New NHK World show: Japan Railway Journal

[bobbodaclown]

New Episode!

 

Yuri Kogen Railway: Getting People Back on Track

June 9, 2023

 

Yuri Kogen Railway, a third-sector railway in Akita Prefecture, averaged just 508 passengers per day in 2022 (a result of the declining population along the line). To increase passenger numbers and therefore boost revenue, the railway's president decided to drastically reduce the price of student passes by half. Take a look at the various initiatives currently being employed by Yuri Kogen Railway. And in "Tourist Trains in Style" see JR East's "KAIRI," which runs between Niigata and Yamagata prefectures.

 

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/tv/japanrailway/20230608/2049128/

[bobbodaclown]

New Episode!

 

Collaborating to Revive Japan's Stations

June 23, 2023

 

Passenger numbers for local railway lines across Japan continue to fall as the population declines and more people opt to drive. Stations, meant to be hubs of vitality, are also seeing numbers fall. In response, private companies, NPOs and local governments, in collaboration with the railways, have begun utilizing some of these station buildings. In Chiba Prefecture, JR East's Emi Station became Japan's first combined station and post office. In Fukuoka Prefecture, Heisei Chikuho Railway's Yusubaru Station saw the installation of a university laboratory, and Nagai City in Yamagata Prefecture became home to the nation's first integrated station and government office building. Take a look at the efforts being made to revitalize the stations. And in "Tourist Trains in Style" see FUJI-SANROKU RAILWAY's "FUJISAN VIEW EXPRESS," which runs on the railway closest to Mt. Fuji.

[katoftw]

I think I have not watched the last 3 new episodes yet. 🤣

Edited June 18 by katoftw

[bobbodaclown]

New Epsiode!

 

Hisatsu Orange Railway: Fully Supported by Kagoshima Prefecture

July 7, 2023

 

Kagoshima Prefecture has been working to subsidize third-sector Hisatsu Orange Railway with support from all 43 of its municipalities, including those not serviced by the railway. The subsidies cover the cost of maintaining facilities such as tracks and overhead wires associated with the railway's operation. See how Kagoshima is working to preserve its regional transportation system; and the railway's efforts to attract tourists with its restaurant train.

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New Episode!

Must-see Railway News: The First Half of 2023

July 28, 2023

 

See railway-related news from across Japan, covered by NHK from January to June 2023. See recent "Railway Events," the introduction of "New Rolling Stock," and "New Initiatives" being employed by the railway industry. In "New Rolling Stock," see JR West's Urara and Tobu Railway's limited express Spacia X. In "New Initiatives," see the logistics experiment being conducted with the Kyushu Shinkansen and test runs of an automatic operation on the Tokaido Shinkansen. Join us as we look back at a selection of railway news from the first half of 2023.

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New Episode!

 

Fukushima's Iizaka Line: Keeping Business on Track

September 8, 2023

 

Located in the Tohoku region of Japan, the Iizaka Line is a small privately-owned railway line in Fukushima Prefecture that connects Fukushima City to Iizaka Onsen. Operated by the railway division of a bus company, the 9.2km 12-station line boasted an annual ridership of 2.4 million before the pandemic. Despite its small size, the line has remained profitable, setting the example for rural railways across Japan. See how the company continues to maintain and improve its services, making the line convenient for all passengers, young and old, to keep the business on track.

[katoftw]

Just watched 6 episodes / 3 hrs of JRJ.  Pretty sure I still have a few unwatched episodes from around new years to watch.  So far behind.

 

edit//  Actually, 7 ep / 4 hrs, as I watched a episode of Train Cruise also. 

Edited September 2 by katoftw

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New Episode!

 

Minamiaso Railway: Overcoming Disaster

September 15, 2023

 

Severely damaged by the Kumamoto Earthquake in April 2016, Minamiaso Railway finally resumed full operation after seven years and three months, in July 2023. Of the 17.7km line, 10.6km was destroyed, including bridges. At the time, restoration seemed hopeless due to the enormous repair costs. However, the railway company worked with the local community to bring the railway back online. Along with the restoration, the station buildings were renewed, a new car was introduced, and areas around the stations are currently being redeveloped. Minamiaso Railway also began a direct operation with the JR line for better access to JR Kumamoto Station, plus their popular trolley train made a full recovery. Join us as we take a look at Minamiaso Railway's road to recovery.

[bobbodaclown]

New Episode!

 

Countdown to the Hokuriku Shinkansen Extension

September 29, 2023

 

With the extension of the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Kanazawa to Tsuruga, the line will gain six new stations. The local governments along the line are eagerly awaiting the extension as improved access to the Tokyo Metropolitan area is expected to increase the number of visiting tourists and business travelers, boosting the local economy. In addition to new station buildings, efforts are underway to develop the surrounding areas, and systems are being made ready to handle the coming changes. See how regional developments are progressing along the line.