Japan's new Shinkansen bullet train makes debut

Japan's new Shinkansen bullet train model came into service on Wednesday from Tokyo station, with a large number of railway fans celebrating its debut.

The N700S series, which is the first fully remodeled Tokaido Shinkansen train in 13 years, has a top operating speed of 285 km per hour, the same as the earlier model of the series. However, its noise, vibration and air resistance have been reduced, offering improved performance and upgraded cabin features.

The first N700S left Tokyo for Osaka on the Tokaido Shinkansen Line at 6:00am and is scheduled to travel on to Hakata in southwestern Japan.

According to the rail operator Central Japan Railway Co, the N700S is the world's first high-speed train that is capable of functioning on a back-up battery system in case of emergency while the S in the name of N700S stands for "supreme".

Shin Kaneko, president of Central Japan Railway Co, said at a ceremony marking the train's first service, "I am confident this is the best Shinkansen in every respect — safety, stability, and comfort. I hope many passengers will enjoy their travels."

The operator plans to roll out 12 N700S trains within this fiscal year through March 2021 and increase the number to 40 by fiscal 2022.