Society

Japan's first hydrogen-powered train unveiled

Feb 19 (NHK) - East Japan Railway has unveiled the country's first hydrogen-powered train. The firm hopes to replace its diesel models with the new design, which emits no CO2.

JR East developed the train with Toyota Motor and Hitachi.

When hydrogen in the rooftop tanks reacts with oxygen in the air, it produces electricity. The train has a top speed of about 100 kilometers per hour.

Hydrogen-powered passenger cars and buses are already running in Japan, but the law doesn't allow trains to use the fuel.

JR East had to apply for an exemption for its new prototype.

The rail firm plans to conduct test-runs from next month and have the train running commercially in 2030.

Source: ANNnewsCH

New Nara Train Lures Expo Visitors

A newly decorated train promoting tourism along the Kintetsu Railway line began operations on February 25th, aiming to attract visitors from the Osaka-Kansai Expo to Nara.

Chinese Students Flock to Japan for University Entrance Exams

A growing number of young people from China are traveling to Japan to take university entrance exams, drawn by the lower costs, perceived ease of admission, and better safety compared to their home country.

LDP, Komeito, and Ishin Leaders Sign Agreement on Free Education

The leaders of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Komeito, and Nippon Ishin no Kai met on February 25th at the National Diet to discuss key policy initiatives.

Anger Mounts Over Japan's Tax Policy

A demonstration demanding the abolition of the consumption tax and the restructuring of the Finance Ministry took place in front of the ministry’s headquarters in Tokyo’s Kasumigaseki district on February 24th. The scene at around 5 p.m. was markedly different from the usual atmosphere.

Cold Snap Hits Southern Kyushu as Sakurajima Sees Snow

A strong cold air mass has swept into southern Kyushu due to a winter pressure system, bringing snowfall to Sakurajima in Kagoshima, even as March approaches.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Society NEWS

Children Born Through Sperm Donation Demand Right to Know

Children born through sperm donation are calling for stronger protections of their right to know their origins as Japan debates legislation on assisted reproduction.

Giant Kagami Mochi Lifted at Kyoto's Daigo-ji

Kyoto's Daigo-ji Temple held its annual 'Godairiki-san' event on Sunday, where participants lifted massive kagami mochi to offer their strength for good health. Men lifted 150 kg and women 90 kg, competing for the longest hold.

Coming of Age in the Cold: Hokkaido Youth Brave Ice Bath for Purification

Each year, Hokkaido Shrine holds a cold-water purification ceremony to celebrate the coming of age of new adults, with nineteen young men and women participating in this year's 'Kanchu Misogi' on Sunday.

Public Outcry Over Sapporo Safari Park Plan

North Safari Sapporo, a private zoo in Sapporo’s Minami Ward, has come under scrutiny after submitting a removal plan for its illegal structures to the city government. The plan lacks critical details regarding the removal process and, most notably, fails to address the fate of the animals housed at the facility.