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Japan Railway Journal

Season 12 · 12 episodes · Jan 15, 2026

  1. Japan Railway Journal season 12 episode 1 still

    Episode 1

    The Return of Japan's Night Trains

    Jan 15, 2026

    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. Japan Railway Journal season 12 episode 2 still

    Episode 2

    Must-see Railway News: The Latter Half of 2025

    Jan 29, 2026

    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.

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    Episode 3

    Battling the Snow: Japan's Northern Railways

    Mar 5, 2026

    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.

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    Episode 4

    Railway Technical Research Institute: Leading the Way

    Mar 26, 2026

    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.

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    Episode 5

    Hojo Railway: From Preservation to Revitalization

    Apr 30, 2026

    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.

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    Episode 6

    2026 Train Awards: Blue Ribbon and Laurel Prize

    Jun 25, 2026

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

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    Episode 7

    Must-see Railway News: The First Half of 2026

    Jul 2, 2026

    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.

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    Episode 8

    On Track for the Next Decade: Nishikigawa Railway

    Jul 16, 2026

    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.

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    Episode 9

    Japan's Cycle Trains Move Up a Gear

    Aug 27, 2026

    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.

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    Episode 10

    Generations On Track: Toyohashi's Iconic Streetcar

    Sep 24, 2026

    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. Japan Railway Journal season 12 episode 11 still

    Episode 11

    Tokyo Sakura Tram: New Appeal for Old-Town Tokyo

    Oct 15, 2026

    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. Japan Railway Journal season 12 episode 12 still

    Episode 12

    The Latest Trends in Ekiben

    Nov 12, 2026

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