The was an express electric multiple unit

Electric multiple unit

An electric multiple unit or EMU is a multiple unit train consisting of self-propelled carriages, using electricity as the motive power. An EMU requires no separate locomotive, as electric traction motors are incorporated within one or a number of the carriages...

 train type introduced in 1963 by Japanese National Railways

Japanese National Railways

, abbreviated or "JNR", was the national railway network of Japan from 1949 to 1987.-History:The term Kokuyū Tetsudō "state-owned railway" originally referred to a network of railway lines operated by nationalized companies under the control of the Railway Institute following the nationalization...

 (JNR).

History

In the early 1960s, the Chūō Main Line

Chuo Main Line

The , commonly called the Chūō Line, is one of the major trunk railway lines in Japan. It runs between Tokyo and Nagoya, although it is the slowest direct railway connection between the two cities; the coastal Tōkaidō Main Line is slightly faster, while the Tōkaidō Shinkansen is the fastest rail...

 and Shinetsu Line were electrified, requiring new EMUs for express services. New powerful trains were required, as the earlier 153 series trains were designed for operation in flat, warm areas.

Differences between 153 series and 165 series

• Motor output increased from 100 kW to 120 kW
• Proofing against heavy snow and cold weather

Individual car types (original)

• KuMoHa 165: Motored cab car. 76 seats. 145 cars were built from 1963 to 1970. Coupled to MoHa 164.
• KuHa 165: Cab car. 76 seats. 210 cars were built from 1963 to 1970.
• MoHa 164: Motored car with pantograph, air compressor, and motor-generator
  Motor-generator
  A motor-generator is a device for converting electrical power to another form. Motor-generator sets are used to convert frequency, voltage, or phase of power. They may also be used to isolate electrical loads from the electrical power supply line...
  
  . 84 seats. 166 cars were built from 1963 to 1970.
• Moha 165: Motored car. 84 seats. 21 cars were built from 1963 to 1969. coupled to MoHa 164.
• SaHa 164: Intermediate trailer car. 56 seats. Only two cars were built in 1966. With kiosk.
• SaHa 165: Intermediate trailer car. 84 seats. 11 cars were built in 1969.
• SaRo 165: Intermediate trailer car. Green car
  First class travel
  First class is the most luxurious class of accommodation on a train, passenger ship, airplane, or other conveyance. It is usually much more expensive than business class and economy class, and offers the best amenities.-Aviation:...
  
  .
• SaHaShi 165: Intermediate trailer car. Buffet and seat. 36 seats. 12 cars were built in 1963. Soba
  Soba
  is the Japanese name for buckwheat. It is synonymous with a type of thin noodle made from buckwheat flour, and in Japan can refer to any thin noodle . Soba noodles are served either chilled with a dipping sauce, or in hot broth as a noodle soup...
  
   corner instead of 153 series Sushi
  Sushi
  is a Japanese food consisting of cooked vinegared rice combined with other ingredients . Neta and forms of sushi presentation vary, but the ingredient which all sushi have in common is shari...
  
   corner.

Joyful Train conversions

A number of 165 series trains were converted for use as Joyful Train

Joyful Train

is the name given to railway rolling stock or train sets operated by the JR Group in Japan primarily for charters, special events, tourist excursions, and other similar purposes.-History:...

 sets including the following.

• Nanohana: First EMU-based Joyful Train, introduced in March 1986 and withdrawn August 1998.
• Panorama Express Alps: 3+3-car set converted in 1986 for use on the Chūō Main Line
  Chuo Main Line
  The , commonly called the Chūō Line, is one of the major trunk railway lines in Japan. It runs between Tokyo and Nagoya, although it is the slowest direct railway connection between the two cities; the coastal Tōkaidō Main Line is slightly faster, while the Tōkaidō Shinkansen is the fastest rail...
  
   and the Ōito Line
  Oito Line
  The is a railway line which runs from Matsumoto Station in Nagano Prefecture to Itoigawa Station in Niigata Prefecture, Japan.There are two operators on the line: East Japan Railway Company operates the section south of Minami-Otari Station in Otari, Nagano Prefecture, and West Japan Railway...
  
  . This train was withdrawn in 2001, and sold to Fuji Kyuko
  Fuji Kyuko
  , commonly abbreviated as Fujikyū, is a passenger transportation company headquartered in Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi, Japan.The company operates a railway line and regional and long-distance bus routes. The company also operates the Fuji-Q Highland amusement park.The Gakunan Railway is a consolidated...
  
   in 2002 for use as the Fujisan Express.
• Shuttle Maihama
• Yū Yū Tōkai

Conversions

Nine withdrawn 165 series cars were sold to the Chichibu Railway

Chichibu Railway

is a small-sector private railway company operating two railway lines in northern Saitama Prefecture, Japan. In addition to its railway operations, the company deals in the real estate and tourism industries. It also manages the Mitsumine Ropeway...

 in 1992 and converted to become Chichibu Railway 3000 series

Chichibu Railway 3000 series

The was an EMU train type for Chichibuji express services operated by Chichibu Railway in Japan.-History:Three 3-car trains were converted in 1992 from former JR East 165 series EMUs, with the first set entering service in April 1992, and the second set entering service in June of the same year...

 3-car sets for use on express services.

Preserved examples

• KuMoHa 165-108 (built 1966 by Tokyu Car) at SCMaglev and Railway Park, Nagoya
• SaRo 165-106 (built 1967 by Imperial Car) at SCMaglev and Railway Park, Nagoya