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

Typhoon No. 22 (Halong) Batters Izu Islands

At 5 a.m. on October 9th, Typhoon No. 22 (Halong), classified as a very strong system, was located near Aogashima as it moved northeast, bringing violent winds and heavy rainfall to the southern Izu Islands, including Hachijojima. The typhoon is passing directly over the region, with wind gusts exceeding 50 meters per second recorded in several locations.

Typhoon No. 23 (Nakri) Forms, Moving Northwest Toward Okinawa

A tropical depression that had been moving northwestward over the Mariana Islands developed into Typhoon No. 23 (Nakri) at 3 p.m. on October 8th east of the Philippines. It is the third typhoon to form this month. The system is expected to move northwest along the edge of a high-pressure zone toward the Okinawa and Amami regions.

Japanese Teachers Still Work World’s Longest Hours

Elementary and junior high school teachers in Japan still work the longest hours among their peers worldwide, according to an OECD report released on Tuesday. While the 2024 results by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development showed working hours had fallen by around four hours per week compared with the previous survey in 2018, Japan’s teachers still far exceeded their global counterparts.

Beer Shortages Hit Japan's Izakayas

Beer deliveries from Asahi Group Holdings have been disrupted following a ransomware cyberattack, causing shortages that have already begun to affect izakaya and other establishments across Japan. Some bars have reported their beer stock falling to “only one left” as supply chain delays ripple through the industry.

Magnitude 4.9 Quake Off Fukushima, No Tsunami Warning Issued

A magnitude 4.9 earthquake occurred off the coast of Fukushima Prefecture around 9:30 a.m. on October 7th, registering a maximum intensity of 4 on the Japanese seismic scale. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, there is no risk of a tsunami caused by this tremor.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Travel NEWS

Historic Town of Imai Preserves Edo-Era Streets in Nara

In the heart of Nara Prefecture lies Imai, a town that has miraculously preserved its Edo-era landscape and traditions to this day. Established in the mid-Muromachi period as a temple-based settlement, Imai developed under the same Buddhist sect as Ishiyama Honganji.

The Secret Behind Japan's Imperial Train

During their visit to the Kansai region, the Japanese Emperor and Empress arrived in Kyoto aboard the “Imperial Train,” which operates on a special schedule reserved solely for the Imperial couple. During its operation, no other train is allowed to overtake or run alongside it, ensuring absolute safety and privacy.

Tokyo Rail Derailment Causes Commuter Chaos

Train services on the Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line remained suspended throughout the day on October 6th following a derailment the previous night, leaving commuters and students stranded and forcing many to queue for hours for replacement buses. In areas along the line, long lines formed at bus stops, and rental electric kick scooters quickly ran out as residents searched for alternative transport options.

Aboard a Japanese Scenic Train | Akita to Aomori along the Sea of Japan

The Resort Shirakami is a remarkable train because it’s available for those with JR Rail Passes! Just make a seat reservation. It takes you through some super scenic areas of Japan’s has a dining car and cafe, entertainment and more! (ONLY in JAPAN * GO)

Bear Family Spotted in Sapporo Neighborhood

A security camera installed at a home in Sapporo’s Nishi Ward captured three bears, including two cubs, walking through a forested area on October 5th, prompting police to heighten their alert.

Driver In Training Behind Tokyu Line Collision That Caused Train Derailment

A collision occurred on the Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line on the night of October 5th when a local train attempting to arrive at Kajigaya Station in Kawasaki City struck a stationary out-of-service train, causing several cars of the latter to derail. Investigators from the Japan Transport Safety Board arrived at the scene on the morning of October 6th to begin examining the cause of the accident.

Emperor and Empress Visit Kyoto for First Time in Six Years

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako visited Kyoto for the first time in six years to attend an international forum that began on October 5th, where discussions focused on the role and implications of artificial intelligence in society.

Spanish Tourist Injured in Bear Attack at World Heritage Shirakawa-go

A Spanish tourist was attacked by a bear while visiting Shirakawa-go, the UNESCO World Heritage village in Gifu Prefecture known for its traditional thatched-roof houses, on October 5th. The incident adds to a growing number of bear encounters reported across Japan in recent weeks.

< 2 3 4 5 >