Across Japan, NHK has been covering a wide range of railway-related news. Join us as we take a look at the news from January to June 2021. See the efforts and ideas implemented by railway companies to survive the pandemic, the introduction of new trains, and some old trains we had to say farewell to, with news-related special guest appearances.

The Japan Railfan Club, established in 1953 with more than 3,000 members, awards its Blue Ribbon Prize and Laurel Prize to remarkable vehicles that began service the previous year. Of the 16 new vehicles nominated in 2021, Kintetsu Railway's limited express HINOTORI received the Blue Ribbon Prize, while JR East's SAPHIR ODORIKO and JR Central's N700S Shinkansen were awarded the Laurel Prize. Join us and selection committee member Sakato Kota as we take a closer look at the recipients.

In April 2021, Odakyu Electric Railway opened its Romancecar Museum. The museum features 5 generations of Romancecars, including the 3000 SE series, which set the world record for the fastest narrow-gauge speed (145km/h) in 1957 (a significant step toward developing the first Series 0 Shinkansen). Join us as we look at the highlights of the new museum and how Romancecars laid the foundation for Japan's limited express trains.