Japan, Oct 1 (Alliance News): Sixty years ago, on October 1, 1964, Japan introduced its first “bullet train,” marking a turning point in the nation’s post-war recovery.
The sleek blue and white train made its maiden journey from Tokyo to Osaka, symbolizing Japan’s technological prowess and return to the global stage, coinciding with the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.
The Shinkansen, meaning “new trunk line,” became synonymous with speed, travel efficiency, and modernity.
Since the completion of the 320-mile Tokaido line in 1964, the network has expanded, with trains running at speeds of up to 200 mph (322 kph), connecting major cities such as Kobe, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Nagano.
In the six decades since, Japan has maintained its position as a leader in rail technology. Major companies like Hitachi and Toshiba export billions in trains and equipment globally.
The development of the Shinkansen was a direct response to the limitations of Japan’s earlier rail system, which used a narrower gauge. Travel between cities was slow and arduous; in 1889, the journey from Tokyo to Osaka took 16.5 hours. By 1965, the Shinkansen reduced this to just over three hours.
The Shinkansen network now spans across Japan’s main islands, including Kyushu in the south and Hokkaido in the north, connected by extensive sea tunnels.
Initially conceived as part of a larger plan to link Japan to Korea and Russia, the bullet train has since played a vital role in Japan’s economic growth and modernization.
