1964
62 years ago
InnovationJapan
Shinkansen Test Run Success
Japanese National Railways
Tokyo
July 10, 1964
Summary
Japan's first bullet train prototype achieved high-speed milestones on the Tokaido line test track.
Full Story
On July 10, 1964, the Japanese National Railways conducted successful high-speed test runs of the 0 Series Shinkansen prototype between Tokyo and Osaka ahead of the October public opening. Powered by advanced electric multiple units capable of 210 km/h, the tests overcame challenges like track stability and aerodynamic design. Key figures included engineer Hideo Shima. This event revolutionized global rail travel by proving dedicated high-speed infrastructure could compete with air travel, reducing Tokyo-Osaka travel time to four hours and inspiring high-speed networks worldwide.
Continue Reading
Members get access to extended stories, related events, source documents, and historical context.
Quick Facts
- Date
- July 10, 1964
- Event Type
- Innovation
- Country
- Japan
- Years Ago
- 62
Explore More History
RailScanPro members get access to our complete archive of railroad history with advanced search, filtering, and thousands of events.
Subscribe Now