New NHK World show: Japan Railway Journal

[Kansen Tsushin]

On 9/29/2022 at 5:31 PM, Tony Galiani said:

Finally had a chance to watch the Okayama Branch show.  I really liked it and thought it offered great modeling potential as well.  Perfect excuse to run a mix of trains under the guise of a tourism program.

Or are the model manufacturers in league with the train companies for new addictive products?  I could see some special edition KiHa 40s being good sellers.  I would be tempted by some of them for sure.

Ciao,

Tony

With Japan opening soon without the need to apply for a visa, you might be able to experience it yourself!

[Ochanomizu]

😭 .... my DL software won't work on NHK anymore ....

[Ochanomizu]

update ... I found new DL software that works ... 🙂

 

[Pavlik]

On 10/10/2022 at 3:24 AM, Ochanomizu said:

update ... I found new DL software that works ... 🙂

 

Which software have you found, Ochanomizu?

[bobbodaclown]

New Episode! (#119)

 

Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen: Half A Century Since Its Inception

October 28, 2022

 

One of the biggest news in the railway industry this year is the opening of JR Kyushu's Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen. Making its debut on September 23, the 66km line runs between Takeo-onsen Station in Saga Prefecture and Nagasaki Station in Nagasaki Prefecture. A major redeveloping project around Nagasaki Station is underway, creating excitement in the prefecture. Also, a new tourist train started service along with the shinkansen, and many tourists are expected to visit the area. On the other hand, the national government and Saga Prefecture are still discussing the development of a section east of Takeo-onsen Station that will connect to Fukuoka Prefecture, but no agreement has been made. See the new Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen and the regional revitalization of the line's opening.

[bobbodaclown]

New Episode! (#120)

 

JR Tadami Line: Back After 11 Years

November 18, 2022

 

The JR Tadami Line connecting Fukushima and Niigata Prefectures is known for its spectacular views. However, in July 2011, heavy rain washed away the bridges and tracks, resulting in the suspension of service on a section of the line. Discussions were held between local governments, which wanted to fully restore the railway, and JR East, which wanted to switch to bus services. After six years of discussions, both parties agreed to use the vertical separation system where Fukushima Prefecture and 17 local governments in the Aizu region will maintain and manage the railway facilities, and JR East will be responsible for the operations. The Tadami Line resumed full operation on October 1, 2022. See how the line was restored and the efforts for the Tadami Line to get back on track.

[bobbodaclown]

New Episode!

 

Exploring the Labyrinth that is Tokyo Station

December 2, 2022

 

This year marks the 150th anniversary of Japan's railway system. Tokyo Station - the heart of the network is a hub station that provides access to various destinations. Tokyo Station is the first station for all Japanese railways, including Tokaido, Chuo, Sobu and Tohoku lines and Shinkansen. The red-brick Marunouchi station building, restored to its original appearance in 2012, includes a hotel and an art museum. The station is also home to a huge commercial complex where visitors can purchase ekiben and Tokyo souvenirs and enjoy delicious food. However, the vast Tokyo Station is a "labyrinth" for first-time visitors. See the history of Tokyo Station and how it evolves as a symbol of the capital city.

[Claude_Dreyfus]

Watched the Tadami line episode tonight. I am rather taken with the happi coat featuring the KiHa28(?) on the back. That was pretty cool...

[bobbodaclown]

New Episode!

Reviewing the New Trains of 2022

December 23, 2022

 

Thirteen new trains, including express, commuter and tourist trains, made their debut in 2022. Compared to last year, many tourist trains started service despite the pandemic, such as trains that transformed the common area into a lounge and the entire car into a private room. Among express trains, JR Central's Series HC85 gained attention. It uses a hybrid system that combines electricity generated by a diesel engine and electricity stored in batteries. Also, subways and commuter trains with distinctive designs were introduced. Join us as we look back at Japan's latest trains and trends.

[bobbodaclown]

New Episode!

Must-see Railway News: The Latter Half of 2022

January 20, 2023

 

Japan's railway-related news, covered by NHK from July to December 2022. Join us as we look at news celebrating the 150th anniversary of the railway, rural railways that are recovering from the pandemic and advances being made in the rail industry. Plus, we say goodbye to some beloved trains. Also, in a move toward making a more diverse railway, meet JR West Kanazawa branch's first female diesel train driver.

 

[bobbodaclown]

New Episode!

Ichibata Electric Railway: Working Hand in Hand with the Region (#124)

February 10, 2023

 

In 2022, Ichibata Electric Railway in Shimane Prefecture celebrated its 110th anniversary. The railway is a vital means of transportation for locals, as well as a popular sightseeing route for tourist spots along the line. However, running at a loss since 1966, the railway has relied on financial support from the local government. Now, in the wake of the pandemic, the railway is working with the region to come up with new and unique ways to boost passenger numbers.

[ijontichy]

That old guy who moved from Ōsaka to Fukui in order to be able to ride the Dehani Type 50 all the time ... he is living the dream. What a legend!

[bobbodaclown]

New Episode!

Choshi Electric Railway: Turning Creative Ideas into Profit

March 24, 2023

 

Many railway companies have suffered during the pandemic, but the Choshi Electric Railway in Chiba Prefecture made a profit for the first time in six years in 2021. This is because 80% of their sales come from non-train operations, such as selling rice crackers, track ballasts, train sounds, auctioning station names and even producing a movie. Take a look at the unique ideas implemented by the company's president to keep the company on track.

[katoftw]

I saw that and assumed it was a old episode last night.  Had to double check. This would be the third episode about said railway.

Edited March 15, 2023 by katoftw

[bobbodaclown]

New Episode!

The Tohoku Shinkansen: Full Speed Ahead

April 14, 2023

 

JR East is working to reduce travel times by increasing the speed of the Tohoku Shinkansen to attract tourists and revitalize the region. The company is currently conducting tests using its test vehicle, the ALFA-X. They aim to realize a commercial operation with a maximum speed of 360 km/h by developing new rolling stock as well as supporting infrastructure. With the extension of the Tohoku-Hokkaido Shinkansen scheduled to open in the spring of 2031, the company is looking to compete with the airlines, which see around 10 million passengers per year. See the latest developments of the ALFA-X, as well as environmental measures to reduce noise pollution along the line.

[brill27mcb]

Watched it yesterday. A good show - more documentary than a lot of the earlier ones ("Oooh, look at the seats!"). 😲

 

Rich K.

[Ochanomizu]

On 11/11/2022 at 6:48 PM, bobbodaclown said:

New Episode! (#120)

 

JR Tadami Line: Back After 11 Years

November 18, 2022

 

The JR Tadami Line connecting Fukushima and Niigata Prefectures is known for its spectacular views. However, in July 2011, heavy rain washed away the bridges and tracks, resulting in the suspension of service on a section of the line. Discussions were held between local governments, which wanted to fully restore the railway, and JR East, which wanted to switch to bus services. After six years of discussions, both parties agreed to use the vertical separation system where Fukushima Prefecture and 17 local governments in the Aizu region will maintain and manage the railway facilities, and JR East will be responsible for the operations. The Tadami Line resumed full operation on October 1, 2022. See how the line was restored and the efforts for the Tadami Line to get back on track.

Hello,

 

For me, this is Episode 121 ... and The Tohoku Shinkansen is Episode 127.  Has anyone produced a full list to clarify?

[arkh]

These two are a bit hit-or-miss with how accurate they can be, but I tend to use them to check episode data:

https://thetvdb.com/series/japan-railway-journal#seasons

https://www.tvmaze.com/shows/36049/japan-railway-journal/episodes

Just a quick look through though does seem to confirm your numbers of which episodes are 121 and 127.

[bobbodaclown]

New Episode! (#128)

JR Geibi Line and Kisuki Line at a Crossroads

May 19, 2023

 

Passenger numbers for local railway lines across Japan continue to fall as the population declines and more people opt to drive, putting pressure on railway company profits. In April 2022, JR West announced the income and expenditure status of 30 sections on 17 lines with a transport density of less than 2,000 passengers. According to the report, all 30 sections are in the red. The company is now planning to hold discussions with local governments along the lines to determine the best way forward. The section with the lowest income/expense ratio is the Geibi Line at 0.4%, followed by the Kisuki Line at 1.5% (both located in Hiroshima Prefecture). Take a look at how the local government and community are working to promote the use of the lines.

Edited May 12, 2023 by bobbodaclown

[bobbodaclown]

 

On 5/1/2023 at 9:03 PM, Ochanomizu said:

Hello,

 

For me, this is Episode 121 ... and The Tohoku Shinkansen is Episode 127.  Has anyone produced a full list to clarify?

 

 

 

On 5/4/2023 at 12:58 PM, arkh said:

These two are a bit hit-or-miss with how accurate they can be, but I tend to use them to check episode data:
Just a quick look through though does seem to confirm your numbers of which episodes are 121 and 127.

 

 

Thank you both. I will check. I thought I had all the episodes.

 

 

[bobbodaclown]

Righto thanks for again for that - I was missing Episode 95 - 

Tenryu Hamanako Railroad: Working with the Community to Revitalize the Railway

Now I just have to find it...

[bobbodaclown]

Panic over - it's still on the NHK website.

[bobbodaclown]

Okay, here's the full list (in d/mm/yyyy format):

 

Episode    Release    Title
1    9/03/2015    The Railway Revival: 4 Years after the Great Earthquake
2    10/04/2015    The New Shinkansen: Technology and Economic Effects
3    15/05/2015    Isumi Railway: There's Nothing Here!
4    12/06/2015    Diesel Hybrid Trains: Japan's World Leading Technology
5    11/07/2015    Battery Hybrid Trains: Development of the Global Technology
6    14/08/2015    Japan's Subway Technology in High Density Operation
7    9/10/2015    The Secret of Operating Preserved Steam Locomotives
8    13/11/2015    Special Preview - Hokkaido Shinkansen: Hopes and Challenges
9    4/12/2015    Yamanote Line: The Green Rotating Heart of Tokyo
10    15/01/2016    Seven Stars in Kyushu: The Local Revitalizing Cruise Train
11    11/02/2016    Second Chances for Used Trains in Southeast Asia
12    11/03/2016    Earthquake Safety: What 5 Years has Taught Us
13    7/04/2016    Superconducting Maglev: The Extreme Speeds of Tomorrow
14    15/04/2016    Ekiben: A True Rail Traveling Companion
15    13/05/2016    Premium Express Shimakaze: A Train of Dreams to Reality
16    19/05/2016    The Cat Stationmaster Who Rescued a Railway
17    10/06/2016    New Generation Express: Journey to Speed and Comfortability
18    17/06/2016    The Future of Rail Freight Transport
19    15/07/2016    Light Rail Vehicles: Modern Trams Reshaping Urban Transit
20    22/07/2016    Kyoto Railway Museum: The Story of Rail Transport in Japan
21    5/08/2016    Keikyu: The Strive for World-Class Rail Operation
22    16/09/2016    World-Class Maintenance: The Backbone of Shinkansen Operations
23    7/10/2016    Railways Back on Track: Six Months after the Kumamoto Earthquakes
24    14/10/2016    Future Prospects Made in the Past: JR East's Steam Loco Strategy
25    11/11/2016    Picking Up the Pace: JR Shikoku's Tactics for Survival
26    9/12/2016    The Seeds of Success: Kyoto's Sagano Scenic Railway
27    12/01/2017    Turning Problems Into Opportunities: The Tsugaru Railway's Strategy
28    19/01/2017    Japan's World-Class Rail And Wheels
29    16/02/2017    Keihan Electric Railway: Advanced Technology That Dominated The Railway Hub
30    9/03/2017    The Long Winter Of Discontent: One Railway's Battle Against Snow Summary History Search
31    6/04/2017    Dreams Of A Texas Bullet Train: Future Plans For Japan's High-Speed Railways
32    13/04/2017    Using Railways To Promote Local Tourism: Kyushu Railway Company's Strategy
33    11/05/2017    Toden Arakawa Line: A Hidden Gem For Tourists From Overseas
34    18/05/2017    All The Comfort You Require: Onboard Services On Japanese Trains
35    15/06/2017    The Unsung Hero Of Japanese Railways: Series Kiha 40 Diesel Trains
36    13/07/2017    Airport Express Lines: How Competition Is Improving The Ride Into The City
37    14/07/2017    A Long-Awaited Whistle: Tobu Railway's Steam Service Revival
38    20/07/2017    Prepaid E-Money Cards: The Smart Way To Travel In Japan
39    10/08/2017    HIGH RAIL 1375: The Tourist Train That Touches New Heights
40    7/09/2017    Train Suite Shiki-Shima: The High-Tech Luxury Cruise Train
41    5/10/2017    Rediscovering Old Horizons: Preservation And Utilization Of Railway Heritage
42    19/10/2017    Hankyu Corporation: A Leading Private Railway Company's Business Model
43    16/11/2017    Advanced Urban Travel: Japan's Monorail Systems
44    14/12/2017    Safeguarding The System: Maintaining JR Central's Conventional Line
45    12/01/2018    Driving Forward with Steam: Oigawa Railway's Strategy
46    19/01/2018    Hokuriku Shinkansen Update: Re-assessing the Effects and Challenges 3 Years On
47    15/02/2018    JR OITA CITY: The Station Complex that Changed the Game
48    2/03/2018    Enoshima Electric Railway: A Good Old 10km Ride
49    6/04/2018    A New Generation of Commuter Train: Tokyu Corporation's Series 2020
50    20/04/2018    The Ultimate in Comfort: New Limited Express Super Azusa
51    24/05/2018    Tobu Railway's Revaty Express: Moving Forward to a Better Nikko
52    8/06/2018    Gakunan Electric Train: A New Outlook in the Foothills of Mt. Fuji
53    12/07/2018    Kominato Railway: The Strategy of a Quaint Local Railway
54    19/07/2018    The Golden Route to Hakone: Limited Express Romancecar and the Mountain Train
55    27/07/2018    New-Look Railway Museum: A Wonderland of Japan's Railway History
56    21/09/2018    Shinano Railway: Managing the Risks of the Next 30 Years
57    28/09/2018    Chartered Tour Trains: Special Times for Special Tours
58    19/10/2018    Nagoya Railroad: Advancing with Easy Airport Access and a Famous Castle Town
59    26/10/2018    JR Central: Enticing Tourists with Helpful Services & Events
60    9/11/2018    Iwate Galaxy Railway: Launching Services for the Community
61    23/11/2018    Echizen Railway: Heading into the Future with the Community Onboard
62    21/12/2018    Seibu Railway: Setting its Sights on the Chichibu Region
63    18/01/2019    New Year Trains: Beginning the New Year with a Journey
64    8/02/2019    JR Gono Line: A Popular Local Line Worth the Journey
65    15/02/2019    Amaterasu Railway: A Tourist Attraction Making the Most of a Discontinued Line
66    29/03/2019    Yamanote Line: Tokyo's Ever Evolving Loop Line
67    12/04/2019    JR Hokkaido's Yubari Line: A Beloved Local Line Comes to an End
68    26/04/2019    Tokyo Metro: A Subway Network On Time & On Track
69    23/05/2019    Nishi-Nippon Railroad: Fine Dining on an Even Finer Tourist Train
70    30/05/2019    Hiroshima Electric Railway: On Track on the Streets
71    27/06/2019    Hankai Tramway: Osaka's One & Only Tram Network
72    11/07/2019    Choshi Electric Railway: Finding New Ways to Get Back on Track
73    25/07/2019    JR Osaka Loop Line: Developing a Better, More User-Friendly Line
74    12/09/2019    Kyoto Tango Railway: A Bus Company to the Rescue
75    26/09/2019    South Hokkaido Railway: A Tourist Train Developed by a Tour Company
76    10/10/2019    Chizu Express: A Top Tier Third Sector Railway
77    24/10/2019    Hitachinaka Seaside Railway: Pulling Together with the Local Community
78    7/11/2019    JR's Ekinaka Development Project: A New Lifestyle Below the Chuo Line
79    21/11/2019    Introducing the N700S: JR Central's Next-Generation Shinkansen
80    12/12/2019    New Technology Opening the Future of the Railway
81    26/12/2019    Reviewing the New Trains of 2019
82    17/01/2020    Sunrise Seto and Izumo: The Last of the Overnight Sleeper Trains
83    13/02/2020    Echigo Tokimeki Railway: A Railway for Everyone
84    26/03/2020    A Guide to Tokyo's Airport Access Lines
85    16/04/2020    Kintetsu Railway's Hinotori: Challenging the Shinkansen with Comfort
86    30/04/2020    Takanawa Gateway Station: The New Gateway to Tokyo
87    4/06/2020    Securing the Future of Japan's Local Railways
88    9/07/2020    The Blue Ribbon & Laurel Prize: Japan's Best New Trains
89    30/07/2020    Bicycle Onboard: Cycling with JR East
90    7/08/2020    Heisei Chikuho Railway: A Tourist Train Recovering from the Pandemic
91    18/09/2020    Tsugaru Railway: Surviving the Coronavirus Pandemic
92    16/10/2020    JR Freight: In Business for the Long Haul
93    30/10/2020    Beyond the Pandemic: Discussing the Railway with Industrial Designer Mitooka Eiji
94    27/11/2020    JR West: Redefining the Role of the Railway Post Pandemic
95    17/12/2020    Tenryu Hamanako Railroad: Working with the Community to Revitalize the Railway
96    25/12/2020    Reviewing the New Trains of 2020
97    29/01/2021    Keeping Commuters Safe during the Pandemic
98    30/04/2021    Moka Railway: Pushing Forward with Steam
99    9/07/2021    Must-see Railway News: The First Half of 2021
100    16/07/2021    Japan's Top New Trains: Awarded for Excellence
101    30/07/2021    Back in Time at the Romancecar Museum
102    16/09/2021    Shinano Railway: Investing in New Trains
103    15/10/2021    This is Not the End of the Line: Noto, Ishikawa Prefecture
104    11/11/2021    Asa Coast Railway: The World's First DMV
105    25/11/2021    Shinkansen Freight: Carrying On Post Pandemic
106    30/12/2021    Kominato Railway: Surviving with Wisdom and Ingenuity
107    20/01/2022    Must-see Railway News: The Latter Half of 2021
108    24/02/2022    Ekiben: Making a Comeback
109    3/03/2022    Konan Railway: Combating the Snow
110    10/03/2022    Rebuilding Tohoku's Railway Network
111    28/04/2022    Trains Evolving by Design
112    26/05/2022    Tobu Railway: Restoring a Steam Locomotive
113    9/06/2022    Working on the Move by Rail
114    16/06/2022    Speeding Toward Carbon-Free Railways
115    14/07/2022    Must-see Railway News: The First Half of 2022
116    28/07/2022    Kosaka Railroad: A Second Chance for a Discontinued Railway
117    25/08/2022    Running a Luxury Tourist Train in Hokkaido
118    22/09/2022    JR Okayama Branch: Using Old Trains to Attract Tourists
119    6/10/2022    Yagan Railway: Surviving as a Connecting Line
120    27/10/2022    Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen: Half A Century Since Its Inception
121    17/11/2022    JR Tadami Line: Back After 11 Years
122    1/12/2022    Exploring the Labyrinth that is Tokyo Station
123    22/12/2022    Reviewing the New Trains of 2022
124    19/01/2023    Must-see Railway News: The Latter Half of 2022
125    9/02/2023    Ichibata Electric Railway: Working Hand in Hand with the Region
126    23/03/2023    Choshi Electric Railway: Turning Creative Ideas into Profit
127    13/04/2023    The Tohoku Shinkansen: Full Speed Ahead
128    19/05/2023    JR Geibi Line and Kisuki Line at a Crossroads
 

Edited May 13, 2023 by bobbodaclown

[brill27mcb]

Well, somebody's been busy . . .

 

Rich K.

[arkh]

On 5/12/2023 at 8:33 PM, bobbodaclown said:

Okay, here's the full list (in d/mm/yyyy format):

...

This is a great list, thanks. It's a nice extra reference to check my own episodes with as well.