JR Hokkaido in the northern main island of Japan started operation of the Series Kiha283 Express Train "Super-Ozora" ("Blue Sky") in 1997. This is a pendulum diesel train, an improved version of Kiha 281 operated as express "Super-Hokuto" ("Northern Stars"). It exceeds its predecessor in many respects, such as body shape, passenger car equipment, state-of-art highpowered motor and linked self-controlling pendulum trucks. The Pendulum trucks allow the train to sway and tilt as it runs, allowing for a smoother ride for the passengers.

Compared to the Kiha281, the Kiha283 has several big differences. The ventilators are removed from the rooftop, making the train appear more streamlined. The windows on the body sides, which were combined in a line on the 281, are now clearly separated from each other.

Furthermore, the prototypeÃ??s front display and body-side displays use LED markers.