East Japan Railway Co. started operations of a hybrid passenger train with an electric motor and diesel engine Saturday in Nagano Prefecture, the first of its kind designated for tourists. The Resort View Furusato train will run between the city of Nagano and Minami-Otari stations once a day until Dec. 26. All 78 seats of the two cars are occupied by passengers, JR East said. The train features large windows so that passengers can enjoy the scenic views, and the front carriage is an observation car.

The train will be powered by a diesel engine and electric battery that gets recharged by energy created from braking at curves and when entering stations, East Japan Railway spokesman Shinichi Harada said.

Although gas-and-electric hybrid automobiles are already touted as a way to fight global warming, the JR East's hybrid train is the first of its kind in the world, Harada said. The new technology helps reduce emissions of nitrogen oxide and particulate matter by up to 60 percent, compared to conventional trains, Harada said.

It cuts fuel consumption by up to 20 percent, and also runs more quietly. "It is our responsibility to help reduce global warming by running environmentally friendly means of transportation," Harada said. Harada said JR East, as the company is also known, study the train's performance on the 48.9 mile Koumi Line, which passes through mountain resorts, before deciding whether to mass produce the hybrid train cars. Starting Dec. 4, similar trains will be operated on the Tsugaru, Ominato and Goto lines in Aomori and Akita prefectures. On Saturday, a launching ceremony was held at JR Nagano Station, attended by the prefecture's governor, Shuichi Abe. (The Japan Times)