Japan's Shinkansen

The shinkansen, or "bullet train," began running in 1964. The trains are now operated by companies broken off from the former national railway, Japan Railway. Shinkansen trains travel at top speeds of around 300 kph (186 mph) and leave Tokyo every few minutes heading for Nagoya in central Japan, Osaka, and Hakata, on Japan's southernmost main island of Kyushu. Lines also run north to Yamagata, Akita, and Hachinohe. There has never been a fatal accident on the shinkansen lines. Hitachi, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Nippon Sharyo, and Kinki Sharyo manufacture most of the trains.