The train was built by Kawasaki Heavy Industries and first entered revenue service in 1996.

As of 1 April 2011[update], eight 10-car sets, numbered Z1 to Z3 and Z6 to Z10, are based at Yashio Depot in Tokyo (accessed via a spur located between Tennōzu Isle Station and Tokyo Teleport Station).

[1] Four 4-car trains were originally built and entered service in 1996 when the Rinkai Line opened between Shin-Kiba and Tokyo Teleport.

Six new trailer cars were built for the conversion, while six surplus cab and motor cars were sold to JR East to create 209-3100 series EMUs used on the Hachikō Line and Kawagoe Line.

[4] Rollout of the new trains is scheduled for Q2 2025 with the full fleet of eight sets completing entry into service by Q2 2027.