The 205 series was introduced in 1985 as a cost-saving replacement for the 201 series, incorporating various concepts to reduce costs. As part of this, the body was changed from ordinary steel to stainless steel, making it approximately 7 tons lighter than the 201 series. While the previous 201 series had a fully painted body, the new 205 series now features a film in the line's color, giving it a clean, streamlined appearance.
Kato will be producing a replica of the Naha 39 train set from Nakahara Depot, which was transferred from the Yamanote Line in 1996 and remained in service until its final service. This model features a single-arm pantograph retrofit in 2011. With the introduction of the E233-8000 series in 2014, all 205 series trains on the Nambu Line were withdrawn from service. However, some were transferred overseas and are enjoying a second life in Indonesia.