From July through December 2022, NHK brought you the latest on Japan's railways. This program revisits stories marking the 150th anniversary of rail travel, highlighting the resilience of rural lines as they recover from the pandemic, and e…

In 2022, the Ichibata Electric Railway of Shimane Prefecture marked its 110th year. A crucial artery for local residents and a favored route for those exploring the region's attractions, the railway has operated at a deficit since 1966, sus…

While many railway companies weathered financial hardship during the pandemic, the Choshi Electric Railway in Chiba Prefecture achieved a profit in 2021—a first in six years. This turnaround is largely due to the fact that eighty percent of…

To draw tourists and invigorate the Tohoku region, JR East is pursuing faster travel times on the Tohoku Shinkansen. The company is presently testing its ALFA-X vehicle, working toward a commercial speed of 360 km/h through the development …

Across Japan, ridership on local railway lines continues its downward trend, a consequence of a shrinking population and a growing preference for automobiles, placing increasing strain on the financial health of railway companies. In April …

The Yuri Kogen Railway, a privately-owned line in Akita Prefecture, carried an average of only 508 passengers daily in 2022, a consequence of the region’s dwindling population. To stimulate ridership and increase income, the railway’s presi…

Across Japan, ridership on local railway lines continues its downward trend, a consequence of a shrinking population and a growing preference for personal vehicles. The stations themselves, once vibrant centers of community, are experiencin…

Across Kagoshima Prefecture, a collaborative effort sustains the Hisatsu Orange Railway. Supported by all forty-three municipalities, even those not directly served by the line, the railway receives subsidies that cover essential maintenanc…

NHK presented a comprehensive overview of railway developments throughout Japan during the period of January to June 2023. This report highlights recent "Railway Events," the introduction of innovative "New Rolling Stock," and noteworthy "N…

Nestled in the Tohoku region of Japan, the Iizaka Line is a modest, privately-owned railway in Fukushima Prefecture. It links Fukushima City to the popular Iizaka Onsen. Operated by the railway division of a bus company, the line stretches …

After suffering catastrophic damage in the Kumamoto Earthquake of April 2016, the Minamiaso Railway finally resumed full operation in July 2023, marking a return after seven years and three months. The earthquake had devastated 10.6 kilomet…

The Hokuriku Shinkansen’s extension to Tsuruga will bring six new stations to the route. Local authorities anticipate that this expansion will significantly benefit their communities by improving access to the Tokyo metropolitan area, foste…

Faced with increasing maintenance costs, JR Hokkaido has recently discontinued several unprofitable railway lines. In response, local residents and businesses are creatively repurposing these abandoned routes and stations. Some sites have b…

A new streetcar, the "Haga Utsunomiya LRT," commenced operations on August 26th in Tochigi Prefecture. This represents a forward-thinking approach to public transit, employing low-floor vehicles designed for enhanced accessibility. An overv…

In Shizuoka Prefecture, the Oigawa Railway holds the distinction of being Japan's first to bring steam locomotives back into service. A testament to resilience, the company has persevered through challenges including typhoon damage and the …

Ongoing population decline and the construction of a new highway have presented persistent challenges for JR Shikoku, resulting in continued financial hardship. The company is now implementing several initiatives aimed at fostering recovery…