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The Best Episodes of Japan Railway Journal

Every episode of Japan Railway Journal ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of Japan Railway Journal!

Discover the secrets of Japan's railways, from the newest technologies and systems in use, to travel tips and must-see places.

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  1. #1 Fan Favorite
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    Japan Railway Journal Season 1 Episode 1 - The Railway Revival: 4 Years After the Great Earthquake
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    #1 - The Railway Revival: 4 Years After the Great Earthquake

    S1:E1

    The devastating Earthquake damaged or destroyed 4,070km of the railways along the Pacific coastline of North Eastern Japan. See how the unique Bus Rapid Transit system helped to quickly restore vital transportation needs, and the latest wireless signaling system increased the frequency and reliability of the trains. The damage was severe, but the comeback of East Japan's railways will change history for rail services throughout the country. Also, discover the railway museum where visitors can drive a real Class EF63 Electric Locomotive for an unforgettable ride.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  2. Japan Railway Journal Season 1 Episode 2 - The New Shinkansen: Technology and Economic Effects
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    #2 - The New Shinkansen: Technology and Economic Effects

    S1:E2

    This month's Special Rail Report focuses on the latest addition to Japan's high-speed rail network that started mid-March. See the new Shinkansen W7 series in action, the measures taken to combat the snow on route across 450km of Japan, and the economic impact on the town that's now less than 2.5 hours from Tokyo. Also useful tips on choosing the right line while visiting Japan and topics on sleeper train's which ended its last run this March.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  3. Japan Railway Journal Season 1 Episode 3 - Isumi Railway: There's Nothing Here!
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    #3 - Isumi Railway: There's Nothing Here!

    S1:E3

    Most Third Sector railways are former nationally owned lines in rural areas that run at a loss. Recently, Isumi Railway decided on a new strategy to change this. In 2009, they opened their doors to the public to hire a president. They chose a former international airline operations manager, who is also a hardcore rail fan. Discover how his unique perspective and unconventional ideas lead to the revival of the Isumi Railway.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  4. Japan Railway Journal Season 1 Episode 4 - Diesel Hybrid Trains: Japan's World Leading Technology
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    #4 - Diesel Hybrid Trains: Japan's World Leading Technology

    S1:E4

    Japan's diesel hybrid trains use the very latest lithium-ion batteries. Compared to conventional diesel railcars, diesel hybrid trains reduce fuel consumption, carbon emissions and noise pollution. Join us for a ride on the eco-friendly "Resort View Furusato" as it winds its way through the beautiful Japanese Alps. Then meet the volunteer group that maintains its own line on a farm, experience changing a sleeper and see their museum condition narrow-gauge steam engine in action.

    Director:Tetsuya Tsukada
    Writer:Unknown

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  5. Japan Railway Journal Season 1 Episode 5 - Battery Hybrid Trains: Development of the Global Technology
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    #5 - Battery Hybrid Trains: Development of the Global Technology

    S1:E5

    Battery-hybrid trains draw power from both contact lines and their onboard batteries, and they are gaining worldwide attention due to their eco-friendliness and energy-saving technology. See Japan's world-first lithium-ion battery train "ACCUM" in action, plus the new tram and fuel-cell hybrid train in development at Japan's top railway research institute. Then explore 140 years of Japan's railway history at an interactive museum that features full cab simulators.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  6. Japan Railway Journal Season 1 Episode 6 - Japan's Subway Technology in High Density Operation
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    #6 - Japan's Subway Technology in High Density Operation

    S1:E6

    Japan's subways have a reputation for being energy-saving and eco-friendly, and companies have been successfully exporting their technology around the world. Discover why the permanent magnet motors in use on the Ginza Line's 1000 Series, as well as the latest linear motor and "Automated Train Operation" systems are all gaining keen interest. Then "See, Touch and Move" at Japan's only Metro Museum to explore the history of the subways, and some of the new technology applied in recent years.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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    The 20 WORST Episodes of Japan Railway Journal

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  7. Japan Railway Journal Season 1 Episode 7 - The Secret of Operating Preserved Steam Locomotives
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    #7 - The Secret of Operating Preserved Steam Locomotives

    S1:E7

    In Japan, regions operating preserved steam locomotives benefit from vital boosts to the local economy. Discover the secrets behind making these historic workhorses invaluable tourist attractions, and how the practice is gaining popularity. Then meet the experts whose supreme skills preserve the precious boilers and maintain the engines, and see the 300 years of tradition behind the manufacture of a unique shovel specifically designed to efficiently scoop coal. Also, a special guest joining us this time is Rena Matsui, a successful former member of the popular idol group SKE48, and now she is pursuing her career as an actor.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  8. Japan Railway Journal Season 1 Episode 8 - Special Preview - Hokkaido Shinkansen: Hopes and Challenges
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    #8 - Special Preview - Hokkaido Shinkansen: Hopes and Challenges

    S1:E8

    On March 26, 2016, the new Series H5 will enter service on Japan's latest shinkansen line, which runs through the world's longest undersea tunnel between Honshu and Hokkaido. Rena Matsui reports on the build-up to Hokkaido's first shinkansen arrival, the brand new Shin-Hakodate Station, and the latest technology to combat the cold. Also see the challenges of the Shinkansen sharing the line with freight trains, and discover the only place in Japan with presenter Russell Totten where anyone can drive a real steam locomotive.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  9. Japan Railway Journal Season 1 Episode 9 - Yamanote Line: The Green Rotating Heart of Tokyo
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    #9 - Yamanote Line: The Green Rotating Heart of Tokyo

    S1:E9

    With trains making 650 round trips each day, the JR Yamanote Line is the artery of Tokyo's railways. On November 30, the new Series E235 entered service on the green-colored loop line, and is scheduled to replace all train sets by the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. See the latest technology on this next generation train, look back on all its predecessors on the Yamanote Line since the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, then visit "Mass-Trans Innovation Japan", Japan's largest railway convention held every 2 years.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  10. Japan Railway Journal Season 2 Episode 1 - Seven Stars in Kyushu: The Local Revitalizing Cruise Train
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    #10 - Seven Stars in Kyushu: The Local Revitalizing Cruise Train

    S2:E1

    In recent years, "tourist trains" have become increasingly popular. With their unique Japanese designs, seasonal on-board cuisine and stopover excursions, more and more people are enjoying Japan's railways. The reason for this boom is the expansion of the Shinkansen network, which has made local regions easier to access and brought a welcome economic boost to the area. Discover the hopes that these tourists trains bring as we take a luxurious trip on the most popular 2 day "cruise train" with Saya Ichikawa, a Japanese model and also an avid railfan who loves riding tourist trains.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  11. Japan Railway Journal Season 2 Episode 2 - Second Chances for Used Trains in Southeast Asia
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    #11 - Second Chances for Used Trains in Southeast Asia

    S2:E2

    Used Japanese trains are being given a new lease of life in Southeast Asia. Demand for Japanese trains is high because they are air-conditioned, and are always well maintained. We follow a Series 205 on its way to its new home in Indonesia, and see how Japanese engineers are sharing their knowledge as they teach track maintenance in Myanmar. We also travel to Yubari City in Hokkaido, where a citizens group is striving to preserve the local railway heritage and a closed steam locomotive museum.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  12. Japan Railway Journal Season 2 Episode 3 - Earthquake Safety: What 5 Years Has Taught Us
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    #12 - Earthquake Safety: What 5 Years Has Taught Us

    S2:E3

    In March 2011, the Great East Japan Earthquake severely damaged the railway infrastructure in the Tohoku area. See some of the advanced safety measures that railway operators have been developing since then, such as the "early earthquake warning system" to automatically stop the Shinkansen, the "seismic hazard simulator for a railway" that assess potential damage, and the support on hand for stranded commuters. Then, join avid rail-fan Miki Murai on the "Steam Locomotive Ginga", a shining symbol of the recovery effort.

    Director:Shinobu Imao
    Writer:Unknown

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  13. Japan Railway Journal Season 2 Episode 4 - Superconducting Maglev: The Extreme Speeds of Tomorrow
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    #13 - Superconducting Maglev: The Extreme Speeds of Tomorrow

    S2:E4

    Traveling at 500km/h, the Superconducting Maglev will connect Tokyo to Nagoya in just 40 minutes and is planned to begin commercial service in 2027. To achieve such extreme speeds, magnetic levitation is used to lift the train 10cm above the guideway. See the cutting-edge technology used to safely operate ultra-high speed services, and experience the world of 500km/h rail travel as we report from the 42km-long Yamanashi Maglev Test Line.

    Director:Tetsuya Tsukada
    Writer:Unknown

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  14. Japan Railway Journal Season 2 Episode 5 - Ekiben: A True Rail Traveling Companion
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    #14 - Ekiben: A True Rail Traveling Companion

    S2:E5

    Ekiben, a word that combines eki, meaning station, and the ben from bento, are special boxed meals sold at stations and on trains all over Japan. Around 4,000 different kinds of ekiben are sold throughout Japan, and each one is packed with the distinct culture and cuisine of the local area its made in. Discover the special techniques used to ensure that ekiben are always high quality and delicious even when chilled, and some tips on how to really enjoy lunch on the train.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  15. Japan Railway Journal Season 2 Episode 6 - Premium Express Shimakaze: A Train of Dreams to Reality
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    #15 - Premium Express Shimakaze: A Train of Dreams to Reality

    S2:E6

    Kintetsu Railway's "Premium Express Shimakaze" is a popular tourist train that connects Osaka, Kyoto, and Nagoya to Iseshima.Through extensive market research (over 14,000 people were surveyed), the interior and concept were designed to utilize customer needs. Explore the variety of premium facilities through a ride onboard, and the latest technology used to provide travelers a luxurious rail experience. Also, see the Museum Meiji-mura.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  16. Japan Railway Journal Season 2 Episode 7 - The Cat Stationmaster Who Rescued a Railway
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    #16 - The Cat Stationmaster Who Rescued a Railway

    S2:E7

    The Wakayama Electric Railway's Kishigawa Line is a well-known local line for its cat stationmaster. Ever since "Tama" the cat was assigned as stationmaster, there has been a significant increase in the numbers of tourists, which resulted in the continuation of a railway that was due to be decommissioned. Discover how the railway was rescued by a cat stationmaster, the unique trains and building shapes designed to deliver excitement and the local support group that shows continuous support.

    Director:Noriaki Suzuki
    Writer:Unknown

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  17. Japan Railway Journal Season 2 Episode 8 - New Generation Express: Journey to Speed and Comfortability
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    #17 - New Generation Express: Journey to Speed and Comfortability

    S2:E8

    A new test vehicle scheduled to operate on the Chuo Conventional Line is currently undergoing performance evaluation and technical verification. Discover the evolution of an express train which operates through many curves using the latest technology, improvements on comfortability and the reason behind the development of the new vehicle through a special test run. Then meet a group in Ishikawa Prefecture which runs "rail bicycles" using the discontinued Noto Line to take visitors for an enjoyable ride.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  18. Japan Railway Journal Season 2 Episode 9 - The Future of Rail Freight Transport
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    #18 - The Future of Rail Freight Transport

    S2:E9

    Freight trains are making a change to improve the quality of their service. Implementations such as "modal shift" - a switchover from truck transport to freights, company dedicated freights for faster delivery, Japan's unique technology to improve the efficiency of transport and the 12 feet containers that are gaining attention from Southeast Asian countries. Also see the history of high-speed railway at the SC Maglev and Railway Park located in Nagoya.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  19. Japan Railway Journal Season 2 Episode 10 - Kyoto Railway Museum: The Story of Rail Transport in Japan
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    #19 - Kyoto Railway Museum: The Story of Rail Transport in Japan

    S2:E10

    In April 2016, Japan's largest railway museum made its debut in Kyoto city. On display is a collection of 53 vehicles that symbolizes Japan's railway history which includes 23 steam locomotives, the very first Shinkansen, famous sleeper trains and more. See passenger cars pulled by real steam locomotives as well as the repair and maintenance of vehicles up close. The different types of simulators and a giant HO-scale diorama make it a theme park that is enjoyable for everyone.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  20. Japan Railway Journal Season 2 Episode 11 - Light Rail Vehicles: Modern Trams Reshaping Urban Transit
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    #20 - Light Rail Vehicles: Modern Trams Reshaping Urban Transit

    S2:E11

    This program is all about the successive introduction of light rail vehicles (LRVs). Check out Fukui city's LRV under mutual direct operation between 2 railway companies, how Toyama city increased ridership by implementing LRVs onto a line which was on the verge of being discontinued, and the benefits LRVs have on the region. Also, be sure to see the activities of the "Tohoku Live Steam Club" where they build and operate their own large-scale steam locomotives based in Miyagi Prefecture.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  21. Japan Railway Journal Season 2 Episode 12 - Keikyu: The Strive for World-Class Rail Operation
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    #21 - Keikyu: The Strive for World-Class Rail Operation

    S2:E12

    Keikyu operates in the suburbs of Tokyo, and is known for its frequent high-speed operations, direct through service with other lines and minimal train delays. Keikyu also uses the most human-centered system of all major Japanese railway companies, ensuring vital knowledge and experience is put to good use for a reliable operation. Also, see Miki Murai reporting about Noto Railway's tourist train which operates in the Noto region, where it was appointed as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  22. Japan Railway Journal Season 2 Episode 13 - World-Class Maintenance: The Backbone of Shinkansen Operations
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    #22 - World-Class Maintenance: The Backbone of Shinkansen Operations

    S2:E13

    In 1964, the Tokaido Shinkansen was introduced as the "Dream Super Express". Since then, it has transported over 5.5 billion passengers. The almighty high-speed vehicle is known for its accuracy, which its delay time per car set is only 0.2 minutes. Also, it's known for the comfort of the ride and safety; no fatal accidents had happened for the last 52 years. The Shinkansen has such accomplishment due to the support of people behind the scenes. See the latest technology used during the maintenance procedure which is conducted overnight and then meet "Dr.Yellow", a train created especially for inspection of tracks and overhead lines.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  23. Japan Railway Journal Season 2 Episode 14 - Railways Back on Track: Six Months After the Kumamoto Earthquakes
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    #23 - Railways Back on Track: Six Months After the Kumamoto Earthquakes

    S2:E14

    The magnitude 7 earthquake that struck Kumamoto Prefecture on April 14, 2016 severely damaged railways of Kyushu region. With many efforts, the Kyushu Shinkansen was back in full operation in 2 weeks but the third sector, Minamiaso Railway, was able to resume partial service only. Unfortunately, a complete restoration will cost billions of yen and funds are yet to be secured. Japan Railway Journal identifies the challenges and efforts of Kyushu region to recover its railroads.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  24. Japan Railway Journal Season 2 Episode 15 - Future Prospects Made in the Past: JR East's Steam Loco Strategy
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    #24 - Future Prospects Made in the Past: JR East's Steam Loco Strategy

    S2:E15

    East Japan Railway Company also known as JR East operates 4 preserved steam locomotives and is a popular attraction for tourists. Unfortunately, operating and maintaining locomotives are costly, and techniques developed over time such as manufacturing components and driving skills needs to be passed down to the next generation of workers.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  25. Japan Railway Journal Season 2 Episode 16 - Picking Up the Pace: JR Shikoku's Tactics for Survival
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    #25 - Picking Up the Pace: JR Shikoku's Tactics for Survival

    S2:E16

    Due to the privatization from Japan National Railway, 6 Japanese Railway Companies were established almost 30 years ago. Shikoku Railway Company, also known as JR Shikoku is the smallest among the 6 and started off with financial difficulties as well as the struggle of competing against the rapidly expanding highways. See how JR Shikoku developed the World's first diesel tilting train which led to the increase of speed and strategies to operate unique tourist trains.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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Best Episodes Summary

"The Railway Revival: 4 Years After the Great Earthquake" is the best rated episode of "Japan Railway Journal". It scored /10 based on 0 votes. Directed by Unknown and written by Unknown, it aired on 3/9/2015. This episode scored 0.0 points higher than the second highest rated, "The New Shinkansen: Technology and Economic Effects".