EF81 95 emerged in 1987 along with EF65 1019 in the special paint scheme as a locomotive dedicated to draw European style passenger train “Super Express Rainbow”. The locomotives were later used not only for the passenger train but also for sleeper expresses “Hokutosei (North Star)”, “Akebono (Dawn)” and other extra trains and freight trains.

The locomotive attracted attention for the logo “EF81” painted large on the sides.