The Tokaido Shinkansen marked its 60th anniversary on October 1st. Serving as Japan’s most prominent mode of transportation during its period of rapid economic growth, the Shinkansen bullet train has carried a cumulative total of seven billion passengers over the years.
Upon its inauguration in 1964, the Shinkansen was hailed as the ‘dream super-express,’ reducing travel time between Tokyo and Osaka by 2.5 hours to just 4 hours. Alongside events such as the Tokyo Olympics that same year, it became a powerful symbol of Japanโs burgeoning economic prowess.
Reflecting back on 60 years- The birth of the Shinkansen
The Shinkansen, or “bullet train,” was inaugurated on October 1, 1964, connecting Tokyo and Shin-Osaka. It was Japan’s first Shinkansen and the world’s first high-speed railway, achieving a maximum speed of 210 km per hour.
The idea for the Shinkansen came in response to the severe transportation capacity shortages on the existing Tokaido Main Line. The Tokaido Main Line was a critical route linking Japan’s three major metropolitan areasโTokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka.
The construction of the Shinkansen was rooted in the desire to enhance rail competitiveness against the growing popularity of automobiles and airplanes, especially following the decline of rail systems in other countries after World War II.
Initial tests of prototype trains included the 1000 series. The B type reached an impressive speed of 256 km per hour in 1962. Extensive testing led to various improvements. The Shinkansen passenger trains were introduced as the Hikari and Kodama.
The Shinkansen not only revolutionized rail travel in Japan. It also set a new standard for high-speed rail systems worldwide, contributing significantly to Japan’s economic growth and mobility. Over time, the 0 series Shinkansen became the face of this innovative transportation network. This paved the way for future expansions and technological advancements in the rail industry.
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Its transformation throughout the years
The 0 series, known for its distinctive bulbous nose, marked the beginning of an era where speed, safety, and comfort were prioritized. Over the decades, successive generations of Shinkansen trains have not only increased in speed but have also embraced innovative technologies aimed at enhancing passenger experience and operational efficiency.
One of the most significant advancements in Shinkansen technology is the continual improvement in aerodynamics and design. The latest models, such as theย N700 series, feature sleek, streamlined bodies that reduce air resistance and noise, particularly during tunnel passages.
This evolution in design has not only heightened the aesthetic appeal of the trains. It’s also contributed to a safer and more comfortable ride. In addition, advancements in materials, shifting from traditional steel to lightweight aluminum alloys, have played a crucial role in enhancing speed while maintaining structural integrity.
Safety technology has also evolved dramatically, setting the Shinkansen apart from other forms of transportation. The Automatic Train Control (ATC) system ensures optimal train speeds, automatically adjusting to track conditions and relaying vital information. This system has been key to the Shinkansen’s safety record, with zero passenger fatalities in over five decades. Regenerative braking systems enhance energy efficiency, recovering energy during braking and reducing overall operational costs.
Shinkansen as the bloodline of Japanese travel
Over the course of half a century, the Tokaido Shinkansen has traversed 2 billion kilometers and carried 5.5 billion passengers. Driven by events such as the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, the 1970 Osaka Expo, and the full opening of the Sanyo Shinkansen in 1975, passenger demand steadily increased. The Shinkansen became a fundamental pillar supporting the Izanagi Boom from 1965 to 1970, underpinning Japanโs period of rapid economic growth.
Annual passenger numbers, which stood at approximately 11 million in fiscal year 1964, grew consistently. It surpassed 100 million in less than a decade (fiscal year 1973).
However, between fiscal years 1977 and 1986, passenger figures stagnated in the 90-million range. The Japan National Railways (JNR) was running massive deficits, and infrastructure investments stalled, causing a stagnation in demand. Although the once-coveted “dream super-express” became firmly entrenched in society, it gradually began to lose its shine.
Following the privatization and division of JNR, efforts to boost transport capacity through the introduction of new train models led to a resurgence in passenger growth.
Shinkansen demand correlates to the economy
Shinkansen passenger demand has often been said to correlate strongly with broader economic trends. It shows a close relationship with indicators such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), exchange rates, and the Nikkei Stock Average. Since the 1980s, passenger demand has followed a pattern closely mirroring that of GDP.
With the exception of the rapid yen appreciation immediately after the 1985 Plaza Accord, fluctuations in the exchange rate generally appear to correspond to gradual rises and falls in passenger demand. Although there was a divergence between the Nikkei Stock Average and passenger demand during the bubble economyโs expansion and collapse, by the late 2000s, their trends began to align again.
Professor Hirotaka Yamauchi of Hitotsubashi University, an expert in transportation economics, analyzed that ‘demand for transportation systems depends on factors such as population along the route and economic activity at the points of departure and arrival. The Tokaido Shinkansen has an especially strong relationship with economic activity.’
The Shinkansen is indispensable for business travel, with 60-70% of its use attributed to business purposes. In 2001, the ‘Express Reservation’ service was introduced, enabling ticket reservations via mobile phones and computers. In 2009, wireless LAN services became available, making the Shinkansen a “high-speed moving office.”
However, the strong correlation between the Shinkansen and Japanโs economy also represents a vulnerability. In recent years, passenger numbers declined following the impact of the 2008 housing market crisis.
In recent years, the number of business travelers, which had declined due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is now on the road to recovery. JR Central is collaborating with regions along the line to explore new customer segments. Daily train services exceeded 480 in August, setting a new record, as efforts to strengthen transportation capacity continue.
On this day 60 years later
Ceremonies commemorating this historical hallmark took place in Tokyo, Shizuoka, Nagoya, and Shin-Osaka. At Tokyo Station, the celebration began early in the morning with a replica of the original departure ceremony.
After a ceremonial tape-cutting, the train, reminiscent of the very first Shinkansen, received the signal from the stationmaster and began its journey, echoing the sound of a horn as it left the station. Despite the early hours, many rail enthusiasts gathered to witness the event.
As the Shinkansen celebrated its 50th anniversary in autumn 2014, a new chapter in rail history began. The Linear Chuo Shinkansen project broke ground to redefine rail travel.
This ambitious project connects Shinagawa to Nagoya in just 40 minutes. Plans are in place to extend the line to Shin-Osaka by 2045. This extension will reduce travel time to an impressive 67 minutes.
The Linear Chuo Shinkansen marks a transition to advanced rail technology. It positions itself as the next “main character” in Japan’s quest for speed and efficiency.
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Sources
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