On episode 8 of "Hanasaku Iroha", 681-2000 Series "Hakutaka", Hokuetsu Express Corporation's rich pink-coloured one, approaching to Kanazawa Station was drawn. It was the second time to appear on the work.
Just before it appeared to Kanazawa, Noto Railway NT200 Series also had come there. In the real world, NT200 Series doesn't come, then the 2 trains belonging to the railway company in Hokuriku and Niigata area met in this anime show.
There're 2 colours and 3 types of "Hakutaka", JR West's grey-coloured (681 Series) and Hokuetsu Express Corporation's rich pink-coloured (681-2000 and 683-8000 Series). Three 6-carriage set and three 3-carriage set belonging to Hokuetsu Express Corporation exist.
If you travel to Kanazawa from Tokyo, using Shinkansen and "Hakutaka" is the shortest route and can ride with JR East's "Hokuriku Free Ticket". From my point of view as a railfan, this scene shows us that please use "Hakutaka" and this ticket when you go there.
I think why this anime chose Hokuetsu Express Corporation's one is a light colour, the image leader of "Hakutaka" because of appearance "Densha de GO!", the advertising effect to the company.
"Hakutaka" is the important source of income for the company, about 90% comes from the limited express but from local and rapid trains less than 10%. Hokuhoku Line is a surplus mixed enterprise, but may need to gather the local passengers for after the extension of Hokuriku Shinkansen in 2014 to remain in surplus. Like Noto Railway, Hokuhoku Line also needs the railway revitalization.