The Shinkansen trains have not caused a single fatal accident or injury since they began operations, and the average delay for trips is less than 5 minutes.
The Shinkansen high-speed train began its service between Tokyo and Osaka on October 1, 1964, marking a new era for rail transportation as Japan emerged as an economic superpower following World War II. This service remains an essential part of the country’s economy and daily life, making the maintenance of punctual, accident-free, and pristine trains a serious undertaking.
The Shinkansen train can reach speeds of up to 320 km/h. (Photo: Shahjah 24).
Every day, nearly 250,000 passengers travel on the Tokaido Shinkansen line, which stretches from Tokyo through Mount Fuji to Hakata Station, approximately a 5-hour journey. Trains arrive at the station every 5 minutes according to schedule. JR Central, the operating company, states that the Shinkansen bullet trains have never caused a fatal accident or injury, even though Japan regularly experiences earthquakes, storms, and heavy snowfall. “Safety is our top priority. Therefore, we train our staff very thoroughly,” said Daisuke Kumajima, a public relations officer at JR Central. This month, for the first time, on another line operated by JR East, two bullet trains that were connected separated, leading to an emergency stop, but no one was injured.
With routes spanning the country, the Shinkansen’s maximum speed of 320 km/h is no longer the fastest in the world after being surpassed by China. However, the long-nosed design and spacious interiors of the original high-speed train model remain a symbol of Japan’s technological achievements and meticulous attention to detail. The meticulous maintenance schedule ensures that the trains are kept spotless inside and out, with cleaning staff adjusting headrests and using brushes to ensure that seats are free from any debris. On the bullet train network, the average delay for trips is less than 5 minutes.
The development of cities along the Shinkansen route over the decades reflects its impact on Japan’s economy, according to Christopher Hood, a researcher at Cardiff University in the UK. The bullet train also plays a crucial role in encouraging population decline in rural areas of Japan. People prefer to live in major cities and then use the Shinkansen to visit relatives in smaller towns when needed.
At a JR Central facility, engineers tap on the machinery inside the bullet train, carefully listening for any unusual sounds that might indicate loose parts. Amid a labor shortage due to an aging population, the company is also researching a new digital inspection system that can analyze images of the trains and detect hazards.
Meanwhile, JR East has announced that driverless bullet trains could be introduced by the mid-2030s. They are undertaking a major project to build high-speed maglev trains in Japan. These maglev trains are expected to run at speeds of 500 km/h, originally scheduled to operate between Tokyo and Nagoya in central Japan by 2027, but JR Central has postponed this to 2034. The goal is to create a dual system with the Shinkansen to meet demand and maintain stable operations in case of maintenance or a major earthquake.
