Trains are always popular in Japan and there are many books and magazines available for rail fans to enjoy. Just recently a number of new magazines have come out with some great pictures of trains and Japan scenery.
These magazines are on sale at book stores and some convenience stores as weekly or monthly publications. Here are 2 popular ones that have just started.
Smile Checker for Rail Workers
If you thought it was all serious work at the Railway companies, here is an article from The Mainichi Daily News detailing new software that checks workers smiles before they head out to start the days shift.
Yahoo Group for Rail Fans (English)
If you are interested in following some of the latest news and updates on Japanese rail, you might want to join up for the Yahoo Group, Japanese railway discussion group.
may I send you a kidney so you can mail me one of those magazines in return?
I had an operation for kidney stones last year, so the kidney itself could be useful, but i will settle for some anpan 🙂
Interesting I might have to go grab that "Tokaido Honsen" one I assume it covers the tokyo downtown trains?
I don't think you will see much of the central city trains in this one. It is dedicated to the Main line (honsen) which runs down from Tokyo along the coast. Lots of good scenery though. 🙂
Looks like you're home now? Got lots of catching up to do,eh all the photos, mail and everything else.
Gotta start a petition to get Rilakkuma his own train,what do you think? Better check out your next article,wanna stay up to date with whats going on. Was Rilakkuma a good bear while you were gone?:D
mata ne
Just got home today and organising photos. Thanks. Rilakkuma manned the computer but not much seemed to have got done xD..
Man, I so want that Tokaido Honsen magazine the next time I go to Japan, it's too cool!
This series is a very good one 🙂