The was a DC electric multiple unit (EMU) commuter train type introduced in 1979 by Japanese National Railways (JNR). It was operated by West Japan Railway Company (JR-West) from 1987 until 2025 and East Japan Railway Company (JR East) from 1987 until 20 June 2011.
It was the first JNR train to use electronic chopper control.
Operations The 201 series stock was used on a large number of lines.
JR-West Kansai Main Line (Yamatoji Line), Sakurai Line (Manyo Mahoroba Line), Wakayama Line (from 2006 to 14 March 2025)
Tokaido Main Line, Sanyo Main Line (Biwako Line, JR Kyoto Line, JR Kobe Line) (Kusatsu – Kakogawa) (from 1983 to 2007) Kosei Line (from 1997 to 2007, 2018 [test runs]) Fukuchiyama Line (JR Takarazuka Line) (from 1997 to 2007) Osaka Loop Line (from 2005 to 7 June 2019) Sakurajima Line (JR Yumesaki Line) (from 2005 to 2019) Osaka Higashi Line (from 2008 to 11 March 2022)
JR East Chūō Rapid Line (10 cars) (from 1979 to October 2010)JR East news release: "「さよなら中央線201系」キャンペーン＜第2弾＞を開催します" (25 February 2010). Retrieved 17 June 2010. Chūō-Sōbu Line (10 cars) (from 1982 to 2001) Ōme Line (4 cars) (from 1999 to 2008) Itsukaichi Line (6 cars) (from 1999 to 2008) Hachikō Line (6+4 cars) (Hachiōji – Komagawa, until March 2008) Keiyō Line, Sotobō Line, Tōgane Line (10 cars) (from 2000 to 20 June 2011) Musashino Line (6 cars) (from 3 March 1986 to November 1996)
Shikisai train A 4-car 201 series set (W1) was modified in 2001 by JR East to become the special tourist train, entering service on the Ōme Line from 4 August 2001. This train featured panorama windows and transverse seating bays on one side of the train only. It was repainted into a new livery in June 2005. The train was withdrawn from regular service at the end of June 2009, with a number of special finale runs scheduled for July.Japan Railfan Magazine: "201系「四季彩」，青梅線定期運用を終了" (28 June 2009) . Retrieved on 28 June 2009.
Preserved examples KuHa 201-1: Formerly preserved at Toyoda Depot. Currently, in Ome Railway Park.
Accidents On the evening of 12 October 1997, A 6-car Chuo Line 201 series trainset collided with a 12-car Super Azusa E351 series train which was passing through the Otsuki Station with a 2-minute delay at a running speed of , while on the right side which is a damaged 201 series trainset which collided at a speed of , the Super Azusa train derailed which has been led to decoupling of 4 cars (Car No. 5 to 9), while the last which had been rolled over to the ground. The accident resulted in 78 injuries but no recorded deaths. The main cause of this accident was about the shunting or decoupling of the two 201 series trainsets which was composed of 4 cars for Ome Line & 6 cars for Chuo Line Rapid, the 4-car set remained in Otsuki, while the 6-car set was leaving from the station for turnover, but there was a delayed Super Azusa train which was coming behind to the main line, resulting in collision. – 聞蔵IIビジュアルにて閲覧：負傷者の詳細についても記載がある。
After this incident, the management of JR East decided to abolish the shunting work that is required the existing ATS to be turned off, and they completely repaired the damaged trainset to let them back from service.
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