[2] The 9000 series was designed and built by Kawasaki Heavy Industries[citation needed] following the January 1995 Great Hanshin earthquake, to replace vehicles damaged by the earthquake.

[2] The 9000 series uses a stainless steel design for its body work.

[2] As of 1 April 2016[update], five six-car sets (numbered 9201 to 9209) are in service, formed as shown below, with car 1 at the Umeda end.

These changes include an orange colour scheme similar to that of the 1000 series, an electrical connector (Umeda-facing end car only), modified end gangways, and full-colour external LED destination displays.

[4] Kintetsu Nara Line through services commenced on 20 March 2009, alongside the opening of the Hanshin Namba Line section between Nishikujo and Osaka Namba.