Nanpū

The Nanpū (南風, English: "south wind") is a limited express train service in Japan operated by Shikoku Railway Company (JR Shikoku), which runs from Okayama to Kōchi, Nakamura, and Sukumo. Trains are usually formed of 3-car 2000 series DMUs, and often run coupled with Shimanto services.[1]

Nanpū

A 2000 series DMU on a Nanpū service in November 1990
Overview
Service type	Limited express
First service	1950 (Semi express) 1972 (Limited express)
Current operator(s)	JR Shikoku
Route
Line(s) used	Seto-Ōhashi Line, Yosan Line, Dosan Line, Nakamura Line, Sukumo Line
Technical
Rolling stock	N2000 series, 2000 series DMUs
Operating speed	120 km/h (75 mph)

Route

The main stations served by this service are as follows.

Okayama - Tadotsu - Kōchi - Nakamura - Sukumo

Rolling stock

• 2000 series 2- 3- or 4-car tilting DMUs (from 1990)

Past rolling stock

• KiHa 181 series DMUs (1972–1990)
• KiHa 185 series DMUs (1986–1991)

History

Nanpū services began as a semi express from the former Takamatsu Sanbashi Station to Kubokawa in Shikoku from 1 October 1950. From 1 October 1968, however, the name was used for express trains operating in Kyushu between Beppu and Nishi-Kagoshima. From 15 March 1972, the name returned to Shikoku, for limited express trains operating between Takamatsu and Nakamura.[2]

References

1. JR新幹線＆特急列車ファイル (JR Shinkansen & Limited Express Train File). Japan: Kōtsū Shimbun. 2008. p. 100. ISBN 978-4-330-00608-6.
2. 列車名鑑1995 (Train Name Directory 1995). Japan: Railway Journal. August 1995.