Japan Railway Journal

Season 112015

Discover the secrets of Japan's railways, from the newest technologies and systems in use, to travel tips and must-see places.

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9 Episodes

E01 The Railway Revival: 4 Years After the Great Earthquake

The devastating Earthquake damaged or destroyed 4,070km of the railways along the Pacific coastline of North Eastern Japan. See how the unique Bus Rapid Transit system helped to quickly restore vital transportation needs, and the latest wireless signaling system increased the frequency and reliability of the trains. The damage was severe, but the comeback of East Japan's railways will change history for rail services throughout the country. Also, discover the railway museum where visitors can drive a real Class EF63 Electric Locomotive for an unforgettable ride.

March 9, 2015

E02 The New Shinkansen: Technology and Economic Effects

This month's Special Rail Report focuses on the latest addition to Japan's high-speed rail network that started mid-March. See the new Shinkansen W7 series in action, the measures taken to combat the snow on route across 450km of Japan, and the economic impact on the town that's now less than 2.5 hours from Tokyo. Also useful tips on choosing the right line while visiting Japan and topics on sleeper train's which ended its last run this March.

April 10, 2015

E03 Isumi Railway: There's Nothing Here!

Most Third Sector railways are former nationally owned lines in rural areas that run at a loss. Recently, Isumi Railway decided on a new strategy to change this. In 2009, they opened their doors to the public to hire a president. They chose a former international airline operations manager, who is also a hardcore rail fan. Discover how his unique perspective and unconventional ideas lead to the revival of the Isumi Railway.

May 15, 2015

E04 Diesel Hybrid Trains: Japan's World Leading Technology

Japan's diesel hybrid trains use the very latest lithium-ion batteries. Compared to conventional diesel railcars, diesel hybrid trains reduce fuel consumption, carbon emissions and noise pollution. Join us for a ride on the eco-friendly "Resort View Furusato" as it winds its way through the beautiful Japanese Alps. Then meet the volunteer group that maintains its own line on a farm, experience changing a sleeper and see their museum condition narrow-gauge steam engine in action.

June 12, 2015

E05 Battery Hybrid Trains: Development of the Global Technology

Battery-hybrid trains draw power from both contact lines and their onboard batteries, and they are gaining worldwide attention due to their eco-friendliness and energy-saving technology. See Japan's world-first lithium-ion battery train "ACCUM" in action, plus the new tram and fuel-cell hybrid train in development at Japan's top railway research institute. Then explore 140 years of Japan's railway history at an interactive museum that features full cab simulators.

July 11, 2015

E06 Japan's Subway Technology in High Density Operation

Japan's subways have a reputation for being energy-saving and eco-friendly, and companies have been successfully exporting their technology around the world. Discover why the permanent magnet motors in use on the Ginza Line's 1000 Series, as well as the latest linear motor and "Automated Train Operation" systems are all gaining keen interest. Then "See, Touch and Move" at Japan's only Metro Museum to explore the history of the subways, and some of the new technology applied in recent years.

August 14, 2015

E07 The Secret of Operating Preserved Steam Locomotives

In Japan, regions operating preserved steam locomotives benefit from vital boosts to the local economy. Discover the secrets behind making these historic workhorses invaluable tourist attractions, and how the practice is gaining popularity. Then meet the experts whose supreme skills preserve the precious boilers and maintain the engines, and see the 300 years of tradition behind the manufacture of a unique shovel specifically designed to efficiently scoop coal. Also, a special guest joining us this time is Rena Matsui, a successful former member of the popular idol group SKE48, and now she is pursuing her career as an actor.

October 9, 2015

E08 Special Preview - Hokkaido Shinkansen: Hopes and Challenges

On March 26, 2016, the new Series H5 will enter service on Japan's latest shinkansen line, which runs through the world's longest undersea tunnel between Honshu and Hokkaido. Rena Matsui reports on the build-up to Hokkaido's first shinkansen arrival, the brand new Shin-Hakodate Station, and the latest technology to combat the cold. Also see the challenges of the Shinkansen sharing the line with freight trains, and discover the only place in Japan with presenter Russell Totten where anyone can drive a real steam locomotive.

November 13, 2015

E09 Yamanote Line: The Green Rotating Heart of Tokyo

With trains making 650 round trips each day, the JR Yamanote Line is the artery of Tokyo's railways. On November 30, the new Series E235 entered service on the green-colored loop line, and is scheduled to replace all train sets by the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. See the latest technology on this next generation train, look back on all its predecessors on the Yamanote Line since the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, then visit "Mass-Trans Innovation Japan", Japan's largest railway convention held every 2 years.

December 4, 2015

Japan Railway Journal

E01 The Railway Revival: 4 Years After the Great Earthquake

E02 The New Shinkansen: Technology and Economic Effects

E03 Isumi Railway: There's Nothing Here!

E04 Diesel Hybrid Trains: Japan's World Leading Technology

E05 Battery Hybrid Trains: Development of the Global Technology

E06 Japan's Subway Technology in High Density Operation

E07 The Secret of Operating Preserved Steam Locomotives

E08 Special Preview - Hokkaido Shinkansen: Hopes and Challenges

E09 Yamanote Line: The Green Rotating Heart of Tokyo

Japanology Plus

Salto de Fé

Eve

Body Language

Couple or Trouble

Medical Emergency

ASTRO25

Strange Creatures

My Girlfriend's Child

仮面ライダーウィザード

Mor er major

¿Qué fue de Jorge Sanz?

Naturopolis

Mirai koshi Meguru

Reasonable Doubt: A Tale of Two Kidnappings

Girls Dormitory

Beckenbauer. Der letzte Kaiser

E01 The Railway Revival: 4 Years After the Great Earthquake

E02 The New Shinkansen: Technology and Economic Effects

E03 Isumi Railway: There's Nothing Here!

E04 Diesel Hybrid Trains: Japan's World Leading Technology

E05 Battery Hybrid Trains: Development of the Global Technology

E06 Japan's Subway Technology in High Density Operation

E07 The Secret of Operating Preserved Steam Locomotives

E08 Special Preview - Hokkaido Shinkansen: Hopes and Challenges

E09 Yamanote Line: The Green Rotating Heart of Tokyo