Shinkansen (Japanese bullet train)
The Shinkansen, commonly known as the Japanese bullet train, is a high-speed rail system that began operations in Japan in the 1960s. It was the world's first commercial bullet train and has dramatically transformed domestic travel by significantly reducing travel times between major cities. For example, the journey from Tokyo to Osaka, which once took over six hours, has been reduced to just over two hours and twenty minutes as of the late 2010s. The Shinkansen's design includes features that enhance speed and safety, such as continuous welded tracks and streamlined train noses.
Initially launched with the Tokaido Shinkansen line in 1964, the system has since expanded to include multiple lines that connect various regions across Japan. The Shinkansen is not only pivotal for daily commuting but has also influenced urban development, contributing to the growth of megacities like Tokyo. Unlike many countries, Japan experiences limited domestic air travel, as the Shinkansen provides a reliable and efficient alternative. The safety record of the Shinkansen is remarkable, with no passenger fatalities due to collisions or derailments since its inception, showcasing its reputation as a leading model in public transport systems worldwide.
On this Page
Subject Terms
Shinkansen (Japanese bullet train)
Shinkansen is a system of bullet trains used throughout Japan. These bullet trains, which first began operation in the 1960s, were the first commercial bullets train in the world. These trains, which travel at high rates of speed, have greatly reduced the time it takes to travel domestically in Japan. Because of these high-speed bullet trains, Japan does not have much domestic air travel. The bullet trains also have affected the sizes and locations of cities in the country.
Background
Trains helped transform work and life throughout the world, starting in the 1800s. In 1804, the first steam locomotive was invented in England. By the end of the 1800s, trains were an important form of transportation worldwide, including in Japan. Trains were first used in Japan in 1872 when tracks were built connecting Tokyo to Yokohama. By the early twentieth century, the Japanese government wanted to invest in new railway infrastructure. The government made plans for a modern railway system that would reduce transportation time. World War II halted work on many public infrastructure projects—including the railway project—in Japan.
World War II ended in 1945, and in 1957, another idea for a bullet train was proposed. By 1959, the Japanese government had plans for a new train system. Japanese engineer Hideo Shima was hired to help design the new railway. Shima and his team developed an idea for an elevated railway that avoided curves. The elevated track and lack of curves would allow trains to reach high speeds. Older trains would not be allowed on the same tracks as the new trains. The cost for the project was far more than projected, and the project took longer than anticipated.
After five years, the original Shinkansen system was complete. Emperor Hirohito held a ceremony on October 1, 1964, to open the Shinkansen just days before the start of the 1964 Tokyo Summer Olympic Games. At this time, only one railway line, the Tokaido Shinkansen, was running. This line was still in operation into the mid-2020s. Because of the success of the original high-speed railway, more Shinkansen lines opened across Japan. In 1975, the Sanyo Shinkansen, which spanned between Osaka and Hakata, opened. The Nozomi Shinkansen opened in 1992. The Akita Shinkansen and Nagano Shinkansen both opened in 1997, just before the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympic Games. The Nagano Shinkansen has since expanded and be renamed to the Hokuriku Shinkansen.
The Shinkansen were able to run faster than other trains for many reasons. These trains were built specifically for speed, so the designers and engineers made many design decisions based on what would make the train faster. For example, the tracks that the trains run on are made of continuous welded rails that do not have joints, which cause bumps and slow down passing train cars. The Shinkansen trains also have long noses that help them move more quickly. The interiors of the train cars are sealed to maintain a constant air pressure even when the trains pass in and out of tunnels.
When the Shinkansen was first built, the government owned Japanese railway companies. Since the 1960s, the companies have been privatized. Despite this, the government continues to pay for roughly half of the infrastructure to keep the trains operating. The government funds the infrastructure because the Shinkansen are regarded as an important part of life and business in Japan. The trains transport millions of people each year.
Impact
Before the Shinkansen opened in Japan, long-distance commutes were uncommon. Generally, people did not travel far distances between their homes and jobs on a daily basis. The Shinkansen made long-distance commuting a reality for many Japanese people. For example, before the 1960s, it took approximately six hours and forty minutes to travel from Tokyo to Osaka. People could travel on the first Shinkansen between the two cities in just four hours. In the late 2010s, the Shinkansen travel time between the two cities is just two hours and twenty-five minutes. These fast commutes had an important impact on the country. People could live in one area and work in another. More people began working in large cities, such as Tokyo. They traveled on the train from far cities. This made Tokyo a megacity. Into the mid-2020s, Tokyo was the world's largest city, partly because of these high-speed trains.
The success of the Shinkansen has affected the growth of cities around Japan. Some cities that are bypassed by the trains have become mostly residential areas because businesses tend to locate in cities where the trains travel. In addition, Japan does not have much domestic air travel. Air travel is not required when the Shinkansen are fast, reliable, safe, clean, and fuel efficient.
The Shinkansen not only had an impact on Japan but also on the rest of the world. The Shinkansen was the first commercial bullet train in the world. After its debut, other countries decided to create their own bullet train systems. Into the mid-2020s, the Shinkansen are no longer the world's fastest trains. Bullet trains operating in countries such as China have faster average travel times.
Shinkansen have also made an important impact on public transportation because they are noted for being efficient, reliable, and safe. The average delay among Shinkansen throughout Japan is less than one minute. Of the billions of passengers who have ridden on the Shinkansen since their debut, not one person has ever died because of a collision or derailment. However, at least one person has died on the trains because of the closing doors. Trains have also derailed because of adverse weather and an earthquake. Systems that warn of earthquakes and tsunamis have helped keep passengers safe in many situations.
Bibliography
"About the Shinkansen." Central Japan Railway Company, global.jr-central.co.jp/en/company/about‗shinkansen/. Accessed 15 Jan. 2025.
Cutmore, James. “Top 14 Largest Cities in the World.” BBC Science Focus, 5 Dec. 2024, www.sciencefocus.com/planet-earth/in-pictures-the-largest-cities-in-the-world. Accessed 15 Jan. 2025.
"The 50-Year History of the Shinkansen." Japan Experience, 26 June 2016, www.japan-rail-pass.com/japan-by-rail/travel-tips/shinkansen-history. Accessed 15 Jan. 2025.
Glancey, Jonathan. "Japan's Shinkansen: Revolutionary Design at 50." BBC, 14 July 2014, www.bbc.com/culture/story/20140714-built-for-speed-the-bullet-train. Accessed 15 Jan. 2025.
Maranzani, Barbara. "8 Things You May Not Know about Trains." History, 21 Aug. 2023, www.history.com/news/history-lists/8-things-you-may-not-know-about-trains. Accessed 14 Jan. 2025.
Ryall, Julian. "Bullet Train at 50: Rise and Fall of the World's Fastest Train." Telegraph, 1 Oct. 2014, www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/japan/11133241/Bullet-train-at-50-rise-and-fall-of-the-worlds-fastest-train.html. Accessed 15 Jan. 2025.
"Shinkansen." Japan-guide.com, www.japan-guide.com/e/e2018.html. Accessed 15 Jan. 2025.
"The Tokaido Shinkansen." Kyoto Station, www.kyotostation.com/the-tokaido-shinkansen. Accessed 15 Jan. 2025.