In 1973, JNR introduced the first titling limited express train, the 381 Series. With the titling technology, the train could operate 20km/h faster than the given speed limit on curved tracks. Yakumo eventually became the remaining service for having 381 Series in regular operation. While JR West has planned to phase out these trains, one of the units received a retro JNR livery to celebrate 50 years of Yakumo service.
