Heavy rain across the western and southwestern regions of Japan continued to wreak havoc on shinkansen bullet train services on Saturday, coinciding with the first day of a much-anticipated long weekend for many travelers. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued cautions regarding the potential for additional rainfall, raising concerns for those already affected by the weather conditions.
In the morning, all bullet train services connecting Hakata in southwestern Japan to Tokyo were temporarily suspended. Later in the day, the services linking Osaka and Tokyo also experienced disruptions as rainfall readings exceeded maximum safe levels in the Kanagawa and Shizuoka prefectures, as reported by Central Japan Railway.
JR Hakata Station in Fukuoka Prefecture is crowded on Nov. 2, 2024, as shinkansen bullet train services are temporarily halted due to heavy rain. (Kyodo)
Many travelers stranded at various stations, particularly on the first day of the three-day holiday weekend, expressed their frustrations, noting that such disruptions to public transportation seem increasingly frequent.
“It seems like every time it rains, everything just comes to a halt,” lamented Kazuhiro Yamane, 52, who was attempting to return to Yamaguchi Prefecture after a trip to Nagoya Station in central Japan. “It’s gotten to the point where you almost expect it.”
A 47-year-old woman traveling with her daughter recounted her ordeal of waiting more than an hour for her train to depart from Tokyo Station, exclaiming in disbelief, “I had no idea it would stop due to rain.”
The morning service suspension originated from a segment of the Sanyo Shinkansen Line managed by West Japan Railway. The Tokaido Shinkansen Line, overseen by JR Central, also ceased operations to avoid the potential of bullet trains becoming stranded between stations for extended time periods during the inclement weather.
While the Japan Meteorological Agency indicated that weather conditions are likely to improve into Sunday, with the departure of a low-pressure system and front that had historically brought the heavy rainfall, it warned residents to remain vigilant about the risks from swollen rivers and possible landslides in the aftermath.
In a tragic incident in Hiroshima, located in western Japan, a man in his 70s was reported missing after he ventured out to check on a boat that was moored along a river.
In certain areas of Nagasaki Prefecture, over 300 millimeters of rain was recorded in just a 24-hour period leading up to Saturday morning, as noted by the meteorological agency.
Footage from a webcam shows a river in Sasebo, Nagasaki Prefecture, on the morning of Nov. 2, 2024. (Image courtesy of the transport ministry)(Kyodo)
**Interview with Hiroshi Tanaka, Transportation Analyst**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Hiroshi. The shinkansen services have faced significant disruptions due to the heavy rain across western and southwestern Japan. Can you tell us more about the current situation?
**Hiroshi Tanaka:** Thank you for having me. Yes, as you mentioned, the situation is quite challenging. The Japan Meteorological Agency has warned about the ongoing rainfall, which has led to the temporary suspension of shinkansen services connecting key cities like Hakata and Tokyo, as well as Osaka and Tokyo. These disruptions are particularly troublesome as they coincide with a long holiday weekend when many people had planned to travel.
**Interviewer:** It’s difficult for travelers, especially during a peak travel time. How are the passengers affected by these cancellations?
**Hiroshi Tanaka:** Many passengers are understandably frustrated. Being stranded at stations with limited information is disheartening, especially when they are looking forward to their holiday plans. The increase in crowds at JR Hakata Station, as we’ve seen in reports, highlights the urgency of the situation. Travelers are feeling the impact not just in terms of delays, but also in the psychological stress that comes with uncertainty.
**Interviewer:** What measures are being taken by the railway companies to support the stranded passengers?
**Hiroshi Tanaka:** JR Central and JR West have been working to provide updates through their platforms, although there has been a temporary halt in information dissemination. They are likely to offer options for refunds or alternative travel arrangements for those affected, but the immediate priority must be ensuring passenger safety in light of the worsening weather.
**Interviewer:** Given the forecast of more rain, what could this mean for services in the coming days?
**Hiroshi Tanaka:** We have to brace ourselves for continued instability in train services. If the rains do not subside, we can expect further disruptions. It would be wise for travelers to stay updated through official channels and consider alternative transportation methods or even reschedule their plans if possible.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Hiroshi, for your insights. It’s indeed a tough situation for travelers, and we hope for a swift resolution.
**Hiroshi Tanaka:** Thank you for having me. Let’s hope for better weather and safe travels for everyone affected.
