| Example: KuHa205-9 (205 class suburban EMU) |
| Ku = Vehicle type (see table below) |
| Ha = Vehicle accommodation (see table below) |
| 205 = Class (see table below) |
| 9 = Individual vehicle number |
| Vehicle type | |
| Code (Japanese character) indicates the vehicle type. | |
| KuMo - クモ | Motor vehicle with cab |
| Mo - モ | Motor vehicle (intermediate vehicle) |
| Ku - ク | Trailer vehicle with cab |
| Sa - サ | Trailer vehicle (intermediate vehicle) |
| Vehicle accomodation type |
| Code (Japanese character) indicates the vehicle type. |
| Ha - ハ | Standard class vehicle |
| Ro - ロ | Green class vehicle |
| Shi - シ | Catering vehicle |
| Ne - ネ | Sleeping car |
| Ni - ニ | Luggage vehicle |
| Yu - ユ | Mail vehicle |
| Ya - ヤ | Departmental/inspection vehicle |
| E - エ | Emergency vehicle |
| Ru - ル | Supply vehicle |
| Class |
| First digit | Second digit |
| 1 - 3: DC | 0: Commuter type |
| 4 - 6: AC/DC | 1 - 2: Suburban type |
| 7 - 8: AC | 4: Departmental vehicles |
| 9: Prototypes/non-revenue-earning | 5 - 8: Express/Limited-express type |
| 9: Prototypes/non-revenue-earning |
SHINKANSEN
| Example: 723-1 (700 series end car) |
| 7 = Series |
| 2 = Vehicle accommodation (see table below) |
| 3 = Vehicle type (see table below) |
| 1 = Individual vehicle number |
| Vehicle accommodation | |
| Second digit indicates the vehicle accommodation. | |
1 |
Green class vehicle |
2 |
Standard class vehicle |
3 |
Catering vehicle |
4 |
Bilevel vehicle (green class) |
5 |
Bilevel vehicle (standard class) |
6 |
Bilevel vehicle (catering only) |
7 |
Bilevel vehicle |
| Vehicle type |
1 |
Motor vehicle with cab |
2 |
Motor vehicle with cab and pantograph |
3, 4 |
Trailer vehicle with cab |
5, 7 |
Intermediate motor vehicle |
6 |
Intermediate motor vehicle with pantograph |
8, 9 |
Trailer vehicle |
