What is arguably the most famous modern train line in the world has been receiving a lot of attention lately.
This year Japan will mark 150 years since the first Japan Rail train set off in what would come to symbolise the nation's rapid and successful industrialisation.
Just over 90 years later the first bullet train was launched in order to provide a better connection between Tokyo and other prefectures, and in advance of the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games.
