The catastrophic earthquake inflicted widespread damage, rendering 4,070 kilometers of the railways along Japan’s northeastern Pacific coast unusable. Yet, the innovative Bus Rapid Transit system proved instrumental in rapidly restoring es…

This month’s Special Rail Report details the newest addition to Japan’s high-speed rail system, which commenced operations in mid-March. We explore the advanced Shinkansen W7 series, the strategies employed to navigate the challenging snow …

Many railways in the third sector are the legacy of national lines, often operating in rural regions and sustaining losses. Recently, the Isumi Railway embarked on a new path to address this challenge. In 2009, they initiated a search for a…

Japan's diesel hybrid trains are powered by cutting-edge lithium-ion batteries. These trains offer a marked improvement over traditional diesel railcars, significantly reducing fuel consumption, carbon emissions, and noise. Embark on a jour…

Employing both overhead contact lines and onboard batteries for power, battery-hybrid trains are increasingly recognized globally for their environmentally conscious design and efficient energy use. Observe Japan’s pioneering lithium-ion ba…

Japan’s subway systems are renowned for their energy efficiency and environmental consciousness, and its companies have found considerable success exporting related technologies globally. The permanent magnet motors powering the Ginza Line’…

Across Japan, regions that maintain preserved steam locomotives experience significant economic revitalization. This program explores the ingenuity behind transforming these historic machines into compelling tourist destinations, and examin…

On March 26, 2016, the new H5 Series train will begin operation on Japan’s newest Shinkansen line, which traverses the world's longest undersea tunnel connecting Honshu and Hokkaido. Rena Matsui reports on the anticipation surrounding Hokka…

The JR Yamanote Line, with its relentless pace of 650 round trips daily, serves as the vital artery of Tokyo’s railway network. On November 30th, the advanced Series E235 trains began operation on the line's familiar green loop, slated to e…