Celebrating the 150th anniversary of railways in Japan, Japan House London is collaborating with Central Japan Railway Company to shine a spotlight on present-day innovation. The event complements Japan House London’s exhibition ‘The Carpenters’ Line’, which explores the woodworking heritage of Hida Takayama, by focusing on the new hybrid train series HC85, the first fleet of which was introduced in 2022 operating on the picturesque Hida limited express services on the Takayama Main Line between Nagoya and Takayama.

The event features Ueno Naoyuki, General Manager of Central Japan Railway Company’s London office, who introduces the innovative features of the HC85 hybrid system. He is joined in conversation with Jonathan James of MTR UK to engage in a wider discussion exploring current rail innovation in Japan and UK. During the discussion Jonathan James draws on his experiences both from working on the MTR Elizabeth Line and from his time spent in Japan with the Anglo-Japanese Rail Exchange, a programme enabling UK railway managers to visit Japan to experience Japan’s rail industry.

The event in the Hall at Japan House is followed by a drinks reception. Guests can also enjoy an exclusive late-night visit to the Japan House Gallery exhibition The Carpenters’ Line: Woodworking Heritage in Hida Takayama until 21:00.

This event follows a previous event held in partnership with Central Japan Railway Company exploring the birth of the shinkansen and the history of Japanese rail. A recording of this event can be viewed here.