FUKUSHIMA － Revaty Aizu, a new limited express train linking Tokyo with Fukushima Prefecture's Aizu region, was unveiled last month.
　The Tobu Railway Co. service will enable passengers to travel between Asakusa and Aizutajima stations without changing trains.

　東京都の浅草駅と南会津町の会津田島駅間を乗り換えなしで結ぶ東武鉄道の新型特急「リバティ（Revaty）会津」が５日、会津田島駅でお披露目された。

　The event was jointly held by Tobu, Yagantetsudo Railway Co. and Aizu Railway Co. in the hope of further generating a mood of excitement ahead of the start of operations on April 21.
　The three-car express train rolled into Aizutajima Station in the town of Minamiaizu shortly after noon on March 5. Local residents and other visitors welcomed the futuristic-looking train with cheers, and also took pictures of its body, painted a sophisticated shade of beige.

　４月２１日の運行開始に向けて機運を盛り上げようと東武、野岩、会津の鉄道３社が企画。新型特急は正午すぎに３両編成で同駅に乗り入れた。上品なベージュ色を基調にした先進的なデザインの車両を前に、訪れた地元住民らは歓声を上げながら記念撮影を楽しんだ。

　The express train will make four round trips a day between Asakusa and Aizutajima stations. A one-way journey takes between 3 hours and 9 minutes and 3 hours and 32 minutes.

　 新型特急は浅草―会津田島間を１日４往復し、片道３時間９～３２分で結ぶ。東武鉄道によると、名称のRevatyは、VarietyとLibertyを組み合わせた造語。

　◆Edo-style interior
　Inside Revaty Aizu, the seat covers are in edomurasaki purple, a traditional hue of the Edo period (1603-1867). The arms of the seats feature Inden dyed and lacquered leatherwork in a traditional Edo-style pattern.

　◆江戸文化と自然感じる内装
　「リバティ会津」の座席には江戸の伝統色「江戸紫」をあしらい、ひじ掛けには江戸の伝統工芸の漆で模様を付けた染め革「印伝（いんでん）」を採用した。

　Wood grain features prominently in the interior. The ceiling is decorated with curved lines depicting the flows of the Kinugawa and Sumidagawa rivers, which run through some of the areas served by Tobu railway lines.
　The express train is also equipped with a multifunction toilet for people in wheelchairs.

　各所に木目柄を配置したほか、天井は沿線の鬼怒川や隅田川の流れをイメージした柔らかな曲線を描いたデザイン。車いすで利用できる多機能トイレも設けた。

　Minamiaizu Mayor Sokichi Oya said: "With its detailed design motifs of Edo culture and nature, the express train offers passengers a comfortable space. We'd like to attract passengers by introducing Aizu culture."

　南会津町の大宅宗吉町長は「細部まで江戸の文化や自然にこだわったデザインで、快適な空間。会津の文化を紹介しながら誘客を図りたい」と話した。

　A test-ride was held on March 10, when the express train took passengers between Asakusa and Tobu-Nikko stations for the first time. There was little vibration during the comfortable ride. "I was surprised at how quiet it was," said one passenger, while another said, "With this express train, many people can probably feel Aizu is closer than before."

　「リバティ会津」の試乗会が１０日開かれ、初めて同特急が一般客を乗せ浅草―東武日光駅間を運行した。振動をほとんど感じない快適な乗り心地に、乗客からは「静かで驚いた」「会津が近くに感じられるはず」などの声が出た。

　About 150 people, plus members of media outlets, took part in the test-ride. The event was organized as part of a tour to Nikko Toshogu shrine's Yomeimon gate, which reopened to the public following what has come to be known as "the major restoration work of the Heisei era."

（　Translated by The Japan News　）

　試乗会は平成の大修理を終えた日光東照宮の陽明門の一般公開に合わせたツアー列車として開催され、約１５０人と報道関係者が乗り込んだ。

　【　２０１７年３月６日付など・福島民友新聞掲載　】