The first modern Japanese electric multiple unit for local transport was the class 101, which was initially called “MoHa 90”. To improve acceleration and deceleration, all axles on all cars were each powered by a 100 kW traction motor, which could also be used for electrical braking. A total of 1,535 cars were built up to 1969, which were combined to form two- to ten-car trains. They formed the basis for other multiple units up until the 1980s. The last class 101 trains were used by the Chichibu Railway until 2014. 