Japan Railway Journal

Season 12

2026 · 12 episodes · 5h 36m in all

Episodes

1. 

   1. The Return of Japan's Night Trains

   15 Jan 2026 · 28 min

   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.

2. 

   2. Must-see Railway News: The Latter Half of 2025

   29 Jan 2026 · 28 min

   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.

3. 

   3. Battling the Snow: Japan's Northern Railways

   5 Mar 2026 · 28 min

   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.

4. 

   4. Railway Technical Research Institute: Leading the Way

   26 Mar 2026 · 28 min

   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.

5. 

   5. Hojo Railway: From Preservation to Revitalization

   30 Apr 2026 · 28 min

   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.

6. 

   6. 2026 Train Awards: Blue Ribbon and Laurel Prize

   25 Jun 2026 · 28 min

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

7. 

   7. Must-see Railway News: The First Half of 2026

   2 Jul 2026 · 28 min

   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.

8. 

   8. On Track for the Next Decade: Nishikigawa Railway

   16 Jul 2026 · 28 min

   Iwakuni City has decided to keep the third-sector Nishikigawa Railway running for the next 10 years. See the efforts being made to revitalize the local line, including a tourist train.

9. 

   9. Japan's Cycle Trains Move Up a Gear

   27 Aug 2026 · 28 min

   Cycle trains (trains that allow cyclists to board with their bicycles fully assembled) are growing in popularity. See a dedicated cycle train in Chiba, as well as a local railway in Niigata.

10. 

    10. Generations On Track: Toyohashi's Iconic Streetcar

    24 Sept 2026 · 28 min

    Toyohashi Railroad's City Line in Aichi Prefecture has been running for over 100 years. See how urban development and local support has kept the streetcar on track.

11. 

    11. Tokyo Sakura Tram: New Appeal for Old-Town Tokyo

    15 Oct 2026 · 28 min

    The Toden Arakawa Line streetcar helps locals get around and now brings overseas visitors to the charms of old-town Tokyo. Ride its redesigned car and see fresh ideas from people along the line.

12. 

    12. The Latest Trends in Ekiben

    12 Nov 2026 · 28 min

    Discover the latest trends in railway bento, from the development of frozen ekiben to the expansion of ekiben overseas.