The 701 series (701系, 701-kei) is an AC electric multiple unit (EMU) train type operated on local services by East Japan Railway Company (JR East), Aoimori Railway, and Iwate Galaxy Railway (IGR) in Japan.

The design is derived from the 209 series commuter EMU, and was intended to replace locomotive-hauled trains formed of JNR 50 series [ja] coaches in the north of Japan.

[5] 92 701-1000 series cars were delivered between 1994 and 1995 to Morioka and Sendai depots, formed as 2- and 4-car units.

Eight of the original 2-car sets were transferred to the Iwate Galaxy Railway Line, becoming IGR 7000-0 series (see below), and one 2-car set was transferred to the Aoimori Railway, becoming Aoimori 700-0 series (see below).

On 28 October 1999, one Aomori-based 2-car set (KuMoHa 701-1033 + KuHa 700-1033) was damaged by storm surge at Aomori Station.

New bodies were manufactured for this set in 2000, and it was renumbered KuMoHa 701-1508 + KuHa 700-1508 and reallocated to Sendai depot.

The Aomori-based sets are used on the Tohoku Main Line between Hachinohe and Aomori.

[4] The KuMoHa 701 and MoHa 701 cars are each fitted with one PS105 lozenge-type pantograph.

Sets from F2-509 onward were fitted with wheelchair spaces and ATS-Ps from new.

[5] Ten 2-car sets (numbered N5001 to N5010) were delivered to Akita depot between 1996 and 1997, entering service from 22 March 1997 on the 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge sections of the Tazawako Line between Morioka and Ōmagari, and on the Ōu Main Line between Ōmagari and Akita.

[5] Nine two-car 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge sets (numbered Z1 to Z9) were delivered to Yamagata depot in 1999, ahead of the opening of the extension of the Yamagata Shinkansen to Shinjō in November 1999.

Improvements included replacement of electrical converters and transformers with similar equipment to that used on the later E721 series trains, as well as new flooring material internally.

[5] A further seven two-car (former 701-1000 series) sets were transferred from JR East during 2010 ahead of the transfer of passenger operations from JR East on the section from Hachinohe to Aomori when the Tohoku Shinkansen extension to Shin-Aomori opened in December 2010.