Exhibition: 'Series N700S' Shinkansen railway model

The Shinkansen, 'bullet train', is considered an iconic symbol of Japanese technology and innovation and runs along various lines connecting the country – from Hokkaido in the north to Kyushu in the south.

The award-winning 'Series N700S' ('S' is for Supreme) Shinkansen is the newest 'bullet train' model to hit the Tōkaidō Shinkansen tracks, having commenced operation in July 2020. Running at 300 kph, it boasts the latest cutting-edge features in Japanese train technology: next-generation semiconductors and reduced air resistance resulting from a sharper nose and curvier body design make for a more streamlined, lightweight train that consumes 7% less energy than its predecessor. The sharp nose – the ‘Dual Supreme Wing’ – also significantly reduces noise levels when entering tunnels, making the journey more pleasant for passengers.

This new series is not only greener, lighter and quieter than before, but also safer. An improved  braking  distance of 285 kph and newly developed battery-based self-propulsion system further reduce the level of risk in the event of a natural disaster, and allows for the safe transportation of passengers to an evacuation point if a power outage occurs.

Complementing the exhibition Tokyo 1964: Designing Tomorrow, a 1:20 scale precision model of the 'Series N700S' Shinkansen, kindly loaned from Central Japan Railway Company, is on display on the Ground Floor of Japan House London.