Japan Launches First Dedicated Freight Shinkansen Service

Mar 17, 2026 | News On Japan

TOKYO - JR East unveiled Japan’s first dedicated freight Shinkansen in Tokyo on March 17th, marking a new step in the use of high-speed rail for logistics.

The train has been converted from a Yamagata Shinkansen model and consists of a seven-car formation capable of transporting up to 1,000 boxes of cargo, primarily packaged in cardboard containers.

A demonstration was also conducted on March 17th showing how unloaded goods are transferred using automated guided vehicles to trucks, highlighting efforts to streamline last-mile delivery operations.

The company expects strong demand for transporting fresh produce such as fish and vegetables, and will begin regular daily service from Morioka to Tokyo starting on March 23rd, operating one round trip per day.

Source: テレ東BIZ

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