The 52 series (52系) EMUs were manufactured in 1936-1937 in 3 batches and operated by Japanese Government Railways (JGR, later JNR) for use on the Hanwa Line, and later used on the San'yō Main Line, JR Kobe Line, JR Kyoto Line in the Kansai region and the Iida Line in Nagano Prefecture, Japan.

The trains were developed from the 42 series EMUs.

The 52 series EMUs were retired between 1976 and 1983.