The ED79 type was introduced as a locomotive used in the Seikan Tunnel, which opened in 1988, with the ED75-700 type equipped with a modification for continuous gradient and high speed in the tunnel and a security device for the Seikan Tunnel. 13 cars of ED79 type 100s appeared as auxiliary locomotives quoted by freight trains and were used in freight trains passing between Aomori and Hakodate, but all of them retired in 2006.
- Working head light
- Equipped with flywheel drive