

Dear N Scale Customers;
Kato (Japan) is excited to announce the September 2025 Releases
EF81 81 "Hokutosei" Colour Electric Locomotive

● Item Introduction
Experience the iconic EF81 #81 in its striking “Hokutosei” (meaning: “North Star”) red livery with a bold shooting star design. Among these, unit number 81 was unique as it was formerly an imperial train locomotive, adorned with silver decorations in various places, a major distinguishing feature. Versatile and historically rich, this locomotive ran between Ueno (Tokyo) and Sapporo (Hokkaido) from 1988 to 2015.
◆ Pairs perfectly as the locomotive for the simultaneously reissued 24 Series Sleeper Limited Express “Hokutosei” (Deluxe Formation), bringing the golden age of Japanese sleeper trains to your layout.
Features - Details
Features - Specifications
Couplers: silver Arnold couplers (silver replacement knuckle couplers).
Other:
EF57 Electric Locomotives

● Item Introduction
The legendary EF57 returns! First introduced in 1940, this DC electric locomotive was used for passenger service, representing pre-war JNR, hauling icons like the "Tsubame“. It later served on the Tōhoku Main Line with express trains like "Hakkōda.“Among the class, the No. 1 unit stands out with its unique square body, following the design lineage of the second production group of the EF56 (units 8–12), and centrally placed pantographs. A must-have for vintage JNR fans!
◆ This re-release features a slotless motor and new spoked pilot wheels for enhanced realism and performance. The product number, price, and JAN code have been updated.
◆ Product Features
Features - Details
EF57
EF57 1
Features - Specifications
Couplers: Arnold couplers, (replacement: KATO knuckle couplers).
Other:
Looking for more Kato Electric Locomotives? Click here!
315-3000 Series Sets

● Item Introduction
Introducing the 315 series: the new flagship commuter train of JR Tokai! First to feature the cutting-edge "N-QUALIS" brand, it’s already running on major lines like the Chuo and Kansai Main Lines. The sleek 4-car 3000 series includes side cameras for future one-man operation. Now available as a detailed model, perfect for coupling with popular 313 series sets. Experience the fresh face of Tokai rail travel!
◆ The all-in-one set comes complete with UNITRACK trains, track, and control equipment. Recommended to pair with the simultaneously released 313-300 Series (Shizuoka Depot) and 313-1000 Series for passing operation with other trains active in the same region!
◆ Product Features
Features - Details
315 Series 3000 Series 4-Car Set
Omitted door switch printings (switches as stickers included), front display: “Section Rapid Nagoya” (replacements: “Local Hamamatsu”, “Rapid Nakatsugawa”, blank option.
315-3000 Series + 313 -300 Series 6-Car Set
315-3000 Series N-Gauge Starter Set
Features - Specifications
Couplers: 315 Series: hookless close-couplers, 313 Series: hook-type close-couplers w/ body mounts (intermediate), hookless close-couplers (front), two-level electric couplers included for both.
Other:
E231-0 Series Musashino Line Sets

● Item Introduction
Step into the everyday rhythm of Tokyo’s urban life with the E231 Series 0 subseries, the backbone of the Musashino Line, Tokyo’s key orbital belt route!
Transferred from the Chūō–Sōbu Line in 2017, these commuter workhorses continue their journey on the Musashino Line, connecting across the Keiyō Line to Tokyo Station, and reaching key spots like Kaihin- Makuhari and Hachiōji via the Shimo-Usa and Musashino services.
◆ KATO now brings the E231-0 to life as part of its model lineup! Pair it with the popular 209 Series (Keiyō Line) or the upcoming 205 Series (Musashino Line final formation) for even more layout fun!
◆ Product Features
Features - Details
Features - Specifications
Couplers: Body-mounted KATO tight-couplers with hook (intermediate cars); dummy couplers (lead cars).
Other:
321 Series (JR Kyoto, Kobe, Tozai Lines) Sets

● Item Introduction
The 321 Series, a staple of the Kansai commuter network since 2005, now joins the lineup with newly assigned car numbers and realistic Toshiba WAU708 air conditioning units. Designed to run on key lines like the JR Kyoto, Kobe, Takarazuka, Tozai, and Yamatoji, this versatile DC commuter-type EMU is a must-have for any modern JR West collection.
◆ It pairs well with various other Kansai-region trains such as the 683-6000 Series "Mahoroba" scheduled for release in October 2025, and the 223-2000 Series Shin-Kaisoku set to be re-released in November of the same year.
◆ Product Features
Features - Details
Features - Specifications
Other:
Looking for more Kato Passenger Cars & Trains? Click here!
Anticipated Delivery Date: February 2026
Order Due Date: September 18, 2025