Shinkansen Defines All that is Wondrous About Japan
Nov 08, 2011
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Even 47 years after it launched a just before the 1964 Olympics, Japan’s bullet train network, the Shinkansen, continues to amaze us. I type this as we are on our way from Tokyo’s Shinegawa Station to Osaka for the Panasonic Japan Tour. The design, the efficiency, and the average delay of six seconds are a testament to Japanese innovation, technology and kaizen. From the moment we left Shinegawa station to arriving Osaka two and a half house later, I was mesmerized. Even though I had ridden Shinkansen trains before, they are still a high-tech treat.
While high speed rail projects around the world are bogged down from a lack of funding and political paralysis, Japan still sets the standard for efficient transportation. From the test trains (“Doctor Yellow”) that run over night to detect the smallest rail flaws to the duck bill-shaped front cars that exude progress and performance, riding one of these trains is a convincing case for the rest of us to find a way and gain the will to get these projects done.
North American air carriers’ employees could learn something from the Shinkansen workers, too. The level of customer service from the gate attendants to the snack cart conveyers should inspire anyone to make transport an excellent customer experience. Even the vending machines in the station were divine.
no need to fasten seat belts; it ain't a bumpy ride
[...] brings to motion all that is cutting-edge and symbolic about Japan. Its rail system is the world’s envy for many reasons. boarding the Yurikamome, a seamless process Yurikamome during the day (courtesy [...]