Japan's obsession with trains

I recently saw someone ragebaiting his audience on X about how Japan isn’t modern and other Asian countries are better.

But what exactly is modernity? Should it look new, fancy, and shiny? Or should it fit our modern desires the most?

If you want the former, Japan is clearly not modern anymore. But that’s what the majority of people think modernity is though.

I think trains are the perfect example of how Japan just outshines everyone despite not having shiny new trains (the maglev is still far from being in service). The difference is, like always in Japan, in the attention to detail.

Comfort over flashiness

The shinkansen isn't the fastest train anymore, and hasn't been for a while. But after riding the shinkansen, riding any other high speed train feels like a downgrade.

What makes the shinkansen exceptional is the holistic experience:

• Trains arrive with Swiss-watch precision (average delay: less than 30 seconds)

• Noise levels inside the cars are remarkably low

• The ride feels incredibly smooth, with almost no perceptible vibration

• Seats have generous legroom and width

• The boarding process is orderly and stress-free

Old trains, new life: Japan's maintenance miracle

While many countries rush to replace aging train stock, Japan takes a different approach. Trains decades old continue to serve commuters daily.

The 103 series trains, first introduced in 1963, ran the Yamanote Line until 2005 and still operate on smaller regional lines today. Their longevity isn't accidental, it's the result of meticulous maintenance practices.

This approach embodies a distinctly Japanese philosophy: rather than chasing the new and flashy, perfect what already works and make it last. It's sustainability before sustainability became trendy.

During my research, I stumble upon this page listing old trains still in activity. It’s from a forum for Japan rail enthusiasts in English.

Yes, there are a lot of train nerds chasing these old trains. And a lot! Both internationally but especially locally.

Densha otaku: Japan's railway enthusiasts

Japan's deep appreciation for its railway system has given rise to a passionate subculture: the densha (meaning train) otaku.

These enthusiasts collect train memorabilia, photograph rare models, and even travel across the country just to ride specific routes or trains.

You'll sometimes spot them in train stations during the weekend with professional cameras, waiting patiently to capture the perfect shot of a limited-edition train.

For train otaku, the appeal isn't just speed or technology, it's about the unique aesthetic, design philosophy, and cultural significance of each train line.

Must-ride trains in Japan

If you're visiting Japan, these train experiences showcase why Japanese railways represent a different kind of modernity:

Nanatsuboshi (Seven Stars) in Kyushu — Japan's first luxury sleeper train, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern comfort.

TOREIYU Tsubasa — A resort train with tatami-mat seating areas and foot baths.

Sunrise Seto/Izumo - The last remaining overnight sleeper trains in Japan

The beauty of these trains isn't in flashy screens or record-breaking speeds, but in how they serve human needs with excellence and attention to detail.