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

Cherry Blossom Season Begins in Nagoya, Slightly Behind Schedule

Cherry blossoms began blooming in Nagoya on March 26th, according to an announcement by the Nagoya District Meteorological Observatory, two days later than the average year but two days earlier than last year.

Osaka High Court Rules Ban on Same-Sex Marriage Unconstitutional

In an appeal case challenging the government's refusal to recognize same-sex marriage, the Osaka High Court ruled on March 25th that the current legal framework is unconstitutional, overturning a previous lower court decision.

Tokyo Court Orders Dissolution of Unification Church

The Tokyo District Court on March 25th ordered the dissolution of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, formerly known as the Unification Church, following a request from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.

Dementia Becomes Leading Cause of Death in Japan

In a striking finding from one of the world's longest-living nations, dementia has overtaken all other causes of death in Japan.

Yellow sand from China's deserts observed in Osaka, western Japan

Weather officials in Japan say yellow sand from China's desert regions has reached the Japanese archipelago. (NHK)

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Travel NEWS

Seaside Towns of Hiroshima Prefecture | 3-day trip

Hiroshima Prefecture sits next to the Seto Inland Sea and hosts a number of quaint seaside towns and islands. On this three-day trip, we explore the beautiful coastal scenery on foot and by bike, stopping at Tomonoura and Onomichi before tackling Japan's premier cycling route, the Shimanami Kaido. (japan-guide.com)

Notojima Aquarium Fully Reopens for First Time in 15 Months After Earthquake

After being severely damaged in the Noto Peninsula earthquake, the Notojima Aquarium in Nanao City has fully reopened for the first time in approximately 15 months, marking a symbolic step in the region’s recovery.

Dream Vacation: Kabira Bay on Ishigaki Island

For Japanese people living on the mainland, including myself, Okinawa is an ideal vacation destination. (Video Street View Japan)

Cherry blossoms arrive on schedule in Tokyo

Weather officials say cherry blossoms have started blooming in Tokyo. The event occurred on the same date as the seasonal average and five days earlier than last year. (NHK)

Osaka Expo Previews Futuristic Pavilions

With just three weeks remaining until the start of the Osaka-Kansai Expo, several pavilions held preview events on Sunday.

Why Japanese Railways Win

Japan’s world-renowned rail system is often symbolized by the Shinkansen, the original high-speed rail that revolutionized travel when it began in 1964. It now runs hundreds of trains daily with unmatched safety—over 6.5 billion passengers have traveled on it without a single fatality. (Wendover Productions)

Obama: Japan's Hidden Historical Port Town | 2-Day Trip

On this two-day trip, we will explore the historic port town of Obama in Fukui Prefecture, and delve into the rich history of the ‘Mackerel Road,’ an ancient trade route where merchants once carried salted mackerel to Kyoto during Japan’s feudal era. (japan-guide.com)

Tokaido Shinkansen to Introduce Premium Semi-Private Seats

JR Tokai plans to introduce a new high-end seating class on the Tokaido Shinkansen, offering semi-private compartments that surpass the comfort of Green Car seats.

< 2 3 4 5 >