Known around the world as Japan’s bullet train, the “Shinkansen,” which literally translates as “the new trunk line,” will celebrate 60 years of near perfect service on Oct. 1. In the 1960s this train became a national symbol of pride in a new, modern Japan, emerging from the destruction of World War II, and now leading the world community. “Japan is back,” was the announcement to the world. With this infrastructure project, Japan united its narrow but sprawling nation, and completely rejected the old feudal Tokugawa warlord tradition. However, this “new” direction in Japan has a long history, and can be traced to the nearly forgotten 1868 Meiji Restoration, one nurtured by the Lincoln, Hamilton, List, and Carey networks.
While the American rail network averages three derailments per week, Japan’s bullet train passengers have taken 6.4 billion trips traveling up to 200 miles per hour, and in comfort, efficiency, and complete safety. There has never been a single fatality in the 1,800 mile long system. The system covers the four major islands of Japan and is considered the crown jewel of the public transportation network.
