First Public Railway in Japan Opens

On August 5, 1872, the Yokohama Railway Company inaugurated Japan's first steam-powered public railway, a 29-kilometer line connecting Shimbashi in Tokyo to Yokohama. British engineers supervised construction using 0-4-0 tank locomotives imported from the UK. The event symbolized Japan's rapid modernization during the Meiji Restoration, overcoming initial public skepticism about 'iron horses.' The line featured wooden stations and basic signaling, carrying both passengers and freight. This opening spurred nationwide rail expansion, connecting ports to inland cities and fueling industrial growth. Its success led to the formation of the Japanese Government Railways, influencing the dense network still used today.