New Limited Express Train Series N100 “SPACIA X” Wins the “Red Dot Award: Product Design 2025”

Tobu Railway Co., Ltd. (Tobu Railway) and Hitachi Rail's jointly developed, limited express train, the Series N100 “SPACIA X,” has been awarded the prestigious “Red Dot Award: Product Design 2025,” organized by the Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen in Germany.

SPACIA X, which began operation on July 15, 2023, connects Asakusa with the Nikko and Kinugawa areas. Developed under the concept of “Connect & Updatable,” the train inherits the legacy and brand identity of the conventional Series 100 SPACIA, while aiming to evolve into a more refined flagship limited express train.

The Red Dot Design Award is an international product design competition held in Germany since 1955. SPACIA X was highly praised in the Product Design category for its outstanding integration of regional characteristics, architecture, culture, and atmosphere, offering a captivating travel experience.

Following its initial recognition with the 2023 Good Design Award, SPACIA X has received multiple accolades, with this being its seventh award to date. Tobu Railway remains committed to enhancing passenger comfort and convenience through continuous innovation.

Each train set has 212 seats and includes a total of 6 formats for passengers to choose between, including luxurious Cockpit Suite, Cockpit Lounge, Compartment, and Premium Seat. On the train, you can also enjoy original craft beer and craft coffee developed in collaboration with companies in Nikko.

Designed in-house by Hitachi, the SPACIA X train cars evolved while maintaining the original SPACIA form, with the colours evoking a noble white reminiscent of the "Gofun" painted on the Yomeimon Gate, Karamon Gate and main sanctuary of Nikko Toshogu Shrine. The window frames are inspired by carefully handmade crafts such as the muntins (Kumiko) in Kanuma and bamboo weaving that have been handed down from the Edo period.