In 1995, JR East unveiled the E2 series to operate the Nagano Shinkansen, which opened two years later. The train was also to replace the first-generation train on Tohoku and Joetsu Shinkansen. The -1000 subseries have several modifications, including the structural design and use of the pantograph. As there were more new trains introduced these years, the remaining E2 series units are only active on Yamabiko and Nasuno services of Tohoku Shinkansen.
