1st Edition

Shinkansen From Bullet Train to Symbol of Modern Japan

By Christopher Hood Copyright 2006
286 Pages
by Routledge

288 Pages 53 B/W Illustrations
by Routledge

288 Pages 53 B/W Illustrations
by Routledge

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... Read more

1. Introduction 2. From Bullet Train to Low Flying Plane 3. Ambassador of Japan 4. Whose Line is it Anyway? 5. The Bottom Line 6. The Need for Training 7. Mirror of Japan 8. Conclusion Appendix One: Chronology of Significant Dates in the History of the Shinkansen Appendix Two: Shinkansen Lines and Stations Appendix Three: Shinkansen types

Biography

Christopher P. Hood is Director of the Cardiff Japanese Studies Centre, Cardiff University and Associate Fellow at Chatham House. He is the author of Japanese Education Reform: Nakasone’s Legacy (Routledge 2001), co-editor with G. Bownas and D. Powers of Doing Business with the Japanese (2003), and regularly handles media enquiries relating to Japan.

'This book comprehensively covers just about every conceivable aspect of the shinkansen, linking its development to social and economic changes in Japan...This highly readable book makes a significant contribution not just to Japanese studies but also to the field of transport studies.' - japansociety