Latest news with #KiseYoichi
NHK
16-07-2025
- 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.
NHK
11-06-2025
- Business
- NHK
JR East plans overnight express train with private rooms
East Japan Railway says it will launch a new overnight express train connecting Tokyo with the northeastern Tohoku region in the spring of 2027. The new train will have private compartments with fully reclining seats for individuals or groups up to four. The service will depart Tokyo at 9 p.m. to arrive at Aomori Station at 9 a.m. the following morning. The company is converting an express train running on Tokyo's Joban Line into the ten-car overnighter. The name of the train, the fare, and the frequency of the service has yet to be decided. The service comes as the company this month will retire its "Cassiopeia" sleeper express that connects Tokyo to Hokkaido. East Japan Railway President and CEO Kise Yoichi said, "We will provide passengers with a totally new idea of a night trip that can be experienced with private compartments." He added that he hopes the new service will lead to an increase in foreign visitors to the Tohoku region.
