The "Tsubasa" service commenced from the start of the revised timetable on 1 October 1961 as a limited express operating between in Tokyo and , using new KiHa 80 series diesel multiple unit (DMU) trains in 6-car formations. Initially, there was one return service daily, with a journey time of exactly 8 hours 30 minutes in either direction, cutting two hours off the journey time for the previous direct express service between Ueno and Akita. The outward service departed from Ueno at 12:30, arriving at Akita at 21:00. The return service departed from Akita at 08:10, arriving at Ueno at 16:40.