Shinkansen: From Bullet Train to Symbol of Modern Japan

by Christopher P. Hood

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 analyze 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.

Genres: Japan, History, Nonfiction

268 pages, Hardcover

First published January 19, 2006

About the author

Christopher Hood is an academic and author. He first visited Japan in 1989 and has travelled widely around the country. He continues to do research about Japan, focusing particularly on topics related to transportation and symbolism. He has worked as the Director of Japanese Studies at Cardiff University and served as the President of the British Association for Japanese Studies. In 2016 he was awarded a Certificate of Commendation from the Japanese Ambassador to the UK for his service to contributing to the deepening of mutual understanding and friendship between Japan and the UK.
His books include: FOUR, Tokyo 20/20 Vision, Hijacking Japan, Japan: The Basics, Osutaka: A Chronicle of Loss in the World’s Largest Single Plane Crash, Dealing with Disaster in Japan: Japanese and Global Responses to the Flight JL123 Crash, Shinkansen: From Bullet Train to Symbol of Modern Japan, and Japanese Education Reform: Nakasone’s Legacy.
You can follow him on social media via:
https://linktr.ee/HoodCP/

Reviews

[Duy Nguyễn Đình · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting if outdated look into the Shinkansen system. While many ideas remain true, the idea of China as a budding country looking into HSR certainly reminds one that this book was published in 2006.

[Sridhar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christopher Hood lays bare the history of the World's most spoken about transport system - the japanese Bullet trains. From its origins in pre-war days as a means to connect the ever expanding Imperialist Japan, to a symbol of economic resurgence post the A-bomb disaster, the work is a mini-encyclopedia of the Japanese Shinkansen. It gives us a detailed review about the background political machinations that was instrumental in approving this project. We learn of how its design is inspired from ancient Japanese principles of design and the many different names given to the various lines.

A must read work to get acquainted with a great symbol of modern science and tech.

[Kalani Scarrott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yet to find a better book that covers everything about the Shinkansen. From its early beginnings, all the way through to its economic and cultural impact. Tonnes of interesting facts and tidbits, all backed up by an incredible depth of research.

I remember reading this while getting the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Hiroshima back in 2018, and will never forget it. Highly recommend others to do the same, really makes you appreciate it all that much more.

I've interviewed Christopher (the author) as well, and his passion and knowledge of the topic really shine through. Great topic, great book, great bloke. https://compoundingcuriosity.substack...

[Jimmy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting book on the development of high-speed railway (HSR) in Japan, with a focus on how the bullet-train or "shinkansen" has become a cultural icon. Neatly describes the technology in play, and the politics that shaped the development of each line including the development of the JR companies. Great for making comparisons to HSR development in China.