The NHK WORLD-JAPAN video “Must-see Railway News: The First Half of 2022 – Japan Railway Journal” highlights various advancements and events in the Japanese railway industry throughout the first half of 2022. Tokyo Railways is experimenting with AI-controlled train doors, while automated driving tests are conducted on the Yamanote line. Innovative accessibility features like the sound visualization device, Ekimatopia, have been introduced. The video also covers the maintenance and community spirit present in the railway industry, showcasing the human element behind the technology. Additionally, it commemorates the anniversaries of the Sanyo Shinkansen and the inception of Japanese railways, and introduces new tourist trains while bidding farewell to the beloved Romance Car.
- Tokyo Railways is using 4K 5G connected cameras and AI to automate train door operations at Jiyugaoka station.
- Automated driving tests have been conducted on the Yamanote line, showcasing the ATO system’s capabilities.
- Ekimatopia, a sound visualization device, has been tested at JR Ueno Station to aid hearing-impaired passengers, developed by JR East and an IT company.
- Kurobe Gorge Railway’s trolley train undergoes thorough maintenance during the off-season, with staff from various departments contributing.
- Matsuko-san, a kiosk clerk at Yashima Station on Yuri Kogen Railway, has become a cherished figure for providing warmth and community spirit.
- The Sanyo Shinkansen celebrated its 50th anniversary, and the Sable Railway and Chichibu Railway commemorated 150 years of railway transport in Japan with a special event.
- New tourist trains were unveiled, including the Iyonada Monogatari and Hanapavi Soya, signifying a resurgence in local travel following the pandemic.
- Hankai Tramway operated one of Japan’s oldest streetcars, MO 161, restored through crowdfunding for its 100th anniversary.
- The Romance Car VSE, which served the Hakone region, ended its regular service after 17 years, with plans to operate as an event train until fall 2023.
- The sleeper express Hokutosei, discontinued in 2015, found a new life as a hotel in Hokkaido, preserving the train’s legacy.
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Original video here.
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