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Sixty years ago, on October 1, 1964, Japan ushered in the era of high-speed trains with the first Shinkansen train on the Tokyo-Osaka route. The sleek, blue-and-white train glided through Japan's urban and rural areas, marking a significant leap forward in technology, transportation, and logistics.
The cradle that transformed the world's high-speed rail industry.
The safety of traveling on the Shinkansen bullet train is symbolic of Japan's effectiveness in disaster prevention, a nation that has inspired the development of high-speed trains worldwide.
The arrival of the Shinkansen train in Japan has contributed to the development of high-speed rail lines in many countries.
This is an extremely safe high-speed train; since its introduction 60 years ago (in 1964), the Shinkansen has run for nearly 19,000 days without a single fatal passenger accident. This remarkable achievement is attributed to the close attention to detail, frequent quality checks of technological development, and the high level of safety awareness of all staff, from drivers to technicians responsible for maintaining the trains and tracks.
The Shinkansen train is not just a means of transportation, but also a distinctive symbol clearly demonstrating the advancement and sophistication of Japan's railway transportation.
The earthquake warning system on the Shinkansen trains always works well, stopping the trains quickly without causing any damage to the vehicles or passengers. It must be said that the people of the Land of the Rising Sun never rest on their laurels and are always looking for ways to improve, proudly boasting that there has never been a fatal accident on the Shinkansen. The staff always strive to do their best to ensure that this exemplary record continues to be maintained.
The train impresses international tourists with its punctuality and speed, allowing them to travel to many places across Japan in the shortest possible time.
The Shinkansen is also world-renowned for its punctuality. Statistics show that with over 200,000 Shinkansen journeys on the Tokaido line each year, the passenger arrival rate on the Shinkansen reaches 96.1% without a single second of delay.
Behind the iconic success of the Shinkansen lies a professional and rigorous operational system. Shinkansen maintenance workers in their uniforms are busy cleaning and maintaining the high-speed trains. Keeping this symbol of Japanese railways clean, on time, and safe has long been a serious undertaking. A meticulous maintenance schedule means the trains are always sparkling clean, both inside and out.
Behind the success lies the dedicated efforts of the employees.
For over half a century, "made in Japan" technology, the origin of these exquisitely designed high-speed trains, has continued to improve, with maximum speeds increasing from 210 to 320 km/h and passenger capacity now reaching one million people per day.
The trains can reach speeds of up to 320 km/h and have an extensive network throughout Japan.
The pendulum system allows the train to tilt along curves at high speeds to compensate for centrifugal force; the train's superior grip minimizes vibrations, ensuring a peaceful and smooth journey for those inside.
Ahead of the development of humanity.
Japan remains a world leader in railway technology. Major corporations such as Hitachi and Toshiba annually export billions of dollars worth of trains and equipment to destinations all over the world.
Notably, the ship has not been involved in any accidents while operating, despite Japan frequently experiencing earthquakes.
Japan's challenging terrain and widely varying climate, ranging from frigid winters in the north to humid tropical climates further south, are not to be overlooked, as is its seismic activity. Japan is one of the most geologically unstable places on the planet, prone to earthquakes and tsunamis, and home to approximately 10% of the world's volcanoes.
The introduction of the Shinkansen train was not merely a breakthrough in transportation but also a revolution in the lifestyle of the Japanese people. Traveling between major cities became faster and more convenient than ever before, contributing to regional economic development and enhancing cultural exchange.
Although no accidents have occurred while traveling on the Shinkansen since its inception, safety regulations remain strictly enforced.
Witnessing the success of the Shinkansen, many countries have decided to invest in their own high-speed rail systems. France, with its TGV line connecting Paris and Lyon, is one of the leading countries in this field. However, each country has its own unique characteristics. While the Shinkansen is renowned for its reliability and efficiency, the TGV is known for its luxurious design and premium service. In Spain, the AVE high-speed rail network connects most major cities, contributing to making the country one of Europe's most important transport hubs.
In addition to the Shinkansen high-speed train system, Japan is planning to introduce driverless high-speed trains in the future and promote a magnetic levitation high-speed train line to increase train speeds. This aims to meet growing demand and maintain stable operation in the event of maintenance or major earthquakes.
