A Shinkansen (bullet train) whizzes by. These high-speed trains are the pride of Japan. With lines running across Hokkaido and Kyushu, the Shinkansen is a major transportation artery in Japan.
Hi how are you doing? Today’s theme; “Shinkansen” whose word and “Cool Japan” have been known around the world, hasn’t it?
Because Shinkansen has been made debut or gone into service in 1964 (the first Tokyo Olympic was held that year) the most proud thing is that there has never been a fatal accident in the last 55 years (as of 2019).
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Shinkansen (Bullet Train) services are defined by speed, precision, and safety
First, speed; when the Shinkansen first went into service, the trains were the fastest in the world, capable of 200 kilometres per hour. A little over half a century has passed since then, and faster trains have been developed.
Today’s Shinkansen trains can reach 320 kilometres per hour in commercial operation, and they’re scheduled to run even faster in the near future.
Next, precision; operating conditions are monitored at all times from the control centres, and adjustments made as needed.
As a result, trains are never more than 30 seconds late. The Shinkansen is the world’s most punctual train service.
Finally, safety; Doctor Yellow, a special type of train used for track inspection, ensures that Shinkansen trains all run safely. As it moves at high speed,
Doctor Yellow carefully checks the tracks for distorthion and the overhead lines for wear.
Human inspections are also important. Every night, 3,000 workers check the tracks thoroughly and replace parts if necessary. Safety is maintained thanks to both cutting-edge technology and the hard work of people.
Story of the Shinkansen
Development of the Shinkansen began in 1955. The team of engineers working on the project set their sights on a speed of 200 kilometres per hour, which was unprecedented at the time.
To achieve that kind of speed, the engineers had to find a way to reduce wind resistance.
The design of the Shinkansen train body was entrusted to engineers who had been involved in designing military aircraft during World War Ⅱ. These planes had streamlined noses. So the engineers decided to adapt their aerodynamic design for the Shinkansen trains.
the First Shinkansen debut in 1964 when Tokyo Olympic held simultaneously at the same year
Eight years after the project began, the trial run was held. The needle on the speedometer crept past 200. Tha Shinkansen achieved its goal. It became the fastest train in the world.
The Shinkansen went into service in 1964, when Japan’s postwar economic growth was at its peak. People desperately needed better tranportation, and the Shinkansen solved that problem.
The Shinkansen has been an indispensable part of Japanese life for over half a century, and it keeps on rolling.
At the same time, much newer face Shinkansen has been made debut with the more comfortable atmosphere of train.
to Hokkaido from 2016 through the second longest railway undersea tunnel after the Channel Tunnel between Britain and France and it’s also the second longest tunnel after the Gotthard Base Tunnel in Switzerland opened in 2016.
to Yamagata from 1992 and Akita from 1997
to Hokuriku from 1997
to Kyushu from Osaka from 2004
Maglev clocks 603 kph (374mph) for new world record
Maglev stands for magnetic levitation train or the Linear Chuo Shinkansen, simply we say ｢Linear｣ (this is Japlish；an English word coined in Japan.
Maglev is scheduled to start passenger operations between Tokyo and Nagoya in 2027 with a average speed of around 500 kilometers (310mph) per hour.
Permit me to say personally, I’m from Iida city of Nagano prefecture 、where there will be constructed one of the Maglev stations of Iida. and it’ll enable me to reach my parent’s home within one hour from Tokyo if I’m alive while it takes now about five hours.
In closing, no matter where you wish to go in Japan, Shinkansen service would be available, please enjoy the fastest and pleasant journey with Shinkansen and Linear; Maglev too in another ten years.
At the end, we have “Newer Shibuya Metro station and 600kph Maglev” being well worth to visit, thanks
