Shinkansen: From Bullet Train to Symbol of Modern Japan (Contemporary Japan) (Hardcover)

~ Christopher Hood (Author)
Key Phrases: shinkansen drivers, dangan ressha, linear shinkansen, Sanyo Shinkansen, Hokuriku Shinkansen, Tohoku Shinkansen (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

This book comprehensively covers just about every conceivable aspect of the shinkansen, linking its development to social and economic changes in Japan...This highly readable book makes a significant contribution not just to Japanese studies but also to the field of transport studies. - japansociety

Product Description

The image of the shinkansen - or "bullet train" - passing Mount Fuji is one of the most renowned images of modern Japan. Yet, despite its international reputation for speed and punctuality, little is understood about what makes it work so well and what its impact is. This book provides a comprehensive account of the history of the shinkansen, from its planning during the Pacific War, to its launch in 1964 and subsequent development. It goes on to analyze the reasons behind the bullet train's success, and demonstrates how it went from being simply a high-speed rail network to attaining the status of iconic national symbol. It considers the shinkansen's relationship with national and regional politics and economic development, its financial viability, the environmental challenges it must cope with, and the ways in which it reflects and influences important aspects of Japanese society. It concludes by considering whether the bullet train can be successful in other countries developing high-speed railways. Overall, this book provides a thorough examination of the phenomenon of the shinkansen, and its relationship with Japanese society.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 268 pages
• Publisher: Routledge; annotated edition edition (March 16, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0415320526
• ISBN-13: 978-0415320528
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,759,776 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Very knowledgeable author, March 15, 2009

By	Steven Vance "Web designer, student" (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is written in British English, so for Americans who know English, it will be sort of enjoyable to point out the differences between us.

This book explains to non-Asians why the Shinkansen is so important to Japan, beyond simply as one mode in the cross-country transportation network.

I got this from my university's library and now I see that costs over one hundred dollars! That's amazing. But I think that's because this book won't sell many copies and the author does an amazing job making sure he tells you about the "new trunk line" better than anyone has before. At least any native English writer ever has. It's the only book UIC has on the subject.