Japan Railway Journal - Season 12 / Year 2026

With the expansion of the Shinkansen, Japan's night trains all but disappeared. Now, the last remaining sleeper expresses, along with a new night train, are trending once more. We take a closer look.

Railway news from the latter half of 2025. Join us as we look back on new railway vehicles, cutting-edge technologies, commemorative events and more from across Japan.

In regions that experience heavy snowfall, railways use snowplows in combination with other systems to keep the trains running. See how the railways maintain service in Japan's snow country.

Railway Technical Research Institute leads R&D for Japan's railways, from the JR companies to smaller regional lines. See the cutting-edge research that's shaping the future of rail transport.

Hojo Railway in Hyogo Prefecture managed to boost ridership with the introduction of volunteer stationmasters and an old, beloved diesel car. See how this regional railway is working to stay on top.

Every year, the Blue Ribbon and Laurel Prizes honor the finest newly built and redesigned trains. Meet the winners for 2026!

Railway news from across Japan for the first half of 2026. Join us as we look back on milestones and anniversaries, efforts to preserve and revive steam locomotives, and railway events.