電車 (densha) - train

 

1. Today's Japanese words

Here's some basic Japanese vocabulary about trains with romaji:

* 電車 (densha) - train

* 駅 (eki) - station

* 切符 (kippu) - ticket

* 運賃 (unchin) - fare

* ホーム (ホームホーム hōmu) - platform

* 線路 (senro) - track

* 急行 (kyūkō) - express train

* 普通 (futsū) - local train

* 新幹線 (shinkansen) - bullet train

* 乗り換え (norik換え norikae) - transfer

* 到着 (tōchaku) - arrival

* 出発 (shuppatsu) - departure

* アナウンス (anauンス anaunsu) - announcement

* グリーン車 (ぐりーんしゃ gurīn sha) - green car (first class)

2. Today's topic

Maglev trains in Japan

Maglev trains in Japan utilize magnetic levitation technology to propel and elevate the train. This eliminates friction from wheels on tracks, allowing for incredibly high speeds. The Central Japan Railway Company's SCMaglev technology is behind these trains.

Japan's maglev train plan is called the Chuo Shinkansen Line. It's a high-speed maglev train line currently under construction that will connect Tokyo and Nagoya, with future plans to extend to Osaka. 

The initial section will have stations in Shinagawa (Tokyo), Sagamihara, Kōfu, Iida, Nakatsugawa and Nagoya. The train is expected to travel at speeds of up to 500 kilometers per hour, making the trip between Tokyo and Nagoya in around 40 minutes.

Construction is facing delays due to environmental concerns in Shizuoka Prefecture. Originally planned to open in 2027, the opening date has been pushed back to possibly 2034 or later. 

3- Today’s news

Japan railway firm pushes back maglev plan, possibly to 2034 or later

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20240329/p2g/00m/0bu/043000c

The Linear Chuo Shinkansen project is intended to link Tokyo and Osaka with trains traveling up to 500 kilometers per hour.

Australian Kyudo archer aims high

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/videos/20240330091611030/

Japanese martial arts have become more and more popular around the world. An Australian man living in Japan has become fascinated by Kyudo, or Japanese archery, which is said to have the longest history of any Japanese martial art