Japan is pushing the boundaries of high-speed rail with the development of the world’s fastest train, a futuristic maglev service capable of travelling at speeds of up to 375mph. The project, which has already cost an estimated £52 billion, is set to transform long-distance travel between some of the country’s busiest cities.

The train, known as the L0 Series, is being developed by the Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central) as part of the Chūō Shinkansen maglev line. During a manned test run in 2015, the L0 Series set a world land speed record for rail vehicles, reaching 603.5km/h, cementing its status as the fastest train ever built.

Unlike traditional trains, the L0 Series does not run on wheels. Instead, it uses superconducting magnetic levitation technology, which allows the train to float approximately 10 centimetres above the guideway.

This removes almost all friction between the train and the track. Powerful electric motors then propel the carriages forward, enabling unprecedented speeds while maintaining stability.

The train’s design has also had to overcome major engineering challenges. At extreme speeds, trains entering tunnels can create a loud pressure wave known as the “piston effect”.

To counter this, the L0 Series features an elongated, 15-metre aerodynamic nose, helping to reduce noise and pressure changes for both passengers and nearby communities.

When it enters commercial service, the L0 Series is expected to operate at cruising speeds of around 500 to 505km/h (311–314mph).

The first phase of the Chūō Shinkansen line will connect Tokyo and Nagoya, cutting the journey time to just 40 minutes. Currently, the same trip can take anywhere from around 90 minutes to more than two hours, depending on the service used.

The full line will eventually extend to Osaka, reducing the Tokyo–Osaka journey to approximately 67 minutes. However, the project has faced significant delays.

Originally scheduled to open in 2027, the Tokyo–Nagoya section has been pushed back to between 2034 and 2035. JR Central has cited environmental concerns and the complexity of tunnel excavation as key factors, with around 85 per cent of the route planned to run underground.

Despite the delays and the enormous cost, the L0 Series remains central to Japan’s long-term transport strategy.

Supporters argue that the maglev system will ease congestion on existing rail lines, improve resilience in the transport network and set new global standards for high-speed travel.

Once completed, the project is expected to redefine rail transport and reinforce Japan’s reputation as a world leader in engineering and innovation.