E4 Series Shinkansen

Like the E1 it was introduced to relieve overcrowding, the all-double-deck design adopted to maximize peak-period seating — some standard cars used non-reclining 3+3 seating on their upper decks. Although each set had only eight cars, two could couple into a 16-car formation seating 1,634 passengers — described as the highest-capacity high-speed train configuration in the world and certified by Guinness World Records at the time. Unlike the steel-bodied E1, the E4 used lightweight aluminium construction, but the double-deck sets stayed significantly heavier than single-deck designs, limiting the maximum operating speed to 240 km/h (the Japanese infobox gives both the maximum operating and design speeds as 240 km/h).

Double-deck Shinkansen later fell out of favour as lighter single-deck types ran faster — up to 320 km/h — shortening journeys and raising frequency. The E4 worked Tōhoku services (Max Yamabiko and Max Nasuno) until it was entirely withdrawn from that line in September 2012 and moved to Jōetsu Shinkansen Max Toki and Max Tanigawa duties. As the last double-decker Shinkansen, it was withdrawn from regular service on 1 October 2021 and completely retired on 17 October 2021 after commemorative charter runs.

• 1997First set (P1) delivered to Sendai Depot on 8 October; revenue service begins on the Tōhoku Shinkansen from 20 December (Max Yamabiko / Max Nasuno).
• 2001Jōetsu Shinkansen revenue service begins on 7 May (Max Toki / Max Tanigawa); limited Max Asama runs on the Nagano (Hokuriku) Shinkansen begin 22 July.
• 2012E4 series entirely withdrawn from Tōhoku Shinkansen services in September; all sets reallocated to the Jōetsu Shinkansen.
• 2014Fleet repainting begins; surviving sets receive a new livery with a toki (crested ibis) pink stripe, the first reliveried set (P5) returning to service in early April.
• 2021As the last double-decker Shinkansen, the E4 is withdrawn from regular service on 1 October and completely retired on 17 October after commemorative charter runs.