How Do Japanese Trains Stay on Time?
Ina
5 min read·
I believe many people globally are aware of the speed and punctuality of Japanese trains. Today, I'd like to delve into the history of the Japanese railway system, their punctuality and declining.
I remember my first train ride when I was 6 years old. My mother and I traveled from the southern to the northern part of Albania, a journey that took 6 hours. As a child, I was unaware to the duration, so my mother packed food for our long journey. The train's slow pace allowed us to open the windows and I could feel the wind on our faces. For me, trains hold a nostalgic and somewhat romantic significance; they've always made me more ‘philosophical’.
Fast forward to my move to Japan, and my first experience with their trains and subways was nothing short of awe-inspiring. I was struck by their speed, reliability, and cleanliness. They typically operate between 5 am and midnight, though exact hours can vary depending on the line. Behind this efficiency lies a complex system that I've always been curious about.
However, every coin has two sides. While many cherish the convenience of the Japanese railway system, others associate it with tragedies. Incidents of individuals taking their lives by jumping in front of trains are, regrettably, not uncommon in Japan. Such incidents can sometimes delay trains, impacting numerous commuters. Furthermore, it's said that when these unfortunate events occur, the victim's family might be held financially responsible for the disruption, with compensation amounts depending on the extent of the loss — with rush hour incidents demanding higher compensations. Such events are, sadly, a part of the landscape here, and travelers should be aware. It's vital to prioritize safety and move cautiously on platforms. I apologize if this information dampens the mood, but I believe it's essential to be informed and vigilant.
To understand today's Japanese trains, we must look at their history. The first railway in Japan was launched between Shinbashi Station and Yokohama Station in 1892, spanning 29km. This achievement is celebrated in the Japanese song titled "汽笛一声新橋を", which translates to 'Shinbashi with a single train whistle'. Following this, railway lines expanded rapidly across regions like Tokyo, Kansai, Hokkaido, and Tokai. By the culmination of the Meiji period, most of the nation's primary rail network was in place.
Researcher Ichiro Oda attributes train punctuality to the Japanese being "methodical" and "meticulous about time."
For example, on November 24th, a Tsukuba Express train left Minami-Nagareyama Station (in Chiba Prefecture) a mere 20 seconds earlier than scheduled. In response, the operating company, Metropolitan Area New City Railway, issued an apology on its website. While such an incident might be considered trivial elsewhere, international media responded with astonishment. Comments ranged from "Despite no significant delay or cancellation" to "Such an incident would be unimaginable in other countries." Many Japanese found this reaction a tad excessive.
But this raises a question: Are Japanese trains genuinely that timely, and are international rail timetables truly that erratic?
Japan boasts impressive punctuality in its railways. As of 1990, 95% of the Shinkansen (covering Tohoku and Joetsu) and 87% of JR East's conventional lines operated on time. This record is admirable, given it accounts for vehicle malfunctions, assorted issues, and even natural disasters like typhoons. When compared to major European railways with around 90% punctuality, the difference seems minimal. But the criteria for "on-time performance" are distinct. In Japan, a delay exceeding one minute counts as "late." In contrast, European and American standards are more lax. The New York City Transit Authority only considers it a delay if a train reaches its final destination more than 5 minutes late. This context makes it all the more shocking that in 2005, an attempt to compensate for a mere 90-second delay resulted in the JR Takarazuka Line disaster, costing 107 lives. The New York Times commented that the tragedy was a result of Japan's intense focus on punctuality, pointing out that a 90-second delay is viewed as on-time in most parts of the world: Source
How do train companies operate their trains?
Train operations rely on two main pillars: scheduling and the operations control room.
Scheduling: For trains to run efficiently, companies must accurately anticipate the when, where, and number of passengers boarding. Based on this, they decide the number and frequency of trains required. This leads to the creation of a timetable, often termed a "schedule". Ensuring a precise schedule is paramount to guaranteeing timely train services.
Source: https://www.tokyometro.jp/en/subwaymap/
Operations Control Room: This is the central hub that ensures trains stick to the set timetable. The control room manages traffic lights and provides directives to the train drivers. If any delay arises, they quickly adjust the operations to match the original schedule. Advances in technology have enhanced communication, allowing for instant relay of changes to several drivers simultaneously via computer systems. This has significantly improved coordination and responsiveness in train operations. Source
Source: https://www.hitachi.co.jp/kids/kinopon/kinopontown/traffic/02/page2.html
In 1964, Japan started the world's first high-speed train line called the Tokaido Shinkansen. Before this, many saw Japan as a country behind in train technology. Yet, they quickly became the best. Here's why Japan was able to make the Shinkansen:
Other countries had already tested fast trains.
Japan needed more train space.
Japan had an idea like the Shinkansen before.
Countries like France and Germany had tested trains going faster than 200km/h. Germany was the first to pass this speed, and France once reached 330.9km/h in 1955. So, the idea of fast trains wasn't new. This means Japan didn't start the idea of fast trains, but they learned from others to make the Shinkansen. After World War II, many countries in the world thought trains were old news and their governments didn't want to spend on trains because of no future. Japan, however, was different. For the Japanese, trains remained vital. Cars were a luxury few could afford, and flying was expensive. With the country rebuilding after the war, more people needed trains. So, it made sense for Japan to invest in a new, fast train system: the Shinkansen
The Shinkansen wasn't about introducing new, groundbreaking technology. It combined tested railway techniques from four countries. While it borrowed some high-speed tech from France and Germany, it proved that fast trains were valuable and important.
A big reason why Japan built the Shinkansen is because their existing train lines were too busy especially the Tokaido Main Line, linking Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka, was the busiest. This new line became the first Shinkansen - the Tokaido Shinkansen. Before the Shinkansen, there was an earlier idea for a high-speed train, known as the Bullet Train Plan. These reasons, combined with the understanding of the importance of the Shinkansen, helped Japan secure a loan from the World Bank for its construction which was completed in 5 years. The Tōkaidō Shinkansen, launched in 1964, started with speeds up to 210 km/h, taking 3 hours and 10 minutes from Tokyo to Osaka. Over the years, with technological advancements, this sped up to 285 km/h by 2015, reducing the journey to just 2 hours and 22 minutes. On the other hand, the Tōhoku Shinkansen began in 1982 at 210 km/h, and by 2013, it reached speeds of 320 km/h, making it the fastest Shinkansen service.
Shinkansen Map
With only 7 minutes allotted for cleaning, the 22-person crew swiftly tidies up, often earning applause from passengers. Their signature bowing routine is known as the "Shinkansen theater".
JR East is working on the next-generation Alfa X train, hoping to push speeds on the Tōhoku and Hokkaidō Shinkansen to a remarkable 360 kilometers per hour. This would make it the world's fastest non-maglev train. The goal is to launch this by 2031, in line with the Hokkaidō Shinkansen's extension to Sapporo. Additionally, an automated Shinkansen is being tested on the Jōetsu line, with plans for future practical deployment.
Finally, Japan's railways face significant challenges today. Factors such as a decreasing population, the rise of alternative transport options, and lifestyle shifts (especially due to COVID-19) have led to fewer train passengers. This decline makes it hard to maintain the current railway system. Additionally, global transportation trends and changes in foreign train markets are affecting Japan, meaning traditional railway practices aren't as effective anymore.
References used for this article:
https://www.meijimura.com/meiji-note/post/arrival-of-the-railroad/
https://trafficnews.jp/post/79559
https://www.seizando.co.jp/book/4413/
https://www.seizando.co.jp/book/11194/
https://www.meitetsu.co.jp/library/memorial/history/vol01.html
https://www.mlit.go.jp/common/000218983.pdf
https://www.nhk.or.jp/kaisetsu-blog/400/476126.html
https://toyokeizai.net/articles/-/625591?page=3
https://www.nippon.com/en/japan-glances/jg00135/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ALFA-X#/media/File:E956S13Sendai.jpg
Collect this post as an NFT.
