Shinkansen: From Bullet Train to Symbol of Modern Japan

by Hood; Christopher P.

• ISBN13: 9780415320528
• ISBN10: 0415320526
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2006-03-16
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

The image of the shinkansen - or 'bullet train' - passing Mount Fuji is one of the most renowned images of modern Japan. Yet, despite its international reputation for speed and punctuality, little is understood about what makes it work so well and what its impact is.This is a comprehensive account of the history of the shinkansen, from its planning during the Pacific War, to its launch in 1964 and subsequent development. It goes on to analyse the reasons behind the bullet train's success, and demonstrates how it went from being simply a high-speed rail network to attaining the status of iconic national symbol. It considers the shinkansen's relationship with national and regional politics and economic development, its financial viability, the environmental challenges it must cope with, and the ways in which it reflects and influences important aspects of Japanese society. It concludes by considering whether the bullet train can be successful in other countries developing high-speed railways. Overall, this book provides a thorough examination of the phenomenon of the shinkansen, and its relationship with Japanese society.

Author Biography

Christopher P. Hood is Director of the Cardiff Japanese Studies Centre, Cardiff University and Associate Fellow at Chatham House

Table of Contents

List of figures	ix
List of tables	xi
Notes on style	xiii
Preface and acknowledgements	xv
Map of Japan and shinkansen lines	xix
Introduction	1	(17)
From bullet train to low flying plane	18	(26)
Ambassador of Japan	44	(27)
Whose line is it anyway?	71	(20)
The bottom line	91	(39)
The need for training	130	(32)
Mirror of Japan	162	(34)
Conclusion	196	(15)
Appendix 1: chronology of significant dates in the history of the shinkansen	211	(9)
Appendix 2: shinkansen lines and stations	220	(11)
Appendix 3: shinkansen types	231	(5)
Glossary and abbreviations	236	(4)
Notes	240	(10)
Bibliography	250	(9)
Index	259