Japan Railway Journal
9.2
2015
Documentary
Discover the secrets of Japan's railways, from the newest technologies and systems in use, to travel tips and must-see places.
-
- Cast:
- Ryo Takagi
Episode 16 : JR Shikoku's Collaborative New Idea
December. 21,2023
JR Shikoku has suffered continued losses due to population decline and the expansion of a highway. See the initiatives the company is taking to aid recovery and revitalize the region.
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Episode 15 : Oigawa Railway: Keeping Steam Alive
November. 30,2023
Oigawa Railway in Shizuoka Prefecture was the first to revive steam locomotives in Japan. See how the company has continued to operate despite typhoon damage and the pandemic.
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Episode 14 : Haga Utsunomiya LRT: Shaping Communities
November. 16,2023
On August 26, a new streetcar "Haga Utsunomiya LRT" opened in Tochigi Prefecture. LRT is a next-generation transportation system that uses low-floor vehicles. See the current status and challenges.
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Episode 13 : Putting JR Hokkaido's Abandoned Lines to Use
October. 26,2023
In recent years, JR Hokkaido has had to close a number of unprofitable lines as they became more and more difficult to maintain. Now, local residents and businesses are finding new ways to utilize the discontinued lines and facilities. While some sites were acquired and sold (with the tracks still in place) others have been proposed for use as camping sites, training grounds, storage facilities, art spaces and more. Discover the potential of JR Hokkaido's discontinued railway lines.
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Episode 12 : Countdown to the Hokuriku Shinkansen Extension
September. 28,2023
With the extension of the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Kanazawa to Tsuruga, the line will gain six new stations. The local governments along the line are eagerly awaiting the extension as improved access to the Tokyo Metropolitan area is expected to increase the number of visiting tourists and business travelers, boosting the local economy. In addition to new station buildings, efforts are underway to develop the surrounding areas, and systems are being made ready to handle the coming changes. See how regional developments are progressing along the line.
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Episode 10 : Fukushima's Iizaka Line: Keeping Business on Track
September. 07,2023
Located in the Tohoku region of Japan, the Iizaka Line is a small privately-owned railway line in Fukushima Prefecture that connects Fukushima City to Iizaka Onsen. Operated by the railway division of a bus company, the 9.2km 12-station line boasted an annual ridership of 2.4 million before the pandemic. Despite its small size, the line has remained profitable, setting the example for rural railways across Japan. See how the company continues to maintain and improve its services, making the line convenient for all passengers, young and old, to keep the business on track.
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Episode 9 : Must-see Railway News: The First Half of 2023
July. 27,2023
See railway-related news from across Japan, covered by NHK from January to June 2023. See recent "Railway Events," the introduction of "New Rolling Stock," and "New Initiatives" being employed by the railway industry. In "New Rolling Stock," see JR West's Urara and Tobu Railway's limited express Spacia X. In "New Initiatives," see the logistics experiment being conducted with the Kyushu Shinkansen and test runs of an automatic operation on the Tokaido Shinkansen. Join us as we look back at a selection of railway news from the first half of 2023.
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Episode 8 : Hisatsu Orange Railway: Fully Supported by Kagoshima Prefecture
July. 06,2023
Kagoshima Prefecture has been working to subsidize third-sector Hisatsu Orange Railway with support from all 43 of its municipalities, including those not serviced by the railway. The subsidies cover the cost of maintaining facilities such as tracks and overhead wires associated with the railway's operation. See how Kagoshima is working to preserve its regional transportation system; and the railway's efforts to attract tourists with its restaurant train.
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Episode 6 : Yuri Kogen Railway: Getting People Back on Track
June. 08,2023
Yuri Kogen Railway, a third-sector railway in Akita Prefecture, averaged just 508 passengers per day in 2022 (a result of the declining population along the line). To increase passenger numbers and therefore boost revenue, the railway's president decided to drastically reduce the price of student passes by half. Take a look at the various initiatives currently being employed by Yuri Kogen Railway. And in "Tourist Trains in Style" see JR East's "KAIRI," which runs between Niigata and Yamagata prefectures.
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Episode 3 : Choshi Electric Railway: Turning Creative Ideas into Profit
March. 23,2023
Many railway companies have suffered during the pandemic, but the Choshi Electric Railway in Chiba Prefecture made a profit for the first time in six years in 2021. This is because 80% of their sales come from non-train operations, such as selling rice crackers, track ballasts, train sounds, auctioning station names and even producing a movie. Take a look at the unique ideas implemented by the company's president to keep the company on track.
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Episode 2 : Ichibata Electric Railway: Working Hand in Hand with the Region
February. 09,2023
In 2022, Ichibata Electric Railway in Shimane Prefecture celebrated its 110th anniversary. The railway is a vital means of transportation for locals, as well as a popular sightseeing route for tourist spots along the line. However, running at a loss since 1966, the railway has relied on financial support from the local government. Now, in the wake of the pandemic, the railway is working with the region to come up with new and unique ways to boost passenger numbers.
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Episode 1 : Must-see Railway News: The Latter Half of 2022
January. 19,2023
Japan's railway-related news, covered by NHK from July to December 2022. Join us as we look at news celebrating the 150th anniversary of the railway, rural railways that are recovering from the pandemic and advances being made in the rail industry. Plus, we say goodbye to some beloved trains. Also, in a move toward making a more diverse railway, meet JR West Kanazawa branch's first female diesel train driver.
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