In 2022, Ichibata Electric Railway in Shimane Prefecture celebrated its 110th anniversary. The railway is a vital means of transportation for locals, as well as a popular sightseeing route for tourist spots along the line. However, running at a loss since 1966, the railway has relied on financial support from the local government. Now, in the wake of the pandemic, the railway is working with the region to come up with new and unique ways to boost passenger numbers.

JR East is working to reduce travel times by increasing the speed of the Tohoku Shinkansen to attract tourists and revitalize the region. The company is currently conducting tests using its test vehicle, the ALFA-X. They aim to realize a commercial operation with a maximum speed of 360 km/h by developing new rolling stock as well as supporting infrastructure. With the extension of the Tohoku-Hokkaido Shinkansen scheduled to open in the spring of 2031, the company is looking to compete with the airlines, which see around 10 million passengers per year. See the latest developments of the ALFA-X, as well as environmental measures to reduce noise pollution along the line.