Footage of Japan's new train zooming down the track at 310mph leaves spectators speechless
Published on Sep 05, 2025 at 1:35 PM (UTC+4)
by Henry Kelsall
Last updated on Sep 19, 2025 at 9:03 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Henry Kelsall
Footage caught the moment that Japan’s new train, powered by magnetic levitation (maglev), flew past spectators and journalists at over 300mph.
Increased train speeds have been a goal that countries have pursued since the world’s first true railroad was built in 1825.
In Japan, maglev trains could be part of the railroad’s future, and reporters were invited to witness a new example undergo rigorous test runs.
The train soared past them at over 300mph, disappearing from view in what seemed like less than one second, leaving those watching totally speechless.
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Japan’s new train was a blink and you will miss it moment
The footage shows reporters gathered at a bridge, waiting for the train to fly past.
Eyes and cameras were focused on the bridge, and the train was heard approaching at a rapid speed.
All of a sudden, it flew into view, and quicker than you can blink, it was gone.
The camera then panned to those who were watching, with two of them standing open-mouthed.
Their eyes were equally wide as they tried to process just what had happened.
They then began to laugh and smile, and they were still unable to fully process what had just occurred.
What made the sight even more spectacular was how it was not on conventional tracks.
It instead used incredibly powerful magnets.
Maglevs could be the future of rail travel
While they won’t replace conventional railways, Maglevs could be the future of high-speed rail travel.
Maglevs have broken speed records multiple times over the years, trouncing those set by diesel and steam.
From 2002 to 2021, the fastest operational speed of a train was 268mph by the Shanghai maglev.
At the time of writing, the current record is held by the Japanese L0 Series, which set a record of 375mph in 2015.
The advantage of the electromagnets is that, as they do not rely on wheels, rolling resistance is eliminated.
However, there are only seven maglevs in operation as of 2025.
Four are in China, one is in Japan and two are in South Korea.
Maglevs are expensive, but the speeds that they bring could make them the future of high-speed rail travel.
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Henry is a content writer with nearly ten years experience, having written for various publications since 2017. Qualifying with a Sports Journalism degree from Staffordshire University, Henry loves all things automotive but has a particular soft spot for classic Japanese cars and anything Lancia. He also has a curious passion for steam locomotives.
