A shortage of spare parts and qualified technicians has forced JR to announce that it will retire its Moomin train:
The oldest active electric locomotive operated by East Japan Railway Co., affectionately known as “Moomin” for its resemblance to the Finnish cartoon character, will be retired from active service in January, JR East officials said.
The locomotive, which began service in 1936, is housed at the JR East branch office here and used mainly for special events. It will make its final run on Jan. 17 between Tokyo’s Ueno Station and Yokokawa Station in Gunma Prefecture.