On March 6, 2025, JR East announced at 4:05 PM the suspension of joint operations for the Tohoku, Yamagata, and Akita Shinkansen lines. This decision came about due to the separation of cars on the Komachi 21 service, prompting immediate adjustments to train schedules. The suspension is set to take effect on March 7, leading to anticipated delays across these lines.
The disruption began earlier on the same day when the Komachi and Hayabusa trains experienced issues on their route. At approximately 11:30 AM, as these trains traveled between Ueno and Omiya stations, the coupling mechanism between them malfunctioned, resulting in the trains needing to stop near Nishi-Nippori Station. The automatic brakes activated unexpectedly, which halted the train smoothly and prevented potential injuries. Fortunately, there were 642 passengers on board, and, remarkably, no injuries were reported. Once the situation was assessed, the trains were moved to Omiya Station to allow passengers to disembark.
The Komachi service will operate only between Morioka Station and Akita Station, skipping its usual stretch between Tokyo Station and Morioka Station. Similarly, the Tsubasa service will run from Fukushima Station to the Yamagata/Shinjo area, with its route from Tokyo Station to Fukushima also canceled. Notably, Tsubasa's first outbound train, Tsubasa 121, and the last inbound train, Tsubasa 160, will not couple, instead solely covering the distance between Tokyo Station and Shinjo Station.
JR East operates several trains, including the Hayabusa, Yamabiko, and Nasuno, typically with 17-car configurations. The company has indicated these services will also see reduced numbers of cars for operational efficiency during this adjustment period.
This is not the first incident of its kind; there was also a similar coupling issue last September. Mentioning this connection, JR East is currently investigating the underlying causes of the malfunctions and whether the two incidents are related. Governor Satake, addressing the media on the day of the incident, raised alarm bells about safety protocols, stating, "Do you have the sense of mission necessary for maintenance and your work?" His remarks voiced concern over whether the maintenance staff's commitment to safety and diligence remain strong enough, especially following repeated issues. He stated, "The occurrence of issues is largely due to financial aspects," hinting at potential shortfalls within the operational budget impacting safety measures.
The Tohoku, Akita, Yamagata, Joetsu, and Hokuriku Shinkansen lines were all temporarily suspended but resumed service by around 2:30 PM the same day. Despite the temporary service halts, JR East emphasizes the importance of passenger safety and maintaining their commitments to timely service as they work to resolve these underlying mechanical faults.
Governor Satake also pointed out the need for more than just routine maintenance protocols. He suggested there needed to be accountability and commitment from the maintenance teams, stressing, “It’s not enough just to follow the manuals without responsibility. Maintaining safety should be the priority over financial efficiency.”
The incident drew considerable public attention, resulting not only from the operational disruptions but also due to the safety concerns it raised for thousands of daily commuters who rely on the Shinkansen. An array of passengers expressed their anxiety through social media platforms, demanding reassurances and more extensive investigations of the mechanical systems governing train safety.
JR East is on high alert to address the growing concerns from passengers and local government officials. The company has reiterated its commitment to safe travel and is determined to conduct thorough investigations to prevent future occurrences. A review of maintenance practices is expected to follow, focusing on ensuring all staff feel accountable and motivated to adhere to best safety practices.
This situation presents not just operational challenges for JR East, but also raises fundamental questions about the adequacy of their safety infrastructure. With Japan's rigorous standards for transportation safety, this incident prompts conversations about potential reforms and proactive measures to preemptively tackle mechanical failures, striving to protect those who depend on their services.
JR East understands the significance of restoring public confidence and credibility, hence the cooperative stance they aim to uphold with both authorities and the riding public. The future of the Shinkansen, particularly amid challenges such as these, will hinge on the ability to navigate these complications with transparency and integrity, ensuring the safety of every passenger is of the utmost priority.
With inspections and reviews on the horizon, JR East aims to convert this incident from one of crisis to one of growth, learning how to bolster their operational protocols and forge stronger safety nets for riders.