[2] In 1977, the series won the Blue Ribbon Award for outstanding design by the Japan Railfan Club.

At this time, regenerative braking via field choppers had started to become commonplace as a proven technology.

The sixth batch of the series featured a complete remodel of the cab exterior.

[6] Sets constructed from 1989 onwards featured updated bodywork.

[8]This Japanese rail transport related article is a stub.