Seasons & Episodes
The Railway Revival: 4 Years After the Great Earthquake
The devastating Earthquake damaged or destroyed 4,070km of the railways along the Pacific coastline of North Eastern Jap
The New Shinkansen: Technology and Economic Effects
This month's Special Rail Report focuses on the latest addition to Japan's high-speed rail network that started mid-Marc
Isumi Railway: There's Nothing Here!
Most Third Sector railways are former nationally owned lines in rural areas that run at a loss. Recently, Isumi Railway
Diesel Hybrid Trains: Japan's World Leading Technology
Japan's diesel hybrid trains use the very latest lithium-ion batteries. Compared to conventional diesel railcars, diesel
Battery Hybrid Trains: Development of the Global Technology
Battery-hybrid trains draw power from both contact lines and their onboard batteries, and they are gaining worldwide att
Japan's Subway Technology in High Density Operation
Japan's subways have a reputation for being energy-saving and eco-friendly, and companies have been successfully exporti
The Secret of Operating Preserved Steam Locomotives
In Japan, regions operating preserved steam locomotives benefit from vital boosts to the local economy. Discover the sec
Special Preview - Hokkaido Shinkansen: Hopes and Challenges
On March 26, 2016, the new Series H5 will enter service on Japan's latest shinkansen line, which runs through the world'
Yamanote Line: The Green Rotating Heart of Tokyo
With trains making 650 round trips each day, the JR Yamanote Line is the artery of Tokyo's railways. On November 30, the
Seven Stars in Kyushu: The Local Revitalizing Cruise Train
In recent years, "tourist trains" have become increasingly popular. With their unique Japanese designs, seasonal on-boar
Second Chances for Used Trains in Southeast Asia
Used Japanese trains are being given a new lease of life in Southeast Asia. Demand for Japanese trains is high because t
Earthquake Safety: What 5 Years Has Taught Us
In March 2011, the Great East Japan Earthquake severely damaged the railway infrastructure in the Tohoku area. See some
Superconducting Maglev: The Extreme Speeds of Tomorrow
Traveling at 500km/h, the Superconducting Maglev will connect Tokyo to Nagoya in just 40 minutes and is planned to begin
Ekiben: A True Rail Traveling Companion
Ekiben, a word that combines eki, meaning station, and the ben from bento, are special boxed meals sold at stations and
Premium Express Shimakaze: A Train of Dreams to Reality
Kintetsu Railway's "Premium Express Shimakaze" is a popular tourist train that connects Osaka, Kyoto, and Nagoya to Ises
The Cat Stationmaster Who Rescued a Railway
The Wakayama Electric Railway's Kishigawa Line is a well-known local line for its cat stationmaster. Ever since "Tama" t
New Generation Express: Journey to Speed and Comfortability
A new test vehicle scheduled to operate on the Chuo Conventional Line is currently undergoing performance evaluation and
The Future of Rail Freight Transport
Freight trains are making a change to improve the quality of their service. Implementations such as "modal shift" - a sw
Kyoto Railway Museum: The Story of Rail Transport in Japan
In April 2016, Japan's largest railway museum made its debut in Kyoto city. On display is a collection of 53 vehicles th
Light Rail Vehicles: Modern Trams Reshaping Urban Transit
This program is all about the successive introduction of light rail vehicles (LRVs). Check out Fukui city's LRV under mu
Keikyu: The Strive for World-Class Rail Operation
Keikyu operates in the suburbs of Tokyo, and is known for its frequent high-speed operations, direct through service wit
World-Class Maintenance: The Backbone of Shinkansen Operations
In 1964, the Tokaido Shinkansen was introduced as the "Dream Super Express". Since then, it has transported over 5.5 bil
Railways Back on Track: Six Months After the Kumamoto Earthquakes
The magnitude 7 earthquake that struck Kumamoto Prefecture on April 14, 2016 severely damaged railways of Kyushu region.
Future Prospects Made in the Past: JR East's Steam Loco Strategy
East Japan Railway Company also known as JR East operates 4 preserved steam locomotives and is a popular attraction for
Picking Up the Pace: JR Shikoku's Tactics for Survival
Due to the privatization from Japan National Railway, 6 Japanese Railway Companies were established almost 30 years ago.
The Seeds of Success: Kyoto's Sagano Scenic Railway
2016 sees the Sagano Scenic Railway in Kyoto mark its 25th year of operating tourist trolley trains that wind through a
Turning Problems Into Opportunities: The Tsugaru Railway's Strategy
Tsugaru Railway is a local private railway that runs for 20.7km in Aomori Prefecture, in northern Japan. Its "Stove Trai
Japan's World-Class Rail and Wheels
Japanese rails and train wheels are currently gaining worldwide attention due to wear and tear resistance and reliabilit
Keihan Electric Railway: Advanced Technology That Dominated the Railway Hub
3 railways have been competing for dominance of the Osaka-Kyoto region since the 1920's. The Keihan Electric Railway's m
The Long Winter of Discontent: One Railway's Battle Against Snow
The Iiyama Line in Nagano Prefecture operates in one of Japan's snowiest regions. 7.85m of snow has been recorded along
Dreams of a Texas Bullet Train: Future Plans for Japan's High-Speed Railways
Japan's high-speed rail system, the shinkansen, may soon be flying across the U.S., with plans to connect 2 major cities
Using Railways to Promote Local Tourism: Kyushu Railway Company's Strategy
There are currently over 100 tourist trains in service throughout Japan. Among the various companies operating tourist t
Toden Arakawa Line: A Hidden Gem for Tourists from Overseas
The Toden Arakawa Line is a streetcar service in the center of Tokyo. There are over 30 stops on the 12.2km line, and tr
All the Comfort You Require: Onboard Services on Japanese Trains
From high-speed Shinkansen to tourist trains operated by local railways, onboard trolley services are available on vario
The Unsung Hero of Japanese Railways: Series Kiha 40 Diesel Trains
Series Kiha 40 diesel trains were mass-produced in the late 1970's, and were highly valued on non-electrified lines. The
Airport Express Lines: How Competition Is Improving the Ride Into the City
At Narita and Kansai International Airports, railways providing access into the city must constantly offer better servic
Prepaid E-money Cards: The Smart Way to Travel in Japan
15 million people commute in and out of Tokyo every day, and most of them now use prepaid e-money cards. Because one car
HIGH RAIL 1375: The Tourist Train That Touches New Heights
"HIGH RAIL 1375" is JR East's newest tourist train, which started operating in July 2017. The train runs on the JR Koumi
Train Suite Shiki-shima: The High-Tech Luxury Cruise Train
May 2017 saw the launch of JR East's new cruise train, "Train Suite Shiki-shima". "Cruise trains" are a new type of luxu
A Long-Awaited Whistle: Tobu Railway's Steam Service Revival
From August 2017, TOBU Railway started operating "SL TAIJU"; a tourist steam train and the first steam service on the ra
Rediscovering Old Horizons: Preservation and Utilization of Railway Heritage
Preservation activities are ongoing for old stations and trains that contributed to the modernization of Japan, as they
Hankyu Corporation: A Leading Private Railway Company's Business Model
Hankyu Corporation in Osaka, Japan's second largest metropolitan area, has successfully increased ridership by using div
Advanced Urban Travel: Japan's Monorail Systems
1957 saw the opening of Japan's first monorail. 60 years on, Japan is a world leader in monorail technology with 11 line
Safeguarding the System: Maintaining JR Central's Conventional Line
JR Central, which operates the Japanese high-speed "Tokaido Shinkansen", also operates 12 conventional lines totaling 1,
Driving Forward With Steam: Oigawa Railway's Strategy
The Oigawa Railway began operating Japan's first preserved steam locomotive in 1976, and has been a pioneer in the field
Hokuriku Shinkansen Update: Re-assessing the Effects and Challenges 3 Years On
In 2015, the Hokuriku Shinkansen connected between Tokyo and Kanazawa. 3 years on, hotel construction around Kanazawa te
JR OITA CITY: The Station Complex that Changed the Game
The 21-story "JR OITA CITY" complex, with over 200 stores, opened at JR Kyushu's Oita Station in 2015. Thanks to this ne
Enoshima Electric Railway: A Good Old 10km Ride
Enoshima Electric Railway is a 10km local line connecting Kamakura and Fujisawa Stations via Enoshima Station. About 18
A New Generation of Commuter Train: Tokyu Corporation's Series 2020
Tokyu Corporation introduced a new commuter train for the first time in 16 years - the stainless steel "Series 2020", wh
The Ultimate in Comfort: New Limited Express Super Azusa
JR East's new Limited Express "Super Azusa", which operates between Shinjuku in Tokyo and Matsumoto in Nagano Prefecture
Tobu Railway's Revaty Express: Moving Forward to a Better Nikko
Tobu Railway's new limited express "Revaty", which runs toward Nikko, began service in 2017. A unique characteristic of
Gakunan Electric Train: A New Outlook in the Foothills of Mt. Fuji
Gakunan Electric Train is a 9km private local railway which operates in Fuji City, in Shizuoka Prefecture. The train run
Kominato Railway: The Strategy of a Quaint Local Railway
Kominato Railway is a 39.1km local line, half of which runs through the mountains in Chiba Prefecture. Unfortunately the
The Golden Route to Hakone: Limited Express Romancecar and the Mountain Train
Hakone is located in Kanagawa Prefecture just west of Tokyo. A popular tourist destination, it attracts 21.5 million vis
New-Look Railway Museum: A Wonderland of Japan's Railway History
The Railway Museum in Saitama Prefecture boasts a large collection of trains dating back to the dawn of Japan's railway
Shinano Railway: Managing the Risks of the Next 30 Years
In 2016, Shinano Railway (a third sector company operating in Nagano Prefecture) welcomed an executive from a major insu
Chartered Tour Trains: Special Times for Special Tours
Unlike regular trains, chartered tour trains run to a timetable set by travel agents who create fun and interesting tour
Nagoya Railroad: Advancing with Easy Airport Access and a Famous Castle Town
Nagoya Railroad is a 444km railway network operating across Aichi and Gifu Prefectures. With the privatization of JR Cen
JR Central: Enticing Tourists with Helpful Services & Events
Although JR Central derives most of its income from the Tokaido Shinkansen, the company has developed other ways to attr
Iwate Galaxy Railway: Launching Services for the Community
Iwate Galaxy Railway is a third sector company in Iwate Prefecture that has been finding new ways to boost ridership. Wh
Echizen Railway: Heading into the Future with the Community Onboard
Echizen Railway is located in Fukui Prefecture just north of Kyoto. In the days prior to Echizen Railway, the line exper
Seibu Railway: Setting its Sights on the Chichibu Region
Seibu Railway operates between western Tokyo and Saitama Prefecture. Facing an aging population and a declining birthrat
New Year Trains: Beginning the New Year with a Journey
New Year is a special time in Japan with many unique traditions. There are special postcards and special foods, visits t
JR Gono Line: A Popular Local Line Worth the Journey
JR East's Gono Line, which runs between Akita and Aomori Prefectures, currently boasts 3 popular tourist trains with the
Amaterasu Railway: A Tourist Attraction Making the Most of a Discontinued Line
Amaterasu Railway was a third sector company located in Takachiho Town in the northern part of Miyazaki Prefecture. Howe
Yamanote Line: Tokyo's Ever Evolving Loop Line
The JR Yamanote Line is a 35km loop line that runs around central Tokyo carrying 3.5 million passengers per day. During
JR Hokkaido's Yubari Line: A Beloved Local Line Comes to an End
On April 1, 2019, the Yubari branch of JR Hokkaido's Sekisho Line is sadly coming to an end. Back in the days, Yubari wa
Tokyo Metro: A Subway Network On Time & On Track
Tokyo Metro operates 9 subway lines with a network stretching a total of 195km. Connecting to a number of main stations
Nishi-Nippon Railroad: Fine Dining on an Even Finer Tourist Train
Nishi-Nippon Railroad's first tourist train "The Rail Kitchen Chikugo" began operating in March 2019 in the Kyushu regio
Hiroshima Electric Railway: On Track on the Streets
Since the 1960's Japan's streetcar numbers have fallen into decline due to an increase of cars, subways, and railway lin
Hankai Tramway: Osaka's One & Only Tram Network
With a history of more than 100 years, Hankai Tramway, which connects Osaka City and Sakai City, is the only tram operat
Choshi Electric Railway: Finding New Ways to Get Back on Track
Choshi Electric Railway operates a 6.4km line in Chiba Prefecture. This beloved local line services around 20,000 people
JR Osaka Loop Line: Developing a Better, More User-Friendly Line
JR West's Osaka Loop Line is the main artery for public transport in Osaka. 13 of the line's 19 stations connect to subw
Kyoto Tango Railway: A Bus Company to the Rescue
Kyoto Tango Railway is a 114km line located along Amanohashidate, one of the 3 most scenic spots in Japan. Once the most
South Hokkaido Railway: A Tourist Train Developed by a Tour Company
South Hokkaido Railway is home to a popular tourist train. A third sector company, South Hokkaido Railway began operatio
Chizu Express: A Top Tier Third Sector Railway
Chizu Express is a third sector local railway, which runs 56.1km through the Chugoku Mountains between Tottori and Hyogo
Hitachinaka Seaside Railway: Pulling Together with the Local Community
Hitachinaka Seaside Railway in Ibaraki Prefecture opened in 2008. When it began operation, the 14.3km railway had a ride
JR's Ekinaka Development Project: A New Lifestyle Below the Chuo Line
"Ekinaka" refers to the shops and facilities that are usually found inside the station. Now JR East is expanding on that
Introducing the N700S: JR Central's Next-Generation Shinkansen
JR Central's long-awaited next-generation Shinkansen; the N700S is scheduled to begin operation in summer 2020. The new
New Technology Opening the Future of the Railway
Railway companies in Japan are shifting toward the use of artificial intelligence and IoT systems to improve services. R
Reviewing the New Trains of 2019
Many new express, commuter and tourist trains, as well as trams, began service in 2019. Join us as we take a look back a
Sunrise Seto and Izumo: The Last of the Overnight Sleeper Trains
Once an icon in Japan, sleeper trains (commonly known as "blue trains") disappeared in the wake of faster and more conve
Echigo Tokimeki Railway: A Railway for Everyone
Echigo Tokimeki Railway in Niigata Prefecture started service in 2015, coinciding with the opening of the Hokuriku Shink
A Guide to Tokyo's Airport Access Lines
With the Tokyo 2020's big events fast approaching, visitors from around the world are expected to enter Japan through To
Kintetsu Railway's Hinotori: Challenging the Shinkansen with Comfort
Kintetsu Railway (known as the "kingdom of limited express trains") introduced the new "Series 80000 Hinotori," which op
Takanawa Gateway Station: The New Gateway to Tokyo
For the first time in almost half a century, a new station was added to the JR Yamanote Line. Takanawa Gateway Station i
Securing the Future of Japan's Local Railways
Across Japan there are 95 local railways, many of which are now struggling to survive. The aging population, a declining
The Blue Ribbon & Laurel Prize: Japan's Best New Trains
Established in 1953, the Japan Railfan Club (which has more than 3,000 members) awards its "Blue Ribbon Prize" and "Laur
Bicycle Onboard: Cycling with JR East
JR East's cycle train, which stopped running due to the coronavirus pandemic, resumed operation from July. B.B.BASE (Bos
Heisei Chikuho Railway: A Tourist Train Recovering From the Pandemic
Heisei Chikuho Railway is a third sector railway in Fukuoka Prefecture. In 2018, they began operating "Japan's slowest t
Tsugaru Railway: Surviving the Coronavirus Pandemic
Celebrating its 90th year, Tsugaru Railway in Aomori Prefecture runs by many popular tourist spots, and the railway's "s
JR Freight: In Business for the Long Haul
In March 2020, JR Freight opened a large-scale distribution center, "Tokyo Rail Gate West." This center was set up as an
Beyond the Pandemic: Discussing the Railway With Industrial Designer Mitooka Eiji
Internationally acclaimed industrial designer Mitooka Eiji is Japan's leading designer of railway vehicles. He has worke
JR West: Redefining the Role of the Railway Post Pandemic
JR West is developing new services in response to lifestyle changes brought about by the coronavirus pandemic. One servi
Tenryu Hamanako Railroad: Working with the Community to Revitalize the Railway
The 67.7km Tenryu Hamanako Railroad in Shizuoka Prefecture is a third sector railway that connects 5 cities and 1 town.
Reviewing the New Trains of 2020
Many new express, commuter and tourist trains, as well as a sleeper train, began service in 2020. See the latest express
Keeping Commuters Safe During the Pandemic
The coronavirus pandemic has changed the way people live and work. While many people are now working from home, many oth
Moka Railway: Pushing Forward with Steam
Moka Railway, which runs between Shimodate Station in Ibaraki Prefecture and Motegi Station in Tochigi Prefecture, began
Must-see Railway News: The First Half of 2021
Across Japan, NHK has been covering a wide range of railway-related news. Join us as we take a look at the news from Jan
Japan's Top New Trains: Awarded for Excellence
The Japan Railfan Club, established in 1953 with more than 3,000 members, awards its Blue Ribbon Prize and Laurel Prize
Back in Time at the Romancecar Museum
In April 2021, Odakyu Electric Railway opened its Romancecar Museum. The museum features 5 generations of Romancecars, i
Shinano Railway: Investing in New Trains
In Nagano Prefecture, third-sector Shinano Railway came up with a unique strategy to replace their old trains. Investing
This Is Not the End of the Line: Noto, Ishikawa Prefecture
Currently, many places in Japan are utilizing discontinued railways such as tracks and station buildings to revitalize t
Asa Coast Railway: The World's First DMV
Third-sector Asa Coast Railway, which runs between Tokushima and Kochi Prefectures in the Shikoku region, has introduced
Shinkansen Freight: Carrying On Post Pandemic
The JR companies have been working on ways to use the shinkansen to provide freight services to compensate for lost pass
Kominato Railway: Surviving with Wisdom and Ingenuity
Kominato Railway is a 39.1km rural railway that operates in Chiba, the prefecture next to Tokyo. Unfortunately, damage c
Must-see Railway News: The Latter Half of 2021
See railway-related news from across Japan, covered by NHK from July to December 2021. Join us as we take a look back at
Ekiben: Making a Comeback
Ekiben (a word that combines the Japanese words for station and boxed meal) are sold at stations and on trains throughou
Konan Railway: Combating the Snow
Konan Railway operates in one of Japan's snowiest regions, Aomori Prefecture. For the people who live there, heavy snow
Rebuilding Tohoku's Railway Network
On March 11, 2011, the Great East Japan Earthquake struck, causing severe damage to railways along the Pacific coast. Sa
Trains Evolving by Design
In recent years, the Japanese railway industry has seen the introduction of many unique trains designed by famous design
Tobu Railway: Restoring a Steam Locomotive
Tobu Railway operates 12 routes in the greater Tokyo area and runs a tourist train pulled by SL Taiju steam locomotives
Working on the Move by Rail
The pandemic has accelerated the trend of remote work and web conferences, but this has led to a decrease in commuting a
Speeding Toward Carbon-Free Railways
Japan has committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2050. To honor this commitment, Japan's railway companies have begun v
Must-see Railway News: The First Half of 2022
See railway-related news from across Japan, covered by NHK from January to June 2022. Join us as we look back at evolvin
Kosaka Railroad: A Second Chance for a Discontinued Railway
In recent years, there's been a move to utilize discontinued railways as tourism resources. Kosaka Railroad in Akita Pre
Running a Luxury Tourist Train in Hokkaido
Since JR Kyushu's "Seven Stars in Kyushu" debuted in 2013, railway companies have seen trains as tourism resources and b
JR Okayama Branch: Using Old Trains to Attract Tourists
The Okayama Destination Campaign - one of Japan's most extensive tourism campaigns, ran in Okayama Prefecture from July
Yagan Railway: Surviving as a Connecting Line
Yagan Railway is a third-sector railway that started service in 1986, operating between Shin-fujiwara Station in Tochigi
Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen: Half a Century Since Its Inception
One of the biggest news in the railway industry this year is the opening of JR Kyushu's Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen. Making
JR Tadami Line: Back After 11 Years
The JR Tadami Line connecting Fukushima and Niigata Prefectures is known for its spectacular views. However, in July 201
Exploring the Labyrinth That Is Tokyo Station
This year marks the 150th anniversary of Japan's railway system. Tokyo Station - the heart of the network is a hub stati
Reviewing the New Trains of 2022
Thirteen new trains, including express, commuter and tourist trains, made their debut in 2022. Compared to last year, ma
Must-see Railway News: The Latter Half of 2022
Japan's railway-related news, covered by NHK from July to December 2022. Join us as we look at news celebrating the 150t
Ichibata Electric Railway: Working Hand in Hand with the Region
In 2022, Ichibata Electric Railway in Shimane Prefecture celebrated its 110th anniversary. The railway is a vital means
Choshi Electric Railway: Turning Creative Ideas into Profit
Many railway companies have suffered during the pandemic, but the Choshi Electric Railway in Chiba Prefecture made a pro
The Tohoku Shinkansen: Full Speed Ahead
JR East is working to reduce travel times by increasing the speed of the Tohoku Shinkansen to attract tourists and revit
JR Geibi Line and Kisuki Line at a Crossroads
Passenger numbers for local railway lines across Japan continue to fall as the population declines and more people opt t
Yuri Kogen Railway: Getting People Back on Track
Yuri Kogen Railway, a third-sector railway in Akita Prefecture, averaged just 508 passengers per day in 2022 (a result o
Collaborating to Revive Japan's Stations
Passenger numbers for local railway lines across Japan continue to fall as the population declines and more people opt t
Hisatsu Orange Railway: Fully Supported by Kagoshima Prefecture
Kagoshima Prefecture has been working to subsidize third-sector Hisatsu Orange Railway with support from all 43 of its m
Must-see Railway News: The First Half of 2023
See railway-related news from across Japan, covered by NHK from January to June 2023. See recent "Railway Events," the i
Fukushima's Iizaka Line: Keeping Business on Track
Located in the Tohoku region of Japan, the Iizaka Line is a small privately-owned railway line in Fukushima Prefecture t
Minamiaso Railway: Overcoming Disaster
Severely damaged by the Kumamoto Earthquake in April 2016, Minamiaso Railway finally resumed full operation after seven
Countdown to the Hokuriku Shinkansen Extension
With the extension of the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Kanazawa to Tsuruga, the line will gain six new stations. The local g
Putting JR Hokkaido's Abandoned Lines to Use
In recent years, JR Hokkaido has had to close a number of unprofitable lines as they became more and more difficult to m
Haga Utsunomiya LRT: Shaping Communities
On August 26, a new streetcar "Haga Utsunomiya LRT" opened in Tochigi Prefecture. LRT is a next-generation transportatio
Oigawa Railway: Keeping Steam Alive
Oigawa Railway in Shizuoka Prefecture was the first to revive steam locomotives in Japan. See how the company has contin
JR Shikoku's Collaborative New Idea
JR Shikoku has suffered continued losses due to population decline and the expansion of a highway. See the initiatives t
Must-see Railway News: The Latter Half of 2023
Railway news from the latter half of 2023. Join us as we see various railway-related events post-pandemic, new initiativ
Shining a Light on Japan's Monorails
Monorails, which make use of the space above public land, are gaining attention as safe and economically efficient modes
Riding in Style: Exploring Japan's Tourist Trains
In 2023, Japan Railway Journal showcased 10 tourist trains running throughout the country. Join us as we examine the res
Hapi-Line Fukui: Born Alongside the Shinkansen
Hapi-Line Fukui is a parallel conventional line that opened alongside the Hokuriku Shinkansen, running between Kanazawa
New Regional Yamagata Shinkansen Series E8
The new Yamagata Shinkansen Series E8, which has unique features inspired by Yamagata Prefecture, made its debut in Marc
The Challenging Journey of Akechi Railway
This year marks the 90th anniversary of the Akechi Line, now third-sector Akechi Railway, in Gifu Prefecture. See how th
Iwate Prefecture: Promoting Railway Tourism
Iwate Prefecture is home to a number of unique railways and popular tourist trains. See the different initiatives JR and
Branching Out with the Shin-Yokohama Line
The Shin-Yokohama Line, run by Sagami Railway and Tokyu Railways in the Greater Tokyo Area, opened in 2023. See the exte
Must-see Railway News: The First Half of 2024
Railway news from the first half of 2024. See the railway lines restored after the Noto Peninsula earthquake, various ne
Railcars Dressed in Tradition
A recent design trend on the rise is the use of traditional craftsmanship in railway cars, from tourist trains to commut
Affordable Luxury Trains: Kintetsu Railway
As luxury tourist trains gain attention, Kintetsu Railway is popularizing its sightseeing limited express trains with af
The 60th Anniversary of the Tokaido Shinkansen: Part 1, The Evolution of High-Speed Rail
This year is the 60th anniversary of the Tokaido Shinkansen, the world's first high-speed rail! Join us as we look back
The 60th Anniversary of the Tokaido Shinkansen: Part 2, The Evolution of Maintenance Technologies
This year is the 60th anniversary of the Tokaido Shinkansen, the world's first high-speed rail. See how maintenance tech
Hokkaido's Railway Heritage at a Crossroads
Retired railway cars often end up in museums or parks to be appreciated after their service. However, some are abandoned
Japan's Unique Railway Departure Melodies
Departure melodies are musical versions of traditional train departure signals like bells. Join us as we take a look at
JR West's New and Improved Limited Express Yakumo
After 42 years, JR West's Limited Express Yakumo has been renewed, boldly redesigned inside and out, with improvements m
Must-see Railway News: The Latter Half of 2024
Railway news from the latter half of 2024. Join us as we look back on the Tokaido Shinkansen's 60th anniversary, the int
Major Railways Helping Local Communities Grow
Private railway companies in Greater Tokyo are redeveloping areas along their lines. See how they are focusing on commun
The Enduring Charm of Printed Timetables
Despite the rise of transfer apps, around 100,000 timetables are printed each month. Discover the charm of Japanese trai
Oigawa Railway: A New President Steps Up
In June 2024, Torizuka Akira became Oigawa Railway's new president. With half the line still closed due to typhoon damag
On Track for a Carbon-Free Future
Across the country, Japan's railways are working towards a shared goal: carbon neutrality. See the efforts being made to
Revitalizing Niigata's Third-Sector Railways
Echigo Tokimeki Railway and Hokuetsu Express, both third-sector railways in Niigata Prefecture, have struggled since the
110 Years of Nagasaki's Beloved Streetcars
2025 marks the 110th anniversary of Nagasaki Electric Tramway, which has long been a vital means of transportation for b
Must-see Railway News: The First Half of 2025
Railway news from the first half of 2025. From new technologies to farewell runs, join us as we take a look at the lates
JR Ome Line: Turning Railway Stops into Overnight Stops
A unique project along Tokyo's JR Ome Line is turning the area's empty homes into "hotel rooms" - with one station curre
Hiroshima Station Transformed: A Bustling New Gateway to the City
In March 2025, a new shopping complex opened inside Hiroshima Station, and in August, trams began running from the secon
Choshi Electric Railway: Fighting to Get Back on Track
Choshi Electric Railway in Chiba Prefecture posted its first loss in four years, as reported in June 2025. See the compa
Five Years On: Redeveloping the Joban Line
The JR Joban Line, severely damaged by the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, fully reopened in 2020. See how station
JR Geibi Line: Making Moves with Extra Trains
The JR Geibi Line has begun running extra trains as talks commence regarding the line's future. See the local government
Vertical Separation: A Key to the Survival of Local Railways
Amid financial struggles, local railways are increasingly turning to vertical separation (dividing the ownership of infr
Enhancing Railways with AI: Highlights from Mass-Trans Innovation Japan 2025
Recently, many railway companies have been adopting AI to improve efficiency and safety. See examples from Mass-Trans In
The Return of Japan's Night Trains
With the expansion of the Shinkansen, Japan's night trains all but disappeared. Now, the last remaining sleeper expresse
Must-see Railway News: The Latter Half of 2025
Railway news from the latter half of 2025. Join us as we look back on new railway vehicles, cutting-edge technologies, c
Battling the Snow: Japan's Northern Railways
In regions that experience heavy snowfall, railways use snowplows in combination with other systems to keep the trains r
Railway Technical Research Institute: Leading the Way
Railway Technical Research Institute leads R&D for Japan's railways, from the JR companies to smaller regional lines. Se
Hojo Railway: From Preservation to Revitalization
Hojo Railway in Hyogo Prefecture managed to boost ridership with the introduction of volunteer stationmasters and an old
2026 Train Awards: Blue Ribbon and Laurel Prize
Every year, the Blue Ribbon and Laurel Prizes honor the finest newly built and redesigned trains. Meet the winners for 2
Must-see Railway News: The First Half of 2026
Railway news from across Japan for the first half of 2026. Join us as we look back on milestones and anniversaries, effo
On Track for the Next Decade: Nishikigawa Railway
Iwakuni City has decided to keep the third-sector Nishikigawa Railway running for the next 10 years. See the efforts bei
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