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TRANSPORT ENGINEERING

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Transportation Technologies
in Japan
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Table of Contents
Introduction..................................................................................... 5

Intelligent Transport Systems ..........................................................6

Types of transportation in Japan .....................................................7

 Rail ………………………………………………………..………………………..7
 Air transport ……………………………………………………………………11
 Vehicles …………………………………………………………………………..12

Conclusion .......................................................................................14

References .......................................................................................16
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Abstract
It seems that some countries in the Asia-Pacific region have been building motorways at an alarming
pace in recent years. Cities have become more crowded as a consequence of the influx of people
into them, resulting in traffic congestion, accidents, and pollution in both developed and developing
countries alike. In such situations, the deployment of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) to ease
traffic congestion is a typical approach, and some of these initiatives have yielded remarkable
outcomes.
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Introduction

Over the previous several years, there has been an increase in population, urbanisation, and
automobile ownership, as well as an increase in both. This has exacerbated the harmful
consequences of automobiles in Asian nations. As a consequence, automotive accidents, congestion,
and pollution from automobiles have all increased significantly.
The Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) is a revolutionary traffic and road system that uses
information, communication, and control technologies to make driving safer for everyone. It wishes
to address a variety of social and economic issues via the use of information and communication
technology, including an ageing population and a downturn in the city's core business sector (CBD).
If you read this material, you will have a better understanding of ITS and see some instances of how
it may be utilised to assist in issue solving. Rather of constructing a system inside a factory or office,
ITS places the system's heart in automobiles. To address difficulties, sensors, location, mapping,
communication, and networks may be employed.

Figure 1 Shibuya crossing square

Then, people, automobiles, and roadways may be connected. How everything works: This new
technology is intended to benefit society, government authorities, and drivers. On a social level, the
applications would assist users in conserving energy and reducing traffic by providing real-time
information regarding traffic congestion. The road administrator was able to identify risky areas and
areas frequented by a large number of people using automobile probes. As a result, the roadways
would be more cost-effective and efficient, saving both money and time. Drivers may save money by
paying tolls and parking costs on time and not all at once. Individuals in a few nations have shown
proficiency using ITS. A lack of expertise, a lack of a long-term strategy for the company's
development, and insufficient funds are impeding their ability to complete tasks promptly. To be
successful, an ITS must make use of suitable information communication technology and
applications for each nation and area. To ensure that everyone is on the same page, it's critical to
develop an effective method for introducing them and planning the project.
Another important matter to take in consideration when speaking about the ITS is that it has to be as
less polluting as possible due to the fact transportation globally accounts to 16.2% of total harmful
emissions.
We've created this guide to assist in resolving some of the world's most pressing traffic issues.
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Intelligent Transport Systems

People, roads, and automobiles will be linked together through an information and communication
network that will make use of cutting-edge technology to link them all together. Intelligent
Transportation Systems (ITS) are a new type of transportation system that will connect people,
roads, and automobiles through an information and communication network that will make use of
cutting-edge technology to connect them all ITS. Through the integration of people, roads, and cars
into an information and communication network, the ITS attempts to reduce traffic accidents and
congestion. For example, a system that provides drivers with real-time traffic information on their
cell phones is one such example of this. Drivers may use their cell phones to see traffic data gathered
by roadside sensors in real time. The ITS makes user-friendly road traffic applications accessible.
Through the use of a number of emerging information and communication technologies, it is feasible
to design contemporary ITS applications, hence expanding business prospects and markets while
also contributing to economic growth.

It is necessary to build a platform based on the Internet of Things in order to link people,
automobiles, and highways ITS. Observance of on-board and roadside systems is just one of several
considerations to be taken into consideration. The uniformity of the communication channels and
data formats employed in this approach is a significant characteristic of this technique. Ensure that a
single onboard device can run several programes on a single computer might make it simpler for
apps to survive in the future, as well as enabling users to take benefit of them.

Figure 2

In Japan the approach to ITS is one of the most important parts of the nation’s priorities due to the
high population density, 12 times higher than the US. To be today’s leading innovators in this field
they did it in 3 stages.
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Stage 1 was the research period from 1960s to 1970s by CACS (comprehensive Automobile Traffic
Control System) aiming to build a central processing system with massive central processors and
communications networks; due to limitations the system never came to live.

Stage 2, the atmosphere for ITS development had improved by the 1980s. Processing costs have
been decreased as a result of technological breakthroughs such as the advent of mass memory.
Dedicated research activities with a practical application focus have begun. In 1984, work began on
the Road/Automobile Communication System (RACS) project, which served as the cornerstone for
our current car navigation system.

Stage 3, the actual implementation of previous programmes and finally beginning to see the full
potential of ITS, and intelligent transportation systems are being considered in terms of
intermodality rather than just automotive traffic. Intelligent transportation systems are beginning to
be recognised as key components of the national and international overall information technology
hierarchy.

Now on the Japanese mainland, it is widely accepted that ITS onboard units should be equipped with
a few fundamental abilities that will be necessary when further applications are developed. This
section includes information delivery through push, as well as communication with onboard unit IDs
and the ability to provide basic command capabilities to the unit. It also includes information
delivery through push, as well as communication with IDs of onboard unit(s) and other features.
However, there are several more essential functions to select from in addition to the ones listed
here. The following is a list of each of these traits in further detail: Instead of acquiring a new
onboard unit or altering an existing one, it may be essential to employ ITS onboard units in order to
design and install roadside systems, for example, this is because roadside systems are becoming
more complex. Consider previously used units that are popular in Japan while shopping for a new
onboard unit for your automobile. On-board vehicle information systems in Japan are equipped with
a big LCD monitor, speakers, and the ability to process credit card payments as standard features
(ITS). This piece of equipment is referred to as an ITS onboard unit.

Types of transportation in Japan

Rail

As early as 1872, passengers were able to board and disembark trains at Tokyo's Shimbashi station
and travel to Yokohama on their way to work. Thus was the foundation set for Japan's future rail
network, and a train service between Tokyo and Kobe was started in July of the following year. It
took the ancient Tokaido line a total of 17 years longer to link the main cities than it does today
(Eastern Sea Route). This journey took around 20 hours in total.
Following the introduction of diesel and electric trains, the travel became much faster. Recent
technological advancements have drastically decreased the amount of time required to travel
between Tokyo and Osaka. Upon privatisation and division into regional companies of Japan
National Railways in 1987, the company's huge railway network, which stretched throughout the
whole nation, was preserved. Despite the fact that the Shinkansen (bullet train) came promptly, the
journey took less than four hours. In addition to JR's six passenger rail companies, there are a
number of others in Japan. Additionally, JNR has connections with a range of different sectors, in
addition to the freight train company.
The overall length of the whole system is 27,929 kilometres, which is made up of tracks owned by JR
and other rail companies.
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Figure 3 High speed train

As automobiles and aeroplanes have become more widespread, it has become more vital to take use
of high-speed trains like as the Shinkansen and commuter lines. They do not need the use of a
vehicle for their daily commute. Many individuals are unable to afford to live in metropolitan regions
due to the high cost of land in these places. More than 44.5 percent of office employees now rely on
public transit to get to and from work. Having to sit next to someone on these trains is not
uncommon at all. In Tokyo, it has been more than 50 years since the city's main lines were able to
run at full capacity.

Figure 4 Japan rail system

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There are currently subway systems in place in 12 cities around Japan, which is a significant number.
Another way of putting it is that Japan's subway system now stretches over 800.5 kilometres. The
first segment of the Tokyo subway to be constructed was a portion that stretched the whole length
of the city of Ginza. The first one, which was launched in 1927, was a success. Every day, more than 7
million passengers take use of Tokyo's 13 subway lines. As a result, some subway lines link with
commuter lines to serve the suburbs, allowing them to serve a greater number of people in a shorter
amount of time. Despite the fact that public transportation use in Japan is declining, train travel
offers a number of advantages over other modes. There are plenty of these advantages, including
the ease with which people may move around and the low amounts of pollution they create. The
fact that it is secure and convenient to travel about is another plus. Among those who live in
metropolitan areas, trains are a common mode of transportation. JR and the private rail operators
are constantly expanding their networks by constructing new lines and refurbishing old ones in order
to enhance the number of trains that can run on the system. Extension of the rail network is made
possible by the use of monorails and other modes of rail transportation, as well as new rail
technology. Elevators, escalators, and stairways have been installed by rail companies to allow
individuals of all ages and abilities to board and disembark from trains and enter and depart station
buildings.

Figure 5 Tokyo metro

The Central Japan Railway Company is presently developing a "maglev" rail connection between
Tokyo and Nagoya, which would be the world's first. Using trains like this one, you may be able to
get from Tokyo to Osaka in an hour or less. Among its features are improved brakes and
autonomous cars, which were added to the N700A Shinkansen when it was first introduced in 2013.
Japanese rolling stock has been tested on a 42.88-kilometer test track since August of last year,
according to the "L0 series" designation. To far, this is the first time that full-scale experiments have
been carried out on an actual train. This train stock can only be utilised by genuine railways and is
not available for purchase. Because of its peculiar magnetic elevation, it is capable of reaching
speeds of around 500 kilometres per hour; speed record set on a test track was of 603 km/h. This
shortens the amount of time required to perform the activity. It is feasible to complete the 42.8-
kilometer journey in around 10 minutes.

Traditional electric motors have both moving (rotor) and fixed elements (stator). The stator creates a
magnetic field with alternating poles when powered by alternating current. Because the rotor
comprises magnets with fixed poles, the stator and rotor create attracting and repelling forces. For
as long as electricity is given, these forces drive the rotor to spin constantly around its axis.
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The SCMAGLEV system is propelled by a linear motor. A linear motor looks like a regular motor that
has been split apart and put out in a line that runs the length of the guideway.
The SCMAGLEV's linear motor, like a normal motor, is composed of moving elements
(Superconducting Magnets on the trains) and stationary parts (Propulsion Coils), however when
current is provided, the train is pushed down the guideway rather than spinning on an axis.
Superconductivity is a phenomena that happens in some materials when they are cooled to
extremely low temperatures and their electrical resistance approaches zero. When an electric
current is applied to a superconductive coil of such a material, the current continues to flow
indefinitely, resulting in the production of a lightweight and strong electromagnet that can last for
an extended period of time without further electric input.

Figure 6 Maglev track

SCMAGLEV trains begin their journey on tyres, propelled by Propulsion Coils. When the train reaches
a suitable speed and retracts its tyres, an induced electric current begins to flow within the
Levitation & Guidance Coils in the guideway walls, converting them to electromagnets. The magnetic
forces generated between the coils and the Superconducting Magnets cause the train to hover
inches above the guideway floor. The train makes no physical touch with the guideway when
levitating. The combined forces from these coils on both sides of the guideway also maintain the
train's horizontal posture automatically, ensuring that it remains centred between the guideway
walls without the need for active control.

Figure 7 Maglev propulsion

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Air transport

The busiest airport in Japan is Tokyo's Haneda International Airport, commonly known as Tokyo
International Airport. Each year, the airport handles roughly 100 million travellers. First and
foremost, in 1931, Japan's first commercial airport, Haneda, opened its doors. It was the country's
first airport. It used to serve both local and foreign travellers until 1978. As a result, the old Tokyo
International Airport was shut down and replaced with the New Tokyo International Airport (Narita).
Domestic flights were the primary usage of Haneda Airport throughout the next years. To
accommodate additional international flights, however, the airport built a fourth runway in 2010.
There are several major cities in the United States and Europe on this list, including Los Angeles, New
York City, and Paris. Haneda Airport has also been operational around the clock since October 2010.
Going east of Tokyo, you will need to travel 66 kilometres (41 miles) in order to get to Japan's New
Tokyo International Airport, which is also known as Narita International Airport. There have been
many foreign travellers departing from Narita International Airport since it opened in 1978. Expected
to increase passenger traffic at the airport in 2009 is a runway expansion. The new Sky Access rail,
which connects Narita Airport with the heart of Tokyo in only 36 minutes, has made getting to the
airport much simpler.

Figure 8 Osaka International Airport

Osaka Bay's Kansai International Airport is situated on a man-made island. It serves the Japanese city
of Osaka. This is Japan's first airport to operate seven days a week, 24 hours a day. In addition, it
offers a wider range of destinations and a greater number of foreign flights. In 2016, 177,109 aircraft
entered and exited the sky.
The airport employs the latest in technological innovation. When no one is in the building, a "jack-up
system" switches off the air conditioning and monitors the building's movement, adjusting the
structure's height to prevent uneven settlement.
To distinguish it from Osaka International Airport, the name "Itami Airport" has been coined for the
second airport in the Kansai region to fulfil most of the domestic travel.

Japan Airlines (JAL) has been hard at work planning for the future. It established a strategic alliance
with Boom Supersonic in December 2017, followed by the establishment of the JAL Innovation Lab in
May of this year. In the same month, Japan's national carrier revealed plans to start a new low-cost
carrier ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. JAL has made a $10 million investment in the Boom
project and has the option to buy up to 20 of the future supersonic planes. Nowadays, with smart
computers, computational fluid dynamics, carbon fibre composite material, and modern engine
technology, it is possible to produce a supersonic aircraft that is economical, unlike the days of the
highly uneconomic Concorde, by combining existing certified technology in service and speed. The
flight time from Tokyo to San Francisco would be 5.5 hours instead of 11.5 hours, allowing for day
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travels across the Pacific. A shuttle service from Tokyo to Hong Kong might be established in two
hours. The new supersonic aircraft will fly at 18,000 metres, the same as Concorde, and big windows
will allow passengers to glimpse the curvature of the Earth. The sky is a richer blue, and the air is
thinner, resulting in less turbulence.

Figure 7 JAL supersonic jet

Vehicles

Japan constructed almost 1,280,000 kilometres of new roads in 2018. Japan purchased its first
automobile in 1901. In 1904, Japanese manufacturers began manufacturing automobiles in earnest.
When commercial automobiles and public transit were accessible in the nation, the cities grew
congested. For a lengthy period of time, many individuals did not possess their own automobiles.
This was made feasible by an increase in family income, the establishment of a local auto sector
capable of meeting local demands (small, fuel-efficient automobiles), and improved roads. More
individuals purchased vehicles as the number of car owners increased from 3 million to 73 million in
2000. Over the years, the number of vehicles used by enterprises to haul and deliver goods has
increased.

Figure 7 Japan highway

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The construction of expressways in Japan has been impeded by a variety of issues, including high
land prices, dense population, and the necessity for additional fortification to resist earthquakes.
Due to the exorbitant cost of construction, highway tolls are out of this world. However,
expressways are far more often utilised than other modes of transportation to and from locations.
Residents of Tokyo and Komaki, a town near Nagoya in Aichi Prefecture, typically drive 425,617
automobiles between the two cities on a daily basis. In cities, the roadways are densely packed with
automobiles, which is a major inconvenience. From the city's central business district, a vast network
of expressways and roadways radiates outward. Traffic has been snarled for an extended period of
time due to lengthy delays in constructing loop lines. The United States has faced with a major
shortage of road safety since the 1960s. In 1970, a new legislation resulted in the death of almost
16,000 persons on the roadways. This figure fell to 3,904 in 2016, less than a third of what it was in
1970. Diesel engines damage the air in major cities with exhaust gases (nitrogen oxide, for example)
and particulate matter. As a consequence, the government has imposed several regulations on the
amount of sulphur in gasoline and the amount of pollution produced by automobiles.

Mitsubishi and the Nishi-Nippon Railroad Firm, a prominent Japanese bus operator, formed the new
company, Next Mobility, that will handle on-demand bus services in Japan using artificial intelligence
(AI) to automatically construct routes in real time based on passenger requests given via a
smartphone app. Deep learning will be used to collect "operational data" on traffic situations as well
as passenger destinations. The more buses that are used, the more efficient they will be.

Despite the fact that trains and commercial-use buses dominate passenger land transportation in
Japan, taxis are frequently utilised for short-distance transit, especially at night, when rails and buses
are closed until the following morning. The number of passengers transported by taxi and limousine
services in Japan reached a low of roughly 1.27 billion in fiscal year 2019.

The transportation of passengers is highly regulated. As a result, world-famous ride-hailing

businesses like Uber and Didi had a rocky start in Japan, struggling to avoid expensive restrictions.
Nonetheless, they have made a name for themselves in the Japanese industry, with numerous local
competitors selling taxi-hailing smartphone apps that connect consumers with contractual drivers.
Through artificial intelligence, car monitoring, and optional in-app payment, they promise speedy
availability and transportation. Due to declining passenger numbers and a driver scarcity, Japanese
taxi businesses have been forced to adapt their services to digital platforms. Today, more than 80%
of Tokyo cabs provide smartphone app hailing.

Figure 8 Japanese taxi

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Conclusion

Figure 9 Japan’s 2019 domestic passenger transportation by mode of transport

Domestic passenger transportation in Japan totalled roughly 598.18 billion passenger-kilometres in

fiscal year 2019, with railway transit accounting for 72.7 percent of the traffic. Despite a well-
developed and efficient public transportation system, Japan's metropolitan railway networks are
frequently crowded, with the busiest train lines connecting downtown Tokyo to suburban districts in
adjacent prefectures. However, because many metropolitan expressways are also congested,
commuters are caught between Scylla and Charybdis.
Poor local transportation is also a new issue restricting population development inside towns,
forcing current inhabitants away and compounding the economic and demographic loss. Outside of
the city centre, public transportation is in crisis mode and in desperate need of a solution that will
propel it into the next 50 years.

Most individuals who relocate to cities are young, which implies that as Japan's population matures,
rural towns will go away. According to recent World Economic Forum studies, just 26% of towns
have highly sustainable transit systems. Japan's population began to decline in 2010 from a peak of
128 million people and is expected to drop by more than 30 percent during the following 50 years.

Japan has similarly pledged to achieving "Beyond-Zero" carbon emissions by 2050. Japan's strategy is
founded on three fundamental ideas. Promote innovation and technology as change agents in
addressing global warming concerns. Encourage the use of green finance to aid in the development
of innovative technologies and innovations. Increase international cooperation to encourage
business-led adoption of breakthrough green technology. Thus far has accomplished: GHG emissions
fell by 2.7 percent in fiscal year 2019, bringing Japan's yearly GHG emissions to a historic low since
emissions tracking began three decades ago. Six years in a row with decreasing emissions Driven by
a constant increase in renewable energy sources as well as energy-saving technical breakthroughs;
14 percent lower than the benchmark year of FY 2013. Putting Japan on pace to fulfil its first GHG
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emission milestone of attaining its 2030 objectives; 3rd The greatest decline among G7 nations from
FY 2013. Only the United Kingdom and Germany are larger economies.

In 2020, Japan's carbon dioxide emissions from the transportation industry were estimated to be
about 177.4 thousand kilotons of CO2. Since 2011, when carbon dioxide emissions were at 216.8
thousand kilotons of CO2, figures have been steadily declining.

Figure 10 Japan’s emissions by sector

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References

World Health Organization (2008). The global burden of disease: 2004 update.
ITS Forum (2009). Experimental Guideline for Vehicle Communications System using 700 MHz-Band,
http://www.itsforum.gr.jp/Public/Eguideline/index.html
Japan Society of Traffic Engineers (2006). Manual on Traffic Signal Control, Revised Edition [in
Japanese]
] Ministry of Transportation and Communications of Taiwan (2004). The Master Plan of Intelligent
Transport Systems in Taiwan. Executive Summary of the 2004 Edition.

https://highways.dot.gov/public-roads/fall-1996/intelligent-transportation-systems-japan
https://www.futuretravelexperience.com/2018/08/japan-airlines-preparing-future-supersonic-aims-
innovation-lab/

United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division (2014). World
Urbanization Prospects: The 2014 Revision, Highlights (ST/ESA/SER.A/352).
OECD/ITF (2015), ITF Transport Outlook 2015, OECD Publishing/ITF.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1787/9789282107782-en [3] IEA (2013), CO2 Emissions from Fuel Combustion
2013, IEA, Paris. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1787/co2_fuel-2013-en
https://www.cnbc.com/2019/03/13/artificial-intelligence-to-control-on-demand-bus-services-in-
japan.html
https://www.carbonbrief.org/carbon-brief-profile-japan