JR companies to continue talks on loss-making rural lines

3 Mwezi wa kwanza, 2026

Imeripotiwa na AI

Japan Railways Group companies plan to continue discussions with local communities in 2026 on the future of unprofitable rural lines. Amid rural depopulation, user numbers are unlikely to rebound, yet residents near these lines seek to preserve the services. Four JR firms—Hokkaido, East, West, and Kyushu—are negotiating on a total of 21 rail sections.

Among the six passenger-operating companies in the Japan Railways (JR) Group, JR Hokkaido, JR East, JR West, and JR Kyushu have indicated they are in ongoing negotiations with local communities over 21 unprofitable rail sections. These rural lines face declining ridership due to Japan's persistent depopulation in countryside areas, making recovery improbable.

In 2026, the firms intend to sustain dialogues with relevant local governments to determine the lines' fates. Residents living nearby emphasize the importance of maintaining these services for daily life, despite the financial burdens on the operators.

This situation highlights the broader challenges of rural decline and infrastructure sustainability in Japan, where balancing community needs with economic viability remains a key concern.

Makala yanayohusiana

Japan to reconsider route of planned Hokuriku Shinkansen section

Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition partner, the Japan Innovation Party, have decided to reconsider the route of the planned Hokuriku Shinkansen section from Tsuruga Station to Shin-Osaka Station. The existing plan, adopted in 2016, has faced opposition in Kyoto due to environmental and fiscal concerns. The bloc will examine seven options proposed by the Japan Innovation Party alongside the current plan.

Japan adopts regional revitalization strategy in cabinet meeting

23 Mwezi wa kumi na mbili, 2025 Imeripotiwa na AI

Japan's government has adopted a comprehensive regional revitalization strategy at a cabinet meeting to build a strong economy. Covering five years from fiscal 2025, the plan targets raising rural labor productivity to match or exceed Tokyo's metropolitan area by 2029. It focuses on attracting domestic and foreign demand while enhancing rural appeal and infrastructure.

Asia

Kyushu's 36+3 tourist train offers slower scenic journeys

Asia

JR East resumes train services between Tokyo and Atami after accident

Asia

Japan to boost aid for historical town development

Travelers flock home after New Year holidays, congesting Japan's transport

On January 4, 2026, many Japanese returned to major cities after spending year-end and New Year holidays in hometowns or tourist spots. This caused severe congestion on trains, highways, and other transport links. By 5:30 p.m., the Tohoku Expressway had 27 kilometers of backups, according to the Japan Road Traffic Information Center.

Aging Japanese farmers quit rice production amid rising costs

1 Mwezi wa pili, 2026 Imeripotiwa na AI

In Hiroshima Prefecture, 81-year-old farmer Takeyuki Satokawa and his wife Masako, 77, ceased rice farming on their family paddies in 2024 due to advancing age and escalating costs. This past autumn marked their first time purchasing rice from another grower. A member of an agricultural cooperative noted that while training successors is crucial, many farmers have been too preoccupied with mere survival to do so.

Siasa