Japan Railway Journal - Season 11 / Year 2025

Season 11 / Year 2025
Episodes

Must-see Railway News: The Latter Half of 2024
Railway news from the latter half of 2024. Join us as we look back on the Tokaido Shinkansen's 60th anniversary, the introduction of new vehicles and more exciting railway news from across Japan.

Major Railways Helping Local Communities Grow
Private railway companies in Greater Tokyo are redeveloping areas along their lines. See how they are focusing on community growth over more traditional developer-led models.

The Enduring Charm of Printed Timetables
Despite the rise of transfer apps, around 100,000 timetables are printed each month. Discover the charm of Japanese train timetables as we speak to the editors and the foreign residents who use them.

Oigawa Railway: A New President Steps Up
In June 2024, Torizuka Akira became Oigawa Railway's new president. With half the line still closed due to typhoon damage, see how the company is striving to recover.

On Track for a Carbon-Free Future
Across the country, Japan's railways are working towards a shared goal: carbon neutrality. See the efforts being made to shift away from diesel power and to improve energy efficiency overall.

Revitalizing Niigata's Third-Sector Railways
Echigo Tokimeki Railway and Hokuetsu Express, both third-sector railways in Niigata Prefecture, have struggled since the Hokuriku Shinkansen was extended to Kanazawa. See their efforts to survive.

110 Years of Nagasaki's Beloved Streetcars
2025 marks the 110th anniversary of Nagasaki Electric Tramway, which has long been a vital means of transportation for both residents and tourists. Discover the charm of Nagasaki's streetcars.

Must-see Railway News: The First Half of 2025
Railway news from the first half of 2025. From new technologies to farewell runs, join us as we take a look at the latest railway trends and major stories from across Japan.

JR Ome Line: Turning Railway Stops into Overnight Stops
A unique project along Tokyo's JR Ome Line is turning the area's empty homes into "hotel rooms" - with one station currently acting as the "front desk." See how tourism is revitalizing the community.

Hiroshima Station Transformed: A Bustling New Gateway to the City
In March 2025, a new shopping complex opened inside Hiroshima Station, and in August, trams began running from the second floor. See how this bustling new city hub is being developed.

Choshi Electric Railway: Fighting to Get Back on Track
Choshi Electric Railway in Chiba Prefecture posted its first loss in four years, as reported in June 2025. See the company's plans to survive this time, following its previous triumphs over crises.

Five Years On: Redeveloping the Joban Line
The JR Joban Line, severely damaged by the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, fully reopened in 2020. See how station areas in Fukushima Prefecture are being redeveloped along the restored route.

JR Geibi Line: Making Moves with Extra Trains
The JR Geibi Line has begun running extra trains as talks commence regarding the line's future. See the local governments' response to the added trains and their efforts to keep the line open.

Vertical Separation: A Key to the Survival of Local Railways
Amid financial struggles, local railways are increasingly turning to vertical separation (dividing the ownership of infrastructure and operations) in order to survive. See how it works in practice.

Enhancing Railways with AI: Highlights from Mass-Trans Innovation Japan 2025
Recently, many railway companies have been adopting AI to improve efficiency and safety. See examples from Mass-Trans Innovation Japan 2025 that show how AI is being applied across the industry.
Recently Updated Shows

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
In the criminal justice system, sexually-based offenses are considered especially heinous. In New York City, the dedicated detectives who investigate these vicious felonies are members of an elite squad known as the Special Victims Unit. These are their stories.

Taskmaster
Greg Davies is the Taskmaster who, with the help of his right-hand man, Alex, sets out to test the wiles, wit and wisdom of five hyper competitive comedians through a series of ingenious challenges. With the chance to be crowned show champion, rivalry amongst the comedians is encouraged, dodgy tactics rewarded and bribes accepted.

FBI
FBI is a fast-paced drama about the inner workings of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. These first-class agents, including Special Agent Maggie Bell and her partner, Special Agent Omar Adom 'OA' Zidan, bring all their talents, intellect and technical expertise on major cases in order to keep New York and the country safe.

Tracker
Tracker features lone-wolf survivalist Colter Shaw, who roams the country as a "reward seeker," using his expert tracking skills to help private citizens and law enforcement to solve all manner of mysteries while contending with his own fractured family.

NCIS
NCIS (Naval Criminal Investigative Service) is more than just an action drama. With liberal doses of humor, it's a show that focuses on the sometimes complex and always amusing dynamics of a team forced to work together in high-stress situations. Leroy Jethro Gibbs, a former Marine gunnery sergeant, whose skills as an investigator are unmatched, leads this troupe of colorful personalities. Rounding out the team are Anthony DiNozzo, an ex-homicide detective whose instincts in the field are unparalleled and whose quick wit and humorous take on life make him a team favorite; the youthful and energetic forensic specialist Abby Sciuto, a talented scientist whose sharp mind matches her Goth style and eclectic tastes; Caitlin Todd, an ex-Secret Service Agent; and Timothy McGee, an MIT graduate whose brilliance with computers far overshadows his insecurities in the field; Assisting the team is medical examiner Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard, who knows it all because he's seen it all, and he's not afraid to let you know. From murder and espionage to terrorism and stolen submarines, these special agents travel the globe to investigate all crimes with Navy or Marine Corps ties.