Publication Date
2025
Presentation Length
15 minutes
College
College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences
Department
Asian Studies, Department of
Student Level
Undergraduate
SPARK Category
Research
Faculty Advisor
Dr. Christopher Born
WELL Core Type
Intellectual Wellness
SPARK Session
Independent Presentation
Presentation Type
Poster
Summary
The development of Japan's high-speed rail system, the Shinkansen, has played a pivotal role in the country's post-war economic resurgence. Introduced in 1964 with the Tokaidō Shinkansen, this transformative infrastructure investment significantly reduced travel times, bolstered economic activity around station hubs, and facilitated regional development by enabling urban decentralization. This paper explores the long-term economic benefits of high-speed rail, including its impact on land value, business expansion, and carbon emissions. The case study of the Linear Chuo Shinkansen, Japan's latest maglev project, underscores both the economic promise and the political resistance to expansion, particularly in regions such as Shizuoka.
Using econometric models and longitudinal data, the correlation between high-speed rail investments and economic growth, regional equity, and environmental sustainability has been analyzed. Findings suggest that while Shinkansen projects entail high initial costs, they yield significant long-term benefits, including CO2 reduction and enhanced regional connectivity. Comparisons with international high-speed rail systems further highlight the necessity of integrating passenger and freight transport to maximize efficiency and sustainability. Additionally, behavioral trends indicate that transportation habits established over time influence the adoption of new rail technologies, as observed in urban versus rural commuting patterns.
Ultimately, this study argues that continued investment in high-speed rail infrastructure, particularly maglev technology, is essential for Japan’s economic and environmental future. The broader implications for global urban planning suggest that high-speed rail can serve as a cornerstone of sustainable and equitable economic growth when integrated with comprehensive urban development strategies.
Recommended Citation
Victory, Dillan R., "The Economic and Environmental Impact of Shinkansen and High-Speed Rail Infrastructure: A Comparative Analysis of Economic Growth and Carbon Emissions Reduction" (2025). SPARK Symposium Presentations. 219.
https://repository.belmont.edu/spark_presentations/219
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