Shinkansen Service Begins on Tokaido Line

The Tokaido Shinkansen debuted on August 21, 1964, just days before the Tokyo Olympics, revolutionizing global rail travel with 210 km/h operations. Designed by Hideo Shima and built by Japanese National Railways, the 515 km line used dedicated tracks, advanced aerodynamics on 0 Series trains, and earthquake detection systems. It slashed Tokyo-Osaka travel from 6.5 hours to 4 hours, spurring economic integration and urban development along the corridor. Overcoming post-war reconstruction challenges and mountainous terrain with extensive viaducts, the project became a model for high-speed networks worldwide. Its lasting impact includes inspiring France's TGV and China's CRH systems while symbolizing Japan's technological resurgence.