The , branded as Polestar, is an electric multiple unit (EMU) train type operated by Kita-Osaka Kyuko Railway on the Kitakyū Namboku Line in north Osaka since 1986, with through service to the Osaka Metro Midōsuji Line.
Design
The 8000 series was introduced in 1986 to replace ageing rolling stock which were mostly derived from Osaka Municipal Subway rolling stock. It was also the first Kitakyū rolling stock type to feature air conditioning in the passenger interiors and driver cabs. It was also one of the three recipients of the 27th Laurel Prize of the Japan Railfan Club.
Formation , five out of the original seven 10-car sets were in service, formed as shown below, with five motored ("M") cars and five non-powered trailer ("T") cars, and car 1 at the Senri-Chuo end.
Car No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Designation Tc1 M0 Te M1 M2' Te' T M1 M2 Tc2 Numbering 800x 810x 820x 830x 840x 850x 860x 870x 880x 890x
Each car includes a wheelchair space.
History The first train, set 8001, was introduced on 1 July 1986. The 8000 series trains initially operated as 8-car sets before they were lengthened to nine-car sets from 1987 and subsequently ten-car sets from 1995.
Withdrawals commenced in 2014, with 8002 in August 2014, and set 8004 in February 2015. Set 8001 carried a special headboard from late February 2016 to mark its scheduled withdrawn in March 2016. As of 2026, sets 8003, 8006 and 8007 remain in service.
On 14 April 2026, Kita-Osaka Kyuko Railway announced plans to retire set 8003 in January 2027 and gradually phase out sets 8006 and 8007 thereafter.
Preserved examples 8001 + 8901 cab end: Momoyamadai Depot, Osaka 8005: Privately preserved in Tamba-Sasayama, Hyōgo.
References