Japanese railway technology dates back to the Meiji Era when Japan sought foreign technology from Britain and Germany. A key milestone was the 1964 development of the Tokaido Shinkansen, which became the fastest train in the world at 200km/h and helped transform Japan's railway system. Before the Shinkansen, 60 trains carried 60,000 passengers daily between Tokyo and Osaka, but now 285 trains carry 360,000 passengers daily with significant time savings and economic benefits. The Shinkansen system prioritizes speed, safety, reliability, and large transport capacity through features like elevated tracks, automated stopping controls, and rigorous maintenance practices.

1. Japanese Railway Technology
Eric Vanderburg, MBA
August 11, 2004

2. Railway technology: Key Issues
Speed
Safety and Reliability
Transporting capacity

3. Background
Japanese railways date back to the early
period when Japan sought British and
German technology (Meiji Era)
1964- marked Japan’s breakthrough-
Tokaido Shinkansen was developed
Tokaido Shinkansen became the fastest
train in the world (200km/H)
Received Milestone Award Institute of
Electrical & Electronics Engineers), and
Landmark Award (American Society of
mechanical Engineers)

4. Background
Before Shinkansen was developed
60 trains a day carrying 60,000
passengers
Currently- 285 trains carrying 360,000
passengers a day
Time saved and monetary value stood at
5.2 trillion yen. This increased to 7.4
trillion yen after increased speed (plus
saved social cost of accidents avoided)
Tokyo- Osaka-from 3Hrs to 2.5 Hrs and
also about 1 Hr between other stations

5. Details of the Train System
Safety & Reliability: 37 years on no single death
due to accident, & average delay being 0.4
minutes due to natural phenomena
Large capacity- each train (1,300 passengers)-
360,000 passengers a day
Speed- limited train used to take 6.5 Hrs between
Tokyo and Osaka, then shortened to 3 Hrs no
minutes and then to 2.5 Hrs
Environmentally friendly- little noise & vibration
and efficient energy use (1/9 CO2 as compared to
cars over 1km & 1/6 of airplanes)- new type of
trains are even better

6. Safety Features
Track features- elevated (no crossings)
Stopping system (automated- very accurate)
Safety in severe weather conditions &
earthquakes
Great maintenance capability- every night & a
special car run every ten days to do precision
checks (line, cars, overhead cables and operation
control system)
You can see kaizen at work in the evolution of
Shinkansen series (0- 700 Models)

7. Factors Supporting the Technology
Market: Large market with high population density-
between Tokyo, Nagoya & Osaka has 40% of the
population and 50% of GDP
Government support
Domestic competition- Central Japan Railway, West
Japan, & East Japan & a host of other operators
Supporting technologies: advanced materials, steel
and construction industries,Electronic data
Processing, programmed control
Human capital- diligent & committed workforce
Social value- Time consciousness