Japan Railway Journal – Season 11
Episodes
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 introduction of new vehicles and more exciting railway news from across Japan.
Major Railways Helping Local Communities Grow
Private railway companies in Greater Tokyo are redeveloping areas along their lines. See how they are focusing on community growth over more traditional developer-led models.
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 train timetables as we speak to the editors and the foreign residents who use them.
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 damage, see how the company is striving to recover.
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 shift away from diesel power and to improve energy efficiency overall.
Revitalizing Niigata's Third-Sector Railways
Echigo Tokimeki Railway and Hokuetsu Express, both third-sector railways in Niigata Prefecture, have struggled since the Hokuriku Shinkansen was extended to Kanazawa. See their efforts to survive.
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 both residents and tourists. Discover the charm of Nagasaki's streetcars.
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 latest railway trends and major stories from across Japan.
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 currently acting as the "front desk." See how tourism is revitalizing the community.
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 second floor. See how this bustling new city hub is being developed.
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 company's plans to survive this time, following its previous triumphs over crises.
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 areas in Fukushima Prefecture are being redeveloped along the restored route.
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 governments' response to the added trains and their efforts to keep the line open.
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 infrastructure and operations) in order to survive. See how it works in practice.
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 Innovation Japan 2025 that show how AI is being applied across the industry.