trainsets) for 205–5000 series withdrawn from the Musashino Line are scheduled to be shipped to Jakarta between March 2018 and 2020.