Launch of Japan's Tokaido Shinkansen

On August 18, 1964, test runs intensified for the Tokaido Shinkansen, with full commercial operations starting weeks later under Japanese National Railways. This 515-kilometer line used advanced 0 Series trains reaching 210 km/h, overcoming mountainous terrain with tunnels and viaducts engineered by Hideo Shima. It symbolized Japan's post-war recovery and technological prowess, connecting economic hubs efficiently. The project drew from earlier bullet train concepts and reduced travel time from 7 hours to 4. The Shinkansen's success spurred global high-speed rail adoption, influencing networks in France, Germany, and China while boosting tourism and business travel.