EDITORIAL: Exporting maglev trains

Holding the world speed record of 581 kph, the magnetically levitated train system of Central Japan Railway Co. (JR Tokai) is one of the world's most cutting-edge, high-speed railway technologies. This super-fast railway system may find itself in the United States and other parts of the world in the future.

U.S. President Barack Obama has announced plans to spend federal funds to develop high-speed railway systems in 13 regions. This will be the first nationwide high-speed railway network in U.S. history. In response to the U.S. plan, JR Tokai has announced its intention to enter the U.S. market by promoting not just its existing Shinkansen bullet trains but also its maglev technology.

It seems the 21st century will see a resurgence of the railway service. Trains emit less greenhouse gases than airplanes and automobiles. Technological innovations have enabled frequent, mass transportation of passengers at speeds exceeding 300 kph. Recognizing such advantages, many countries are planning to build high-speed train networks.

Railway routes traversing Europe and China are now being built, and countries like Brazil, India and Vietnam are moving toward the introduction of high-speed railways.

Currently, the fastest operational speed for high-speed trains is about 350 kph, but the maglev technology can realize a much faster operation at 500 kph. It is certainly worthy of becoming the most sought-after item on the international market.

Japan's railway technology, like its mobile phone technology, has been in a so-called Galapagos state. Although the technology is one of the best in the world, it has failed to find its way into overseas markets. The technology was so bent on Japanese standards that it developed in a very insular way. The rail industry has been very inward-looking.

We applaud JR Tokai for breaking out of that mold and shifting to a new business strategy of targeting the global market. Research and development of maglev technology have been continued for nearly half a century.

JR Tokai now plans to start a maglev train service between Tokyo and Nagoya in 2025. But if it had focused exclusively on the project, the technology would have stayed within Japan.

If the "exclusive" maglev technology is to be commercialized in the U.S. market, it may help Tokyo and Washington strengthen bilateral ties in economic areas and in the fight against global warming.

The United States has depended on cars and planes for transportation and failed to improve its high-speed railway system. JR Tokai intends to conduct geological and soil surveys and feasibility studies in areas other than the 13 sites planned by the U.S. government.

The company also plans to pitch its maglev technology for three routes, including the 65-km Washington-Baltimore route, and sell its existing Shinkansen technology for four routes, including Tampa-Miami in Florida (530 km) and Las Vegas-Los Angeles (440 km).

JR Tokai is expected to form an alliance with domestic train car makers and major trading houses to win the contracts. The biggest rival will be the European companies that can provide an integral package, including production of train cars, construction of tracks and signal systems and management of train operations. Chinese companies are also trying to break into the market.

Beyond the U.S. market lies the emerging markets of Asia and Latin America. The question is how much of the emerging markets' demand can Japanese technology attract. The future of the maglev train business will be the touchstone for predicting the direction of Japan's growth strategy.

--The Asahi Shimbun, Feb. 1