Latest news with #JREast
Asahi Shimbun
4 days ago
- Asahi Shimbun
Yamagata bullet train stoppage cause remains unidentified
An E8 series Shinkansen train halts on the tracks mid-journey due to a technical failure in Tochigi Prefecture on June 17. (Koichi Ueda) One month after technical failures halted the Yamagata Shinkansen Line, train operations remain significantly reduced, affecting tens of thousands of passengers and significantly disrupting regional tourism and transportation. Yoichi Kise, president of East Japan Railway Co. (JR East), apologized on July 15 for the inconvenience, as the operator has yet to identify a definitive cause of the malfunctions and resume normal operations. Direct service between Tokyo Station and Shinjo Station in Yamagata Prefecture has been reduced to a single round trip per day, with passengers often needing to transfer at Fukushima Station in between. JR East plans to increase the number to three round trips beginning July 19. Seat reservations, which typically can be made one month in advance, remain suspended for the busy Obon holiday period due to the uncertain timetable. The ongoing disruptions have dealt a significant blow to Yamagata's tourism industry, particularly during the popular cherry-picking season. According to prefectural officials, local accommodations have recorded at least 6,000 cancellations. Some residents and businesses have expressed frustration over what they perceive as insufficient follow-up support from JR East. "The biggest impact is on tourism and business travel," said Hideya Yano, who represents local chambers of commerce, on July 15 after urging the transportation ministry and JR East to take action. "It's impossible to plan ahead and connections are extremely inconvenient," he added. Yamagata Governor Mieko Yoshimura echoed public sentiment earlier this month, stating that some residents feel as though they've been abandoned. Concerns are also rising among stakeholders in the popular Ginzan Onsen spa resort in Obanazawa. "We're facing serious uncertainty about future bookings," said a spokesperson from the local tourism association. "There's a real fear that Yamagata is vanishing from travelers' destination lists." SAME CHIP SUSPECTED RESPONSIBLE The initial failures occurred on June 17, when four E8 series trains suffered malfunctions mid-journey between Tokyo and Yamagata. A critical power supply unit responsible for cooling the motor control system failed, causing the trains to become inoperable. A fifth train suffered a similar breakdown on June 30, raising concerns about a systemic issue in the new fleet that debuted last year. Investigations revealed that a specific semiconductor component within the power units had been damaged in each case. JR East engineers have since determined that each malfunction occurred under a specific combination of circuit boards and semiconductors. While they suspect the issues arose under particular environmental conditions, such as high temperatures, the root cause remains unknown. Currently, only six E8 trains remain in operation, coupled with other models. They are running exclusively on the Tohoku Shinkansen Line, which connects Tokyo Station and Shin-Aomori Station. The stretch between Fukushima Station and Shinjo Station–unique to the Yamagata Shinkansen Line–is currently serviced by older E3 Series trains. However, up to 37 train services are canceled daily due to a shortage of operational vehicles, affecting more than 250,000 passengers so far. (This article was compiled from reports by Ayateru Hosozawa, Koichi Anzai and Toru Saito.)
NHK
5 days ago
- Business
- NHK
JR East to train up to 100 foreign workers annually
East Japan Railway has announced plans to annually train up to about 100 foreign nationals in railway maintenance starting this fiscal year. JR East says the program covers not only its own trainees but also those for other railway operators to secure workers for the entire industry. It says the training will focus on the maintenance of train cars, tracks and electrical equipment. The company also plans to construct a new training facility inside the existing training center in Shirakawa City, Fukushima Prefecture, northeastern Japan, by the end of fiscal 2027. It aims to use the new facility as a hub for the development of foreign human resources. The move comes after the Japanese government last year added the railway industry to the specified skilled worker system that grants residency status to non-Japanese workers with expert skills. JR East accepted 25 trainees from Southeast Asia this year on a trial basis, many of whom passed exams and are expected to be employed. This prompted the firm to expand the training program. The government estimates that the railway industry will face a shortage of about 18,400 workers in fiscal 2028, which may cause delays in the maintenance of train cars and tracks. There are concerns over possible serious impacts such as suspensions of operations. At a news conference, JR East President and CEO Kise Yoichi stressed the importance of train companies working together to maintain railway networks. He added that he hopes the new training program will contribute to solving problems facing the industry.
SoraNews24
05-07-2025
- Business
- SoraNews24
Japan Railway-affiliated Tokyo shopping centers issue warning over point card scam
Atre Cards are still good, but their QR codes might take you someplace bad. For a while there, 'Everything lasts forever on the Internet' looked like it was going to become common sense. However, as time has gone by, we've learned that that's not always true. Online permeance only extends so far as the constancy of server and domain maintenance, which brings us to a little problem involving East Japan Railway Company, or JR East. Like a lot of rail companies in Japan, JR has its fingers in a lot of non-train pies too. For example, if you've spent much time in Tokyo you might have spotted the Atre shopping centers in neighborhoods like Akihabara, Ueno, Shinagawa, and Ebisu. Filled with retail stores, sit-down restaurants, and takeaway food stands, Atre shopping centers are always attached to train stations, because Atre is owned and operated by JR East. Almost every shopping center in Japan has some kind of customer loyalty program, and Atre is no exception. Up until the end of February 2016, shoppers and diners could earn Atre Club points with each purchase and redeem them for gift certificates and other items through the service's website. Some Atre Cards, as the point cards were called, even had a QR code on the back that you could scan to access the site more easily. Atre Club has since been folded into JR East's broader JRE Point program, with all Atre Club points being transferred over. The old Atre Cards are still usable, too. Show it when making purchases at Atre, and the points will go right into your JRE Point total. JR and Atre have put out a warning, though, that while the old Atre Cards themselves are still good, using their QR codes could result in something very, very bad. Why? Because after JR shut down the Atre Club Point program, they also shuttered its website, and eventually abandoned control of its domain, Scanning the QR code on the back of the Atre Card, though, will still try to access it, which is a problem because the domain has since been acquired by scam artists, and the website is unsafe to use, presumably due to malware, phishing prompts, or other aspects targeting users' data privacy and financial security. The problem came to light last week and affects Atre Cards issued between October of 2013 and February of 2016. Atre put out a statement cautioning cardholders to not scan their QR codes or access reminding them that their loyalty program accounts are now managed through the JRE Point website. In a follow-up, Atre said that as of July 1 the scam site is no longer accessible, but continued avoidance of scanning the QR code or visiting is recommended. Source: Atre, J-Cast News via Yahoo! Japan News Top image: Wikipedia/Wpcpey Insert image: Atre ● Want to hear about SoraNews24's latest articles as soon as they're published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
Business Wire
04-07-2025
- Automotive
- Business Wire
SkyDrive Secures ¥8.3 Billion in Pre-Series D Funding from Suzuki, JR East, JR Kyushu, and Others
TOYOTA, Japan--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SkyDrive Inc. ('SkyDrive'), a leading eVTOL (*1) aircraft manufacturer based in Japan, today announced that it has raised ¥8.3 billion in Pre-Series D funding through a third-party allotment. This funding round was led by MUFG Bank, Ltd. ('MUFG'), with investments from Suzuki Motor Corporation ('Suzuki'), East Japan Railway Company ('JR East'), Kyushu Railway Company ('JR Kyushu'), and seven other companies. With this latest round, SkyDrive's cumulative funding now exceeds ¥43 billion. New Investors Kyushu Railway Company (JR Kyushu) East Japan Railway Company (JR East) UNIVANCE CORPORATION Returning Investors ITOCHU Technology Ventures, Inc. Obayashi Corporation The Kansai Electric Power Company, Incorporated SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION SuMi TRUST Innovation Investment LPS TOYODA IRON WORKS CO., LTD. NHK SPRING CO., LTD. MUFG Bank, Ltd. Background and Purpose of Fundraising SkyDrive, founded in 2018, is working to fulfil its mission of 'taking the lead in the once-in-a-century mobility revolution' and its vision of creating a future in which the general public, in Japan and around the world, use eVTOLs to meet their daily mobility needs. The company has been actively working to obtain type certification, a critical step toward the commercialization of eVTOL. In February 2025, Japan's Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) issued a G-1 certification basis for the SKYDRIVE SD-05, SkyDrive's lightweight, 3-seater eVTOL aircraft (*2). Currently, SkyDrive is advancing its certification plans and coordinating with JCAB on the specifics of upcoming tests and their timelines. Following an agreement on the certification plan, SkyDrive will conduct extensive ground and flight tests in line with the agreed plans. The new funding will be used to strengthen the development team, enhance testing infrastructure, improve operational readiness, and accelerate activities related to certification and development. Strategic Alliances with Railway Companies Following on from partnerships with Osaka Metro Co., Ltd. and Kintetsu Group Holdings Co., Ltd., SkyDrive is delighted to welcome JR East and JR Kyushu as strategic equity partners in this new funding round. SkyDrive now maintains capital and business alliances with a total of four railway companies. Integrating SkyDrive's eVTOL capabilities into existing networks operated by these partner companies will create seamless mobility solutions that effectively combine overland and air travel. These collaborations will also focus on the establishment of air routes and the development of vertiports, as well as public relations efforts designed to boost public support for widespread eVTOL use of eVTOL. Comments Mr. Yoichi Kise, President and CEO of East Japan Railway Company 'The history of rail travel in Japan dates back more than 150 years. Since their introduction, railways have continually evolved alongside societal progress, adapting to changing lifestyles and technologies. Our recent partnership with SkyDrive represents an important milestone in our journey to create seamless mobility services that connect ground and air transportation. We believe this collaboration has the potential to address regional transportation challenges and unlock innovative solutions. By integrating railway services with eVTOL technology, we aim to help build a more comfortable and sustainable society. Building on our long-standing commitment to safety and passenger peace-of-mind, the East Japan Railway Company looks to create new value through the next-generation mobility solutions that will shape the future of transport.' Mr. Yoji Furumiya, Representative Director, President and Corporate Officer of Kyushu Railway Company 'eVTOL will not only provide tourists with exciting, memorable air travel experiences, it will also make significant contributions to community development by providing a new daily transportation option for local community residents. This initiative aligns with key strategies outlined in the JR Kyushu Group Medium-Term Business Plan, which outlines our deep involvement in realizing sustainable mobility services, city building through enhanced collaboration among businesses, and planting seeds for the future. Through the introduction of innovations in air mobility, we aim to make the Kyushu region more attractive, and we are committed to working together with the local community to advance this exciting project.' Mr. Norihiko Takao, President of Univance Corporation 'We are thrilled to announce our investment in SkyDrive, a company driving the move towards next-generation mobility services as an innovator at the forefront of eVTOL aircraft development. At Univance, we have spent decades developing and manufacturing advanced drive systems for the automotive industry, and we are confident that, by applying our expertise, we can play a key role in building the infrastructure needed for a new era of transportation. Through our partnership with SkyDrive, we look forward to creating sustainable and innovative mobility solutions, while working together to address critical societal challenges and shape a better future.' Tomohiro Fukuzawa, CEO of SkyDrive Inc. 'Since our additional Series C funding in August 2024, SkyDrive has made steady progress in the development of our eVTOL aircraft. With substantial support from our partner Suzuki, prototypes of our eVTOL have successfully completed numerous flight tests without incident, also achieving a successful demonstration flight at the Osaka-Kansai Expo site in April 2025. We are also pleased with the progress of our certification plans with the issuance by JCAB of the standards that will apply to our application for type certification. On the global business front, we have received over 380 pre-orders across seven countries, further expanding the international reach of our vision. Additionally, in this Pre-Series D round, we are honored to welcome JR East and JR Kyushu as new partners. We are confident that integrating SkyDrive's next-generation mobility solutions into Japan's railway networks will enable us to deliver seamless mobility services that link ground and air transport, providing a fast and convenient customer experience. As we welcome this new investment, we would also like to express our deepest gratitude to all of the investors who have been with us from the earlier stages of our journey. These valuable partners include Suzuki, MUFG Bank, Itochu Technology Ventures, Obayashi Corporation, Kansai Electric Power, Toyoda Iron Works, NHK Spring, and SuMi Trust Innovation Investment. Through their early involvement, these shareholders have shared SkyDrive's vision, significantly contributing to the refinement of our technology and the expansion of our business possibilities. Their unwavering support enables us to push the boundaries of innovation and work toward the wider public acceptance and adoption of eVTOL. We remain committed to advancing our development efforts as a united team, striving to bring the future of air mobility to life as quickly as possible.' About SkyDrive Inc. SkyDrive is an eVTOL company aiming 'to take the lead in the once-in-a-century mobility revolution'. The company began testing eVTOL prototypes in 2014 prior to official incorporation in 2018. Under its future vision for urban transportation, flying in eVTOLs will become a regular part of city life. In 2019, SkyDrive became the first company to fly a crewed eVTOL in Japan. As of 2025, SkyDrive is working with civil aviation authorities in Japan and the US to acquire certification for 'SKYDRIVE', the company's first eVTOL product. SkyDrive showcased the first public flight of the SKYDRIVE at Expo 2025 in Osaka in April 2025, with plans for further demonstration flights in summer. SkyDrive began production of 'SKYDRIVE' in March 2024 at a plant owned by Suzuki Motor Corporation, SkyDrive's official production partner. SkyDrive is headquartered in Toyota, Aichi Prefecture, and led by CEO Tomohiro Fukuzawa, an engineer and entrepreneur. For more information, please visit:
Business Upturn
03-07-2025
- Business
- Business Upturn
Japan's Train Stations Become Parcel Hubs as Quadient and JR East Smart Logistics Expand Smart Locker Capabilities
Japan's Train Stations Become Parcel Hubs as Quadient and JR East Smart Logistics Expand Smart Locker Capabilities JR East commuters can now send and receive parcels through station lockers Quadient (Euronext Paris: QDT), a global automation platform powering secure and sustainable business connections, announces the activation of parcel shipping services within JR East's 'Multi E Cube' locker network. This marks a significant milestone in its collaboration with JR East Smart Logistics Co., Ltd., the logistics subsidiary of East Japan Railway Company. JR East commuters can now conveniently send parcels from train station lockers during their daily journeys, without the need for printed labels or in person assistance. In 2024, Quadient connected 'Multi E Cube' lockers into its PUDO Station network, allowing consumers to receive Yamato Transport deliveries at train stations. With the latest update, the system now supports outbound parcel services as well. By extending the shipping functionality of the open type PUDO Station to the multifunctional Multi E Cube, users can now send parcels directly from station lockers quickly, securely, and without face-to-face interaction or shipping slips. This enhancement further boosts convenience and flexibility for commuters and everyday users. Multi E Cube lockers now support two core parcel services, receipt and shipping, along with the ability to reserve locker compartments in advance. Users no longer need to locate different lockers for different purposes. All services are accessible through a single secure unit at their nearest station. The service is available from the first to the last train at each station, with select lockers offering 24/7 access, allowing users to manage parcels on their own schedule. 'This expansion reflects our vision of building a user-centric locker network that is open, interoperable, and embedded in the fabric of everyday life,' said Benoit Berson, Chief Solution Officer, Lockers at Quadient. 'By extending our intelligent locker platform to third-party networks like JR East's, we're enabling frictionless access to parcel services in some of Japan's busiest commuter hubs. Whether picking up an order or sending a parcel, users can now manage their parcels as part of their daily routine, quickly, securely, and without disruption.' Quadient's PUDO Station network serves as a nationwide system of convenience hubs, simplifying everyday tasks and improving accessibility for communities across Japan. By providing secure, around-the-clock access to Yamato Transport parcel services, Quadient is transforming underutilized spaces into valuable service points that bring flexibility, efficiency, and convenience to where people live, work, and travel. About Quadient® Quadient is a global automation platform powering secure and sustainable business connections through digital and physical channels. Quadient supports businesses of all sizes in their digital transformation and growth journey, unlocking operational efficiency and creating meaningful customer experiences. Listed in compartment B of Euronext Paris (QDT) and part of the CAC® Mid & Small and EnterNext® Tech 40 indices, Quadient shares are eligible for PEA-PME investing. For more information about Quadient, visit Media Contacts Joe Scolaro, QuadientGlobal Press Relations Manager+1 203-301-3673 [email protected]
