Driverless Shinkansen to Begin by Mid-2030s

TOKYO, Sep 11 (News On Japan) - JR East has announced plans to introduce driverless operations on the Joetsu Shinkansen by the mid-2030s. Since 2021, JR East has been conducting trials aimed at realizing "driverless operations" where the train operates without a driver onboard.

JR East has revealed that driverless train tests will begin in fiscal 2029 between Niigata Station and the Niigata Shinkansen Rolling Stock Center. By the mid-2030s, automated operations with a driver onboard are planned between Tokyo and Nagaoka Stations. The company then aims to fully implement driverless operations on trains between Tokyo and Niigata Stations.

Yoichi Kise, President of JR East, stated: "We will introduce the world's first driverless operation on the Joetsu Shinkansen and gradually expand this to the Hokuriku Shinkansen, followed by the Tohoku Shinkansen."

JR East aims to improve operational efficiency while enhancing the stability and safety of train services.

Source: TBS

Japan's Land Prices Surge for 4th Straight Year

Land prices across Japan have been rising for four consecutive years, with North Kanto emerging as a key area of interest due to its favorable living conditions.

Sharp Unveils First EV With Extended Living Room

Sharp, a major home appliance manufacturer, has unveiled its first electric vehicle (EV) as part of its move into the electric vehicle market, with a five-seater 'extended livingroom' EV Sharp van.

Yamaha President Injured, Daughter Arrested for Attempted Murder

Yoshihiro Hidaka, president of Yamaha Motor, sustained minor injuries on Monday after being slashed in the arm at his home in Iwata, Shizuoka Prefecture. Police have arrested his daughter, Hana Hidaka, who lives with him and is currently unemployed, on suspicion of attempted murder.

School Staff Embezzles 8 Million Yen by Switching Chicken Thighs for Breasts

A school nutritionist in Fukushima embezzled Y7.98 million by using cheaper ingredients, such as replacing chicken thighs with breasts, to cut costs.

'Shogun' Wins Record 18 Emmy Awards

The Japan-set historical series "Shogun" has won a record number of prizes at the 76th Emmy Awards in the US, including best drama and best actor. (NHK)

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Travel NEWS

Tourists Thrilled by Largest Whirlpool of the Year in Naruto Strait

The Naruto Strait, located between Tokushima and Hyogo Prefectures, has entered the peak season for its largest whirlpool of the year, drawing large crowds of tourists.

Affordable Autumn Getaways: Shinkansen Tickets at Half Price!

The autumn travel season is finally here! In Hokkaido, Japan's 'earliest autumn leaves' have begun to appear. With many long weekends this fall, travel demand is expected to rise. We have thoroughly researched ways to travel affordably!

Noto Railway’s 'Storyteller Train' Begins Operation to Pass Down Memories of Earthquake

Noto Railway has started operating the 'Storyteller Train,' which conveys the memories of the areas affected by the Noto Peninsula Earthquake.

Asakusa Samba Sizzles as Tokyo Dances Through Record Heatwave

A scorching late summer heatwave gripped Tokyo over the long weekend, coinciding with the Asakusa Samba Carnival, where dancers twirled through intense heat.

Godzilla Official Store Opens in Osaka

The third Godzilla official shop in Japan has opened in Daimaru Umeda, Osaka, specializing in merchandise from the popular tokusatsu series.

Tokyo Plans To Build World's Largest Fountain In Odaiba

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has announced plans to construct a 150-meter-high, 250-meter-wide fountain in Odaiba Seaside Park, inspired by the Somei Yoshino, the city's official flower.

Bringing My Otters to the Most Beautiful Valley in Japan

We have traveled to many rivers throughout Japan, and the Atera Valley is by far the most beautiful of all the rivers I can take my otters to. (Aty)

Welcome to Hidden Tokyo, 5 Minutes from Asakusa by Train

This time I’m traveling to Kitasenju, a hidden gem of Tokyo that’s just a 5 minutes train ride from Asakusa. (Unique Japan Travel / 日常に旅を)

< 2 3 4 5 >