Japan’s Maglev Train Is Faster Than Planes—But Will It Ever Launch?

Japan’s maglev train is a groundbreaking innovation—though still a long-awaited one. How do politics and geography shape technological progress, and will Japan stay ahead in the race for the fastest train?

When it comes to railway technology, Asia is leading the way—especially Japan and China. Japan introduced the world’s first high-speed train in 1964: the iconic Shinkansen, which revolutionized rail travel. Thanks to it, the travel time between Tokyo and Osaka dropped from seven hours to just 2.5. But Japan isn’t stopping there. With its latest maglev technology, the journey could be slashed to an astonishing 67 minutes.

Japan’s Maglev: A Revolutionary Technology

The world has been closely following Japan’s maglev project. While it may seem like a cutting-edge breakthrough, the core concept dates back to the 1960s. But what exactly is maglev? Short for magnetic levitation, maglev trains don’t use traditional wheels. Instead, they hover above the tracks using powerful magnetic fields, eliminating friction and allowing for smoother, faster, and more efficient travel.

To achieve levitation, maglev trains rely on superconducting magnets cooled to extreme temperatures of -269°C. These magnets create an intense magnetic field that lifts the train above the specially designed track. At startup, the train moves on rubber wheels, but once it reaches about 150 km/h, the magnetic field takes over, lifting the train and allowing it to glide forward.

The Challenges of Building Japan’s Maglev

Despite its revolutionary potential, Japan’s maglev project faces major hurdles. Not only is it an incredibly expensive endeavor—estimated at a minimum of USD 64 billion (EUR 61 billion)—but it also requires a dedicated track system. Beyond the financial burden, political and geographical challenges have significantly delayed construction.

Japan’s maglev network is set to include two major routes: Tokyo–Nagoya and Nagoya–Osaka. The first section was initially scheduled to open in 2027 but has now been postponed to 2034 at the earliest, while the second segment has been pushed to 2037. Once completed, the Tokyo–Nagoya route will cut travel time to just 40 minutes—faster than flying.

So, what’s behind the delays? According to Kyodo News+, a major obstacle was former governor Heita Kawakatsu, who repeatedly blocked progress over concerns about the Ói River’s water flow. After stepping down in 2024 due to controversial remarks, geographical surveys were finally conducted, revealing unstable soil, which will further slow construction. Additionally, a 9-kilometer tunnel through the Japanese Alps is needed, raising fears of reduced water flow that could negatively impact agriculture.

Maglev trains are basically planes that never take off. No wheels, no friction: just pure speed! 🚄✨ #Japan's L0 Series Maglev hit 603 km/h, faster than some airplanes while carrying 100x passengers ! 🚀 #Maglev #Transport pic.twitter.com/Kfb0G0arRA

— arttra (🛡️🌟) (@art____tra) February 28, 2025

China’s Maglev: A Rival in the Making

As if Japan’s maglev project wasn’t complicated enough, China has entered the race. As RAILTARGET previously reported, the country has announced the development of its own maglev train, set to operate in Hunan province. Given Japan and China’s long-standing competition in railway technology, this new development could spark yet another high-speed rivalry.

Regardless of which country comes out on top, one thing is certain—maglev technology is set to redefine rail travel worldwide.

Source: The B1M; RAILTARGET; Kyodo News+