The 72 series (72系) trains were DC electric commuter trains operated by Japanese National Railways (JNR), and served as the basis for the 101 series. The 72 series included the main production batch of 490 vehicles as well as 667 former 63 series cars converted into 72 series between 1953 and 1955. The last remaining trains were withdrawn in 1985, although some cars which were converted into mail coaches and experimental vehicles continued to remain in service until 1996. Most 72 series trains were converted to four-car 72–970 series trains, with the body based on the 103 series with the raised cab. The 72–970 series remained in service until 1985 when they were converted to 103–3000 series for the Kawagoe Line.

The 101 series was a DC electric multiple unit (EMU) commuter train type introduced in 1957 by Japanese National Railways (JNR), and formerly operated by East Japan Railway Company and West Japan Railway Company (JR-West). The last remaining trains were withdrawn in November 2003.