Japan Railway Standard Information Research

2022/12/05 20:20

Research on the Latest Information of Japanese Railway Standards

catalog list

1. The latest railway laws and regulations at the national level in Japan . 1

2. The latest prescription issued by Japan Railway Comprehensive Technology Research Institute . 5

3. Overview of technical standards of Japan Railway Construction Corporation . 13

4. Overview of revisions of major railway laws and regulations in Japan in recent years . 14

5. Important meetings and issues related to Japanese railway standards in recent years . 15

6. Important research topics affecting railway construction standards in recent years . 17

7. Conclusion . 25

VIII. Interpretation . 25

9. Reference materials . 26

1. The latest railway laws and regulations at the national level in Japan

Like other Japanese national laws and regulations, the Japanese government updates, supplements and abolishes existing railway laws and regulations at regular intervals to meet the needs of social development. As of October 1, 2019, there are 26 latest national-level railway laws promulgated by the Japanese government, including 48 regulations. See Table 1 for details.

Table 1 Japanese railway laws and regulations (rules, orders)

serial number	railway law	A statute (rule, order) contained in a law	Explanation and Notes
1	Railway Business Law	Regulations for the Implementation of the Railway Business Act	On December 4, 1986 , the Japanese government promulgated the law regulating the operation of railway business and ropeway business.
		Rules for Reporting Railway Accidents, etc.
		Accounting Rules for Railway Enterprises
		Inspection Rules for Railway Facilities, etc.
		Reporting Rules for Railway Businesses, etc.
		Regulations on Reporting Management of EMU Driving Qualification in Railway Enterprises
		Audit Regulations for Railway Businesses, etc.
2	Railroad Mortgage Act	Rules for the Implementation of the Railway Mortgage Law	It was first promulgated in 1905, which stipulates the legal procedures for railway companies to set up mortgages on railway facilities, etc., stipulated by the Japanese government.
3	Railway Business Law	─	─
4	Act on Special Punishment Concerning Acts that Interfere with Safe Operation of Shinkansen Railways	A provincial ordinance establishing technical standards for railways	A law promulgated by the Japanese government in June 1964 for the purpose of punishing behaviors that interfere with the safe operation of Shinkansen railways.
		Provincial regulations to ensure driving safety
		Provincial Order Regarding Motor Vehicle Driver's License
5	track method	Track Law Enforcement Decree	─
		Within the authority of the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism stipulated in the Railroad Act, the prefectures determine the ordinances to handle affairs
		Track Law Implementation Rules
		Rules for Reporting Rail Accidents, etc.
		track construction regulations
		Track Driving Rules
6	Track Mortgage Law	─	─
7	National Shinkansen Railway Maintenance Act	Enforcement Order of the National Shinkansen Railway Maintenance Law	This is a law aimed at the consolidation of the national railway network through the Shinkansen Railway. Promulgated on May 18, 1970.
		Regulations for the Implementation of the National Shinkansen Railway Maintenance Law
8	Act Concerning the Handover of the Shinkansen Railway Construction Business to the Japan Railway Construction Corporation , with JR Co., Ltd. as the main body of construction	─	─
9	Act on Special Measures for Integrated Promotion of Residential Land Development and Railway Maintenance in Metropolitan Areas	Regulations for the Implementation of the Special Measures Act for the Integrated Promotion of Residential Land Development and Railway Maintenance in Metropolitan Areas	This law aims to collectively promote the development of residential land and railway maintenance in areas where a large amount of residential land is required for the development of new railways.
10	Urban Railways, etc. Convenience Improvement Act	Enforcement Decree of the Act on Convenience Improvement of Urban Railways, etc.	The law promulgated on May 6, 2005 aims to effectively utilize the existing urban railway network and enhance the convenience of urban railway users.
		Rules for Enforcement of Urban Railways, etc. Convenience Promotion Act
11	Act on Special Measures to Promote Railway Development in Specified Cities	Enforcement Order of the Act on Special Measures to Promote Railway Development in Specified Cities	Law No. 42 promulgated by the Japanese government enacts special measures such as the provident fund system in order to enhance the railway transportation capacity of metropolitan areas and to equalize the burden of railway investment.
		Regulations for the Implementation of the Act on Special Measures to Promote Railway Development in Specified Cities
12	railway track maintenance law	Enforcement Order of the Railway Track Maintenance Act	The Japanese government promulgated the law on August 5, 1953 to take special subsidy measures for the railway industry (including the track industry) to seek railway maintenance. The latest version is Law No. 63 of June 22, 2018.
		Regulations for the Implementation of the Railway Track Maintenance Law
13	Crossing Improvement Promotion Act	Enforcement Decree of the Crossing Improvement Promotion Act	The law promulgated by the Japanese government in 2001 involves the intersection, structural improvement and construction of security equipment at crossings.
		Regulations for the Implementation of the Crossing Improvement Promotion Act
14	Independent Administrative Incorporated Railway Construction and Transportation Facilities Improvement Support Organization Act	Enforcement Decree of the Act on Support Organizations for Railway Construction and Transportation Facilities Maintenance of Independent Administrative Institutions	─
		Relevant provincial ordinances of the independent administrative agency railway construction and transportation facility maintenance support organization
15	Tokyo Metro Corporation Law	Tokyo Metro Corporation Law Enforcement Regulations	The law promulgated by the Japanese government on December 18, 2002 was aimed at the establishment of Tokyo Metro Co., Ltd. and the unified operation of Tokyo Metro.
16	Japanese National Railway Reform Act	Enforcement Order of Japan's National Railway Reform Law	The law promulgated by the Japanese government on December 4, 1986 fundamentally reformed the failed Japanese state-owned railway business model and privatized it. The latest version is Law No. 136 of October 19, 1998.
		Rules for the Implementation of the National Railway Reform Law of Japan
17	Laws related to Passenger Railway Co., Ltd. and Japan Freight Railway Co., Ltd.	Enforcement Decree of Laws Related to Passenger Railway Co., Ltd. and Japan Freight Railway Co., Ltd.	─
		Rules for Enforcement of Laws Related to Passenger Railway Co., Ltd. and Japan Freight Railway Co., Ltd.
		Ministry of Railways Co., Ltd. Special Act on Accounting Arrangement
18	Japan's National Railway Reform Law and Other Implementation Laws (Excellence)	─	Supplementary law to the National Railway Reform Law of Japan.
19	Act on Special Measures to be Urgently Taken in Fiscal 1986 to Improve the Operation of National Railways in Japan	─	─
20	Act on Special Measures to be Urgently Taken in Fiscal 1990 to Reduce the Debt Burden of Japan National Railway Liquidation Corporation	Law Enforcement Order on Special Measures to be Urgently Taken in FY1990 to Reduce the Debt Burden of Japan National Railway Liquidation Corporation	─
twenty one	Laws related to the transfer of railway facilities related to the Shinkansen Railway	Enforcement Order for the Transfer of Railway Facilities Related to the Shinkansen Railway	─
		Rules for the implementation of laws related to the transfer of railway facilities related to the Shinkansen Railway
twenty two	Act on Special Measures to be Urgently Taken in Fiscal 1997 to Reduce the Debt Burden of Japan National Railway Liquidation Corporation	Enforcement Decree on Special Measures to be Urgently Taken in Fiscal 1997 to Reduce the Debt Burden of Japan National Railway Liquidation Corporation	─
twenty three	Japan National Railway Liquidation Corporation's debt management law	Enforcement Order of the Law Concerning the Handling of Debts, etc. of the Japan National Railway Liquidation Corporation	According to the "Law on the Handling of Debts and Others of the National Railway Liquidation Corporation of Japan" on October 22, 1998, the Japan Railway Construction Corporation as a special case inherited the rights and obligations of the National Railway Liquidation Corporation of Japan, paid annuities and other funds, and dealt with land, stocks, etc. business.
		Rules for the implementation of laws related to the handling of debts, etc. of the Japan National Railway Liquidation Corporation
twenty four	War Wounded Patients Special Assistance Act (Diocesan)	Enforcement Order of the Special Assistance Act for War Wounded Patients (Excellence)	A law promulgated on August 3, 1963, aimed at providing recuperation subsidies for military personnel and military family members who were injured or sick on duty. The latest version is Law No. 45 of June 2, 2017.
25	Laws to revitalize and regenerate local public transport	Law Enforcement Orders for the Revitalization and Regeneration of Local Public Transport	The law promulgated by the Japanese government on May 25, 2007 is a Japanese law formulated to promote the vitality of regional public transportation, promote the integrated rebirth of public transportation, and promote public transportation efficiently.
		Enforcement of relevant laws and regulations to revitalize and regenerate local public transport
26	Laws that promote the smooth mobility of the elderly and the disabled	Enforcement Order of Laws Concerning the Promotion of Smooth Mobility for the Elderly and Disabled	This law was first promulgated on June 21, 2006 and was last amended by Law No. 69 of 2014.
		Enforcement rules for laws and regulations that promote the smooth mobility of the elderly and the disabled

2. The latest prescription issued by the Japan Railway Comprehensive Technology Research Institute

As of October 1 , 2019 , the Railway Comprehensive Technology Research Institute has conducted research on rails, steel - steel - concrete composite beams, composite structures , seismic reinforcement, concrete structures, soil structures, underground structures, maintenance, general standards, seismic standards, etc. 59 prescription documents in 11 aspects have been released, updated, revised and supplemented, etc. See Table 2 for details .

Table 2 The prescription book ( interpretation standard ) issued by the Railway Comprehensive Technology Research Institute

Serial Number	category	serial number	standard	Comparing major changes and notes before 2010
050 ～	Design standards for railway structures, etc. Same explanation	No.050	Design Standards for Railway Structures, etc. [Soil Structure ] ( Revised in 2013 ), Issue Date : June 2013	Belongs to the performance specification standard. The 2007 edition was published hastily and had many mistakes. The purpose of this revision is to correct mistakes.
		No.051	Design Standards for Railway Structures, etc. , same commentary [Concrete Structures ] , date of publication : April 2004	Belongs to the performance specification standard.
		No.052	Design Standards for Railway Structures, etc. [Steel , Steel - Concrete Composite Beams ] , Issue Date : July 2009	Belongs to the performance specification standard.
		No.054	Design Standards for Railway Structures, etc. , with the same explanation as the International Unit Plate [Shield Tunnel ], date of issue : December 2002	Belongs to the performance specification standard.
		No.055	Design Standards for Railway Structures, etc. [Steel - Concrete Composite Structures], same commentary, date of issue : January 2016	Belongs to the performance specification standard. Compared with the previous version (the first compilation and publication in August 1998), it mainly incorporates the technical progress of more than ten years into the new standard.
		No.056	Design Standards for Railway Structures, etc. , same commentary [Seismic Design ], date of issue : September 2012	Belongs to the performance specification standard. Compared with the previous version (1999), the new anti-seismic technologies and theories for more than ten years have been sorted out and incorporated into the new standard, and great progress has been made in the structural performance checking and calculation.
		No.058	Design Standards for Railway Structures, etc. Same as Explanation【Open Cut Tunnel 】 Attached Documents: Design of Excavation and Support, Date of Issue : March 2001	Belongs to the performance specification standard.
		No.059	Design Standards for Railway Structures, etc. Commentary [City Mountain Tunnel Construction Method ], date of issue : May 2002	Belongs to the performance specification standard.
		No.060	Design Standards for Railway Structures, etc. [Displacement Limits], same commentary , date of issue : February 2006	Belongs to the performance specification standard.
		No.061	Design Standards for Railway Structures, etc. , same commentary [Infrastructure ] , date of publication : January 2012	Belongs to the performance specification standard. Compared with the previous version (June 2000), it is mainly reflected in the application of new technologies and the perfection of theory.
		No.062	Design Standards for Railway Structures, etc. [Supporting Structure], same commentary , date of issue : January 2012	Belongs to the performance specification standard. Compared with the previous version (June 2000), it is mainly reflected in the application of new technologies and the perfection of theory.
		No.063	Design standards for railway structures, etc. , same commentary [track structure ], date of issue : January 2012	Belongs to the performance specification standard. This is the first publication after reorganizing the design standards for railway structures, etc., and commentary [Track structure] [Track with ballast bed] (draft) published in 1997 .
070 ～	Maintenance and Management Standards for Railway Structures, etc. Same Explanation【Structure 】	No.070	Maintenance and Management Standards for Railway Structures, etc. [Structures ] [Soil Structures ] (Embanks and Cuttings ), Date of Issue : January 2007	Belongs to the performance specification standard.
		No.071	Maintenance and Management Standards for Railway Structures, etc. [ Structures ] [Concrete Structures ] , Issue Date : January 2007	Belongs to the performance specification standard.
		No.072	January 2007 Maintenance and Management Standards for Railway Structures, etc. [ Structures ] [Steel / Steel - Concrete Composite Beams ] 2017 revised version of attached materials, date of issue : December 2017	Belongs to the performance specification standard. Compared to the previous edition (January 2007), major revisions have been made to the final supporting material.
		No.073	Maintenance and Management Standards for Railway Structures, etc. [ Structures ] [Foundation Structures and Soil Retaining Structures ] , Date of Issue : January 2007	Belongs to the performance specification standard.
		No.074	Maintenance and Management Standards for Railway Structures, etc. [Structures ] [Tunnels ] , Issue Date : January 2007	Belongs to the performance specification standard.
100	track	No.106	Repair manual for each part of the ballastless track, date of issue: December 2017	This manual has been updated quickly, and it is the fifth edition since it was first released in December 1989. Compared with the previous edition (December 2015), some new construction methods have been incorporated.
		No.107	Specifications for rail fastening devices (draft) Standard construction and maintenance procedures (draft), date of issue : February 1993	─
		No.110	Design and Fabrication Manual (Draft) for Ballastless Track Using Short Fiber Reinforced Concrete , Issue Date: November 2011	This manual is the new standard published for the first time.
		No.111	Design and Construction Manual for Concrete Trackbed of Double Block Ballastless Track Using Short Fiber Reinforced Concrete , Date of Issue: January 2015	This manual is the new standard published for the first time.
200	Steel・Steel-hybrid composite beam	No.201	Steel Structure Coating Design and Construction Guidelines 2013, Issue Date: December 2013	This manual is the new standard published for the first time.
		No.222	Design Standards for Railway Structures and Explanations【Steel・Steel - Concrete Composite Beams 】 Performance Check Calculation Example Ballastless Track for Overhead Steel Plate Girders , Date of Issue : June 2010	The supplementary materials belonging to the performance regulation standards are the supporting calculation examples for the design standards of railway structures and the same explanation [steel - steel - concrete composite beams ] released in July 2009 .
		No.223	Design Standards for Railway Structures and Explanations【Steel・Steel - Concrete Composite Beams 】 Performance Checking Calculation Example of Downward Steel Plate Girder Trackbed (Steel Bridge Deck), Date of Issue : June 2010	The supplementary materials belonging to the performance regulation standards are the supporting calculation examples for the design standards of railway structures and the same explanation [steel - steel - concrete composite beams ] released in July 2009 .
		No.226	Design Standards for Railway Structures, etc. [Steel , Steel - Concrete Composite Beams ] Railway Steel Bridge Specifications ( SRS ), Date of Issue : August 2010	It is the supporting material of the performance regulation standard, and it is the first published material about the specification of the design standard for railway structures and the same explanation [steel , steel - concrete composite beam ] released in July 2009 .
		No.227	Design Standards for Railway Structures, Interpretation [Steel , Steel - Concrete Composite Beams ] Performance Checking Manual, Issue Date : May 2013	The supporting checking calculation manual belonging to the performance specification standard is the first release of the design standard for railway structures and other explanations [steel - steel - concrete composite beams ] released in July 2009 .
300	Composite structure・Seismic reinforcement	No.316	Guidelines for Seismic Reinforcement Design and Construction of Existing Railway Concrete Viaduct Pier Columns, etc. ─ A & P Seismic Reinforcement Methods, Issue Date : April 2006	─
		No.319	Design guidelines for railway viaducts with damping struts, date and month of issue: December 2006	─
		No.320	Guidelines for Seismic Reinforcement Design and Construction of Existing Railway Concrete Viaducts — Methods for Lining Arch Reinforcement , Issue Date: November 2010	Guidelines for the Design and Construction of Seismic Reinforcement, first published in November 2010 .
400	concrete structure	No.401	Design Standards for Railway Structures, etc. , Manual for Checking the Performance of Concrete Structures with Explanation, Year and Month of Issue : September 2010	It belongs to the supporting checking calculation manual of the performance specification standard, which was released for the first time in November 2004. This version is a new version incorporating new technologies.
		No.407	Design Standards for Railway Structures, etc. Manual of Reinforcement of Concrete Structures with Explanation , Year and Month of Issue: January 2005	─
		No.412	Design Standards for Railway Structures・Concrete Structure Checking Calculation Example Reinforced Concrete Simply Supported T Beam, Year and Month of Issue: January 2004	─
		No.413	Design Standards for Railway Structures・Concrete Structure Checking Calculation Example	─
		No.423	Design Standards for Railway Structures・Concrete Structure Check Calculation Example	─
		No.425	Design and Construction Guidelines for Repairing Existing Railroad Railings, etc. Using High-Toughness Cement Boards , Date of Issue : March 2013	The design and construction guidelines released for the first time .
		No.426	Collection of maintenance and management manuals for post-tensioned prestressed concrete beams , date of issue: January 2013	First published collection of maintenance management manuals.
		No.427	Guidelines for Seismic Reinforcement Design of Existing Railway Concrete Viaduct Pier Columns , Release Date: December 2013	Design guidelines for seismic strengthening published for the first time.
		No.429	Design Standards for Railway Structures, Design Examples of Reinforced Concrete Bridge Piers (Extended Foundation), Date of Issue : March 2015	It belongs to the supporting information of the performance specification standard. Design study published for the first time
		No.430	Guidelines for the design and construction of prefabricated viaducts using grouted sleeve joints , date of publication : December 2015	The design and construction guidelines released for the first time .
		No.431	Design Standards for Railway Structures, Design Examples of Reinforced Concrete Bridge Piers (Steel Tube Cement Piles) with Explanation , Year and Month of Issue: January 2015	It belongs to the supporting data of the performance specification standard, and the design calculation example released for the first time .
		No.432	Design Standards for Railway Structures, Design Examples of Reinforced Concrete Bridge Abutment (Pile Foundation) with Explanation , Year and Month of Issue: March 2017	It belongs to the supporting data of the performance specification standard, and the design calculation example released for the first time .
		No.433	Design Standards for Railway Structures, Reinforced Concrete Bridge Piers with Box-type Foundations , Same as Explanatory Design Example , Date of Issue : March 2017	It belongs to the supporting data of the performance specification standard, and the design calculation example released for the first time .
		No.434	Guidelines for Design and Construction of Geosynthetic Reinforced Soil Monolithic Bridges , Issue Date: March 2017	The design and construction guidelines released for the first time .
		No.435	Post-anchoring construction design and construction manual , date of issue : January 2018	The design and construction manual released for the first time .
500	soil structure	No.520	Design Standards for Railway Structures, etc. [ Basic Structure] ( 2012 Edition) Pile Design Manual , Release Date : January 2015	The supplementary documents belonging to the performance regulation standards are the supporting design manuals for the design standards of railway structures released in 2012 and the same explanation [infrastructure].
		No.521	Design Standards for Railway Structures, etc. Design Example of Embankment Reinforced Soil Retaining Wall with Explanation, Year and Month of Issue: March 2017	It belongs to the supporting data of the performance specification standard, and the design calculation example released for the first time .
		No.522	Design Standards for Railway Structures, Design Calculation Example of Cutting Reinforced Soil Retaining Wall with Explanation, Year and Month of Issue: March 2017	It belongs to the supporting data of the performance specification standard, and the design calculation example released for the first time .
		No.523	Design Standards for Railway Structures, etc. Design Examples Retaining Walls with Explanation, Year and Month of Issue: March 2017	It belongs to the supporting data of the performance specification standard, and the design calculation example released for the first time .
		No.524	Design Standards for Railway Structures, Design Examples Embankments and Cuttings with Explanations , Date of Issue : March 2017	It belongs to the supporting data of the performance specification standard, and the design calculation example released for the first time .
		No.525	Design Standards for Railway Structures, Design Calculation Example of Steel Sheet Pile Foundation with Explanation, Year and Month of Issue: March 2017	It belongs to the supporting data of the performance specification standard, and the design calculation example released for the first time .
		No.526	Design Standards for Railway Structures, etc. [ Infrastructure ] ( 2012 Edition) Basic Structure Performance Checking Manual , Release Date : July 2018	The supplementary documents belonging to the performance specification standard are the structural supporting check calculation manual for the design standard of railway structure and other issues released in 2012 and the same explanation [basic structure].
600	underground structure	No.616	Grouting design and construction manual , date of issue: October 2011	Design and Construction Manual published for the first time .
700	maintenance	No.709	Rockfall Prevention Technical Manual , date of issue: March 2019	This is the third version since the first release in March 1999. Compared with the previous version (November 2016), this version incorporates some new technologies.
		No.711	Tunnel Restoration and Reinforcement Handbook, Year and Month of Issue: January 2007	─
		No.712	Handbook of Countermeasures for Close-distance Construction of Urban Railway Structures , Year and Month of Issue: January 2007	─
		No.713	Seismic Reinforcement Design and Construction Handbook for Stone Masonry Walls ─ Pinup Construction Method Construction Manual─ , date of issue : June 2008	─
		No.715	Reinforcement Design and Construction Essentials of Old Shotcrete Slopes — Slope Reinforcement with FSC Slabs by Spraying Reinforced Fiber Mortar on Bearing Plates— , date of issue : March 2016	Design and Construction Essentials published for the first time .
900	common standard	No.912	Design Standards for Railway Structures, Displacement Limitation Performance Checking Manual with Explanation, Year and Month of Issue: August 2006	─
950 ～	Seismic standard	No.956	Design Standards for Railway Structures , Same Explanation [Seismic Design ] ( 2012 Edition ) Manual of Seismic Checking and Calculation of Bridges and Viaducts	The supplementary materials belonging to the performance regulation standards are the seismic check calculation manuals for the design standards of railway structures issued in 2012 and the same explanation [Seismic Design ].

3. Overview of Technical Standards of Japan Railway Construction Corporation

Each railway construction company in Japan, that is, each JR company has its own railway technical standards. These technical standards are compiled as detailed "implementation standards" reflecting the actual conditions within the scope of compliance with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's ordinances, etc., based on reference to interpretation standards or explanations, etc. Each company implements various designs in accordance with its own "implementation standards", including station front design, station back design, and transportation organization.

Since the "implementation standards" of each railway company can quickly reflect the requirements of the "interpretation standards", the contents of the "implementation standards" that are not included in the "interpretation standards" can be confirmed, and it is beneficial to the promotion, popularization, various procedures and later stages of technical standards. In order to improve the efficiency of inspections, etc., the establishment and modification of the "Implementation Standards" must be reported to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism in advance.

However, the technical standards of JR's companies are all non-public information and are generally not disclosed to the public. Only a few standards are partially displayed in the design, research, and construction of important projects.

The content of the standards of each JR company is basically the same as the method and specification requirements of the "Ordinary Railway Construction Regulations" that were used before the release of performance regulations, that is, the "Regulations on Railway-related Technical Standards" in 2002. In addition, the content of the Ordinary Railway Construction Regulations is basically the same as the interpretation standard of the current performance regulations, the Ministry of Railway-related Technical Standard Regulations.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has also compiled and published the following five basic standards as a detailed "commentary" of the provincial ordinance and its explanations for the contents of the "Ministry Ordinance on Railway-Related Technical Standards Regulations" and "Explanation Notes on Railway-related Technical Standards Regulations, etc." , They immediately became the programmatic and guiding standards of various railway companies. These five standards all put forward requirements for the structure, vehicles, electrical, traffic, and fire protection of railways from the perspective of "performance regulations". Among them, the "Standards for Fire Prevention Measures for Underground Stations" is more detailed.

Table 3 Five basic standards promulgated by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism

standard name	main content	release time
Railway Technical Standards (Civil Engineering)	General principles , requirements for staff (safety, education, training, etc.), lines, parking lots, intersections with roads, safety of facilities and vehicles , special railways ( standards for monorails, etc. )	March 2002
Railway Technical Standards (Vehicles)	General principles , requirements for staff (safety guarantee, education, training, etc.), vehicle structure ( vehicle limit, weight, running device, vehicle body structure and vehicle assembly , fire prevention measures, etc.), vehicle safety guarantee, special railway vehicle structure	March 2002
Railway Technical Standards (Electrical)	General regulations , wires , circuits , power security communication equipment, electric railways , etc., adoption of international standards	March 2002
Railway Technical Standards (Training)	General principles , requirements for staff (safety guarantee, education, training, etc.), traffic ( loading restrictions , etc., train operation, vehicle operation, railway signalling), special railways	March 2002
Fire Prevention Standards for Underground Stations, etc.	Incombustibility of structures, etc., disaster prevention management room, alarm, communication and emergency evacuation guidance equipment, etc., firefighting equipment, fire prevention equipment, information service system equipment, manuals, etc.	November 2007

4. Overview of revisions of major railway laws and regulations in Japan in recent years

Among the laws related to railways in recent years, the most important one is the " Provincial Order on Regulations on Railway -related Technical Standards " implemented in 2002 . Because Japanese railways have a history of nearly 150 years, most of the relevant laws and regulations were formulated 100 years ago, which have fallen behind the needs of the times and the development of technology. If the original laws, regulations and standards are still followed, it will be difficult to introduce new technology. As a result, the Japanese government has introduced performance regulation standards, which is the biggest change in railway-related laws.

So far, the most important revisions of laws and regulations on railways in Japan are the following four items, all of which were promulgated and implemented in March 2002.

1. " Regulations on Railway -Related Technical Standards "

2. "Notice on Periodic Inspection of Facilities and Vehicles"

3. "Notice on Formulating Technical Standards Related to Special Railways"

4. " Interpretation Standards for Railway -related Technical Standards Regulations , Provincial Orders , etc."

Table 4 Revisions of major railway-related laws and regulations in recent years

annual	Railway related laws and regulations	Revision Summary	Remark
2004	Partial revision of "Decree Concerning Enforcement of Transitional Measures, etc., of Enforcement Laws such as the Japanese National Railway Reform Law"	Simplified the later measures of the privatization of national railways (transfer of rights to fixed assets).	Conducive to private enterprises to improve efficiency, more humane.
2006	Partial revision of "The Enforcement Order of the Road Transport Act and the Railway Act stipulates that the work that falls under the authority of the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism is delegated to the prefectural government."	The authority to manage transportation-related safety is transferred from the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism to local governments.	Helps improve safety and efficiency.
Revised successively after 2003	Partial revision of "Interpretation criteria for railway-related technical standard regulations, provincial ordinances, etc."	Combined with the development of technology, or the occurrence of major accidents, as well as the requirements of railway enterprises, etc., the standards are continuously improved and optimized. A representative example is the 2007 "Fire Countermeasure Standards for Underground Stations, etc."	Emphasis on safety, efficiency, durability, humanization and new technology development and promotion.
2016	Partial revision of the "Independent Administrative Incorporated Railway Construction and Transport Facilities Improvement Support Organization Law"	This is a regulation issued to facilitate the construction of the superconducting maglev Chuo Shinkansen. JR Tokai Corporation, the main body that approves the construction of the Shinkansen, can borrow from the state, and the regulations have corresponding management measures for construction funds.	Support the development of new technologies, emphasizing safety, efficiency and humanization.
2018	"Decree Determining the Enforcement Date of the Partial Revision Law of the Railway Track Construction Law" and "Decree for Partial Revision of the Enforcement Order of the Railway Track Construction Law"	In the past, the state provided subsidies for disaster-stricken railways only to loss-making enterprises. This revision expands the subsidy objects to the deficit line of profitable enterprises.	It is conducive to mobilizing the enthusiasm of enterprises and the development of new technologies.

5. Important meetings and issues related to Japanese railway standards in recent years

Japan has few railway construction projects in the past ten years, and there are not many important meetings related to railway standards. Among them, there are not many important meetings and topics that have reference significance for China's railway standards, and they are mainly concentrated in 2018 and 2019. Table 5 shows the important meeting topics related to railway technical standards implemented in Japan last year and this year .

Table 5 Summary of thematic meetings on technical standards implemented in 2018 and 2019

Topic Meeting	Conference Topics and Summary	Remark
Superconducting Maglev Railway (Superconducting Maglev Shinkansen)	The "Superconducting Maglev Railway Practical Technology Evaluation Committee " composed of government and railway -related units evaluates the safety of the technology developed by JR on the superconducting maglev Shinkansen . It has been implemented continuously since 2004. The main design indicators of superconducting maglev railway are as follows: Gauge: 1435mm Number of positive lines: double lines Minimum curve radius: 8000m Limit slope: 40‰ Traction Type: Superconducting Magnetic Force Underground evacuation channel: 1/5km Noise reduction standard: full-line fully enclosed sound barrier Anti-vibration standard: the latest anti-vibration measures for vehicles running at high speed	The government strongly supports the new technology of superconducting maglev and provides loans, but there is little intervention in specific standards, basically limited to performance requirements, humanization, operating life, safety, etc.
Gauge variable train ( Free Gauge Train )	The government led and organized relevant scholars and experts to form a variable gauge technology evaluation committee to conduct safety assessment and verification of the variable gauge train developed by JR . It has been implemented continuously since 2007. Note) Variable-gauge trains are trains that can run directly on lines with different gauges, and the left-to-right spacing of the wheels can be automatically changed between the standard gauge 1,435mm and the narrow gauge 1,067mm in combination with the gauge. Its advantage is that no reloading is required for freight trains and no transfers are required for passenger trains.	The government has given strong support to this new human-friendly technology, providing long-term loans. The technology can also reduce overall construction and operating costs. Each session compares performance, security, and longevity.
General Railway Technology Development	Government organizations conduct research on a wide variety of topics related to railway technology . A number of different topics are collected through relevant institutions every year, and they are evaluated from the perspectives of necessity, efficiency, and effectiveness to decide whether to implement the research. Refer to "6. Important Research Topics Influencing Railway Construction Standards in Recent Years" of this report.	Judging from the content of each meeting, it focuses on the development, promotion and application of new technologies, performance requirements, cost reduction, long life, and humanization.

6. Important research topics affecting railway construction standards in recent years

Every year, the Railway Bureau of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan emerges some research topics that will promote the revision of railway standards. The elite of the railway industry, showing the highest level of research in Japan and the development direction of railway standards. Table 6 shows the research topics considered by the Japanese railway industry in recent years to have an impact on future railway construction standards, and even overall traffic construction standards. The topics are all led by the Technology Development Office of the Technical Planning Division of the Railway Bureau, and the research units are solicited through public bidding.

Table 6 Important Research Topics Influencing Railway Construction Standards in Recent Years

serial number	subject name	Research purposes	Research Summary	Remark
1	Technical development of boarding position guide device for wide platform safety gate	This study develops an image analysis device that can identify guide sticks and guide dogs, and controls the platform safety door and linkage system through the voice guidance device. While ensuring the safety of passengers including the blind, it realizes a platform security door that allows passengers to board and disembark with peace of mind.	Japan's simple platform safety gates have lifting rod type and rope type, which can be installed on platforms that can board and disembark different vehicles, which can effectively improve platform safety. Aiming at the problem that it is difficult for blind people to determine the boarding position, this study set up cameras on the platform to identify guide sticks and guide dogs, and develop a system to guide blind people to board and disembark. Research time : 2018 ～ 2019 Research expenses: 105 million yen	This study develops applications for the visually impaired and focuses on humanization. At the same time, the cost is low, which is a typical low-cost, humanized new technology.
2	Development of Optimal Geological Drilling Survey Method	In order to promote the collection and information sharing of geological information, this study carried out simple measurement on the target in advance, and developed a method to select the best geological survey location and drilling location matching the simple measurement, so as to reduce the cost of geological survey.	Japan's geological and foundation conditions are complex. To ensure the safety of new railway structures and underground works, it is necessary to collect and share geological and foundation information as much as possible. At present, collecting useful geological and foundational information takes a long time and costs a lot. This research develops geological survey methods that facilitate the collection and sharing of geological and ground-based information. Research time : 2018 ～ 2020 Research expenses: 115 million yen	A new technology with low cost, high efficiency and simple operation.
3	Development of a system for structural inspection of viaducts, etc. using cameras	The inspection of viaducts has traditionally been carried out by inspectors standing at a high place and performing hammer tests, which is time-consuming and costly. This research can reduce the cost of structural inspection by 50%, the efficiency of structural maintenance management will be improved, and the production efficiency of railways will also be improved.	This study uses 4K/8K cameras to develop a system capable of detecting abnormalities and damages of viaducts through vibration monitoring of viaducts when trains pass by. In this study, while the detection sequence of the system is clear, it is also equipped with corresponding software, which is a very easy-to-operate system for railway enterprises. Research time : 2018 ～ 2020 Research fee: 80 million yen	Safe, low-cost, high-efficiency new technologies for long-life structures.
4	Development of an early detection system for risks around the line	In this study, cameras are installed on trains, and artificial intelligence is used to develop automatic selection of factors that cause transportation obstacles and accidents and disasters, thereby reducing line inspection work and improving the accuracy of inspection work.	The traditional inspection work around the line is that the inspectors take the train to check whether there is any abnormality in the environment along the line. In the future, it is necessary to reduce the workload of the inspectors. In this study, the environment along the line is monitored through cameras installed on the train and artificial intelligence. Research time : 2018 ～ 2020 Research expenses: 57 million yen	High-efficiency, user-friendly new technology that improves safety at low cost.
5	Development of standard train system for multi-operation intelligent train	The purpose of this research is to develop energy-saving standard rolling stock systems that can be used on various railway lines, and to further popularize energy-saving rolling stock.	Energy-saving railway vehicles such as battery trains are difficult to popularize because the vehicles used on each line are different. The vehicles developed in this study operate in the most energy-efficient way, and can be freely organized in both electrified and non-electrified sections, constituting the next-generation energy-saving railway vehicle standard system. Research time : 2014 ～ 2016 Research expenses: 349 million yen	High-efficiency, energy-saving, flexible and low-cost new technology.
6	Development of a simple track support stiffness evaluation method	This study develops a non-destructive simple detection device and evaluation method for the support stiffness of the crushed stone ballast bed, mainly to improve the track repair efficiency of small and medium-sized railway enterprises and local non-busy railway lines, and at the same time improve their track safety and reliability.	This research mainly uses the drop hammer deflection instrument for highway pavement , develops a non-destructive and simple detection device for the support stiffness of the gravel ballast bed, and proposes a track quality management method after track repair operations such as sleeper tamping devices, and judges long-term operation. A method for the health of track components. Research time : 2014 ～ 2016 Research expenses: 109.7 million yen	Low-cost new technology to improve efficiency and safety.
7	Practical Research on Elevated Structure Daily Monitoring Technology	For the maintenance and management of railway elevated structures, although the health and safety assessment is mainly carried out through the visual inspection of inspectors, the evaluation relies more on the subjective and qualitative judgments of inspectors. The purpose of this study is to quantify the maintenance and management indicators of elevated structures, save manpower, and improve the safety of railways.	Aiming at quantifying the maintenance and management indicators of the elevated structure and saving manpower, this research installs sensors on important parts of the elevated structure to monitor them, puts the monitoring technology into practical use, and conducts a monitoring method that plays an important role in monitoring the abnormal running of trains. Practical. Research time : 2014 ～ 2016 Research expenses: 113.0 million yen	Efficient, practical, and cost-effective new technologies to extend the life of structures.
8	Development of anti-derailment bogie	This research starts with reducing the lateral pressure and reducing the axle load, and develops an anti-derailment bogie, aiming at improving the safety of climbing and derailing.	In order to reduce the lateral pressure, this research develops the axle box using magnetic elastic body, installs it on the bogie that can reduce the axle load, improves the anti-derailment ability of the railway vehicle bogie from two aspects, and then develops the anti-derailment bogie. Research time : 2015 ～ 2016 Research expenses: 34.2 million yen	High-efficiency, low-cost new technologies to improve train operation safety.
9	Proposal for new construction management metrics for repairing disaster-damaged subgrades or foundations	There are strict regulations on the construction materials used in the railway embankment. When the embankment is damaged, new soil needs to be transported in to repair the foundation. In this study, the damaged soil can be used to repair the roadbed, so as to quickly repair the damaged roadbed and reduce the cost. In addition, the construction management target value can be set according to the characteristics of the soil, reducing the construction cost of new lines and enhancing the competitiveness of overseas railway construction.	This research aims to reduce the repair cost when the subgrade (foundation) is damaged by a disaster. Firstly, evaluate the strength characteristics and cumulative deformation characteristics of the roadbed (foundation) material, and put forward the judgment index and construction management index of whether the construction can be carried out through simple measurement indicators on site according to the characteristics of the roadbed (foundation) material. Research time : 2019 ～ 2020 Research fee: 60 million yen	It is a new technology that reduces costs, improves efficiency, is practical and has broad application prospects.
10	Development of a Performance Targeting Method and a Performance Testing Algorithm for Restoration of Important Structures	In this study, by reconstructing the performance matrix for earthquakes with an intensity of about 6 weak to 6 strong, a performance target setting method and a performance verification method that can be repaired early after an earthquake are developed.	Japan's current seismic design adopts the performance target design method that the structure will not be damaged under an earthquake with an earthquake intensity of about 5 (L1 level earthquake), and the structure will be prevented from collapsing under an earthquake with an earthquake intensity of about 7 (L2 level earthquake). In this study, by setting performance targets related to repairs and ground motions for verification at a seismic intensity of around 6, it is possible to improve seismic design compared to the past. In addition, the research results of this project can be used for the inference of the degree of earthquake damage and the judgment of structural inspection. Research time : 2019 ～ 2021 Research expenses: 105 million yen	Anti-seismic new technology aimed at performance control.
11	Development of Early Restoration Bearings for Railway Bridges	The use of early repair bearings can control the damage after the earthquake to the position and degree that are easy to inspect and repair, so as to improve the efficiency of repair work and save manpower. The purpose is to reduce the repair cost and shorten the repair time.	During the Kumamoto earthquake on April 14, 2016, a large number of railway bridge bearings were damaged. Due to the high position of the damage, it is not easy to carry out inspection and repair, so that the repair work consumes a lot of time and labor. In view of this, this research aims to develop an early repair type bearing that can control the location and degree of damage after an earthquake within the scope of easy inspection and repair. Research time : 2019 ～ 2021 Research fee: 120 million yen	High-efficiency and user-friendly new anti-seismic technology to improve structural safety.
12	Development of ropeway cable tester (commonly used for testing both moving and fixed cables)	In this research, by developing a new type of electromagnetic induction cable tester, the state of the cable can be completely and accurately grasped, and the safety accuracy of the cableway can be greatly improved. The purpose of this study is to improve the efficiency of cableway inspection work and reduce the cost and time of inspection.	By developing an electromagnetic induction cable tester, it is possible to measure the characteristics of the internal material of the cable, such as defects in the cable and the degree of cable fatigue. In addition, the tester can test pulleys, carriers and other structures. Research time : 2019 Research fee: 30 million yen	New technologies that improve safety, increase efficiency, extend cable life, and reduce costs.
13	A High-Function Railway Earthquake Damage Prediction Simulator Making Full Use of the Real-time Earthquake Waveform Prediction Method	In order to infer the magnitude and location of an earthquake and predict the disaster situation in real time, the current earthquake early warning system must use indicators such as ground motion acceleration and seismic intensity. Seismic waveforms are essential if high-precision predictions are also to be made. While developing a real-time earthquake waveform prediction method, this research uses its information to further develop a real-time disaster prediction system for the entire railway line.	Once a strong earthquake occurs, it takes a lot of time and labor to grasp the earthquake damage situation. The larger the earthquake, the more problems there are. In this research, while developing a real-time seismic waveform prediction method, a large-scale disaster prediction simulator along the railway is developed using the seismic waveform prediction results. Research time : 2015 ～ 2017 Research expenses: 171 million yen	New anti-seismic technology that improves safety and improves efficiency.
14	Emergency repair method for old bridges crossing rivers damaged by river flooding	The purpose of this study is to develop an emergency repair method for damaged bridges, aiming at the shortest time and minimum cost required for repairing the damaged bridges. Using this emergency repair method, the residual bearing capacity of the disaster-stricken bridge and the safety of train operation can be evaluated, and further effective measures can be put forward for re-opening the train as soon as possible and making full use of the residual bearing capacity of the bridge.	For old railway bridges damaged by river flooding, there is no established scientific method, so it takes a lot of time and cost from the beginning of the disaster to the end of the repair. This research aims to develop an emergency repair method for bridges damaged by river flooding, aiming at the shortest time and minimum cost required until bridge repair. Research time : 2016 ～ 2017 Research fee: 65 million yen	New technologies that reduce costs and increase efficiency.
15	Development of Economic Maintenance and Reinforcement Method for Long Life Cycle of Mountain Tunnel	This study mainly takes the mountain tunnels owned by small and medium-sized railway enterprises as the object, and prolongs the life of the tunnels through the adoption of large-scale and cheap repair methods, optimizing the construction of small tunnels, reducing costs, and mid- and long-term maintenance measures for tunnels.	The technological developments resulting from this research include repair methods and reinforcement methods for mountain tunnel linings. For the repair method, a resin injection repair method was developed, which can reduce construction time and construction cost compared with the previous construction method; for the reinforcement method, a grouting bolt locking method was developed to improve the surrounding rock of the tunnel. In addition, a design and construction manual has been prepared to facilitate the smooth dissemination of the developed construction method. Research time : 2015 ～ 2017 Research expenses: 77 million yen	Practical new technology to reduce costs and prolong structural life.
16	Development of a method for remote non-contact assessment of railway bridges	This study uses remote non-contact measurement to improve the inspection efficiency of railway bridges, detect deformation as early as possible to improve railway safety and speed up inspection after earthquakes, with the purpose of helping railway trunk lines and urban railways with long structures to improve inspection technology and reduce Maintenance and management costs of local railways.	In this study, a highly practical railway bridge inspection system was developed using invisible laser vibrometers and unmanned aerial vehicles, and applied to actual bridge inspections. In this study, long bridges such as prestressed concrete cable-stayed bridges and auxiliary structures such as reinforced concrete rigid frame viaducts and bridge piers that require rapid damage inspection after strong earthquakes are used as inspection objects to develop inspection methods and systems. Research time : 2015 ～ 2017 Research expenses: 54 million yen	A new technology that improves safety and reduces costs is also a new technology for earthquake resistance.
17	Technology development for improving the safety and reducing the total cost of platform safety doors for various vehicle doors	Platform safety doors are extremely effective facilities for making railways safer and more secure, but for mixed marshalling with different vehicle doors, the cost of platform safety doors is a problem, and this study can well solve this problem. This research develops a platform safety door that can cope with various vehicle doors, and can reduce the total cost of the platform safety door. This technology is expected to be popularized and promoted.	In this research, platform safety doors that can cope with different numbers of doors and door positions were developed, and the operability and safety of the platform safety doors were verified in the company's internal experimental environment and the actual station operating environment. At the same time, the simple linkage of the ground system that controls the coordinated "open-close" of vehicle doors and platform safety doors in mixed formations is verified. Research time : 2014 ～ 2017 Research expenses: 139 million yen	High-efficiency new technologies that improve safety, reduce costs, and can be flexibly applied with broad prospects.
18	Technical development of lifting bar type low-cost platform safety door	Platform safety door railings are extremely effective facilities for achieving safer and more secure railways. Although movable platform door railings are being promoted and popularized, how to unify the position of vehicle doors and control the cost is a big problem. Therefore, this research has developed a lifting bar type platform safety door railing to prevent passengers from falling down from the platform.	This study evaluates the fabrication, safety, environmental adaptability, and load-bearing capacity of railings for safety gates on platforms with lifting bars. Research time : 2011 ～ 2017 Research expenses: 245.8 million yen	Improve safety, reduce costs, a new humanized technology.
19	Development of railway driving safety support devices	Unlike cars, trains walk on tracks and have long braking distances. Even if the train driver detects an obstacle ahead and slows down in time, the train often collides with the obstacle. The device developed in this study can alert the driver to detect abnormalities as early as possible and brake the train in advance to avoid or mitigate accidents.	Train drivers often drive trains while observing their surroundings. Finding obstacles, falling off platforms, and vehicles crossing the railway is a great burden for drivers. Although safety railings have been gradually installed on the platforms to prevent collisions, it will take some time for it to become fully widespread. In recent years, the development of assisted driving technology, forward detection technology, and autonomous driving control technology to prevent traffic accidents has progressed smoothly in the automotive industry. In this study, we selected these existing technologies and developed a vehicle-mounted driving support device that meets the requirements of railways. Research period: 2015~2017 Research fee: 110 million yen	Low-cost new technology that improves safety and improves efficiency.

VII. Conclusion

Based on the latest information on Japanese railway standards in recent years and research on important railway issues, the following conclusions can be drawn.

1. Japanese railway standards will continue to follow the basic principle of "performance regulations", and there is a lot of room for new technologies to play on railways;

2. Japanese railway standards attach importance to railway safety, efficiency, durability, long life, low cost, and humanization;

3. Japanese railway standards attach importance to the development of earthquake-resistant technology, which is of positive significance to China's railway earthquake resistance;

4. Variable gauge trains will become an important means of railway transportation, which can avoid passenger transfer and cargo change, save time and improve efficiency. The technology and standards of variable gauge trains have certain significance for China's "going global" and "Belt and Road" initiatives;

5. As an important high-tech symbol of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, the superconducting maglev railway will become the fastest railway in the world, and its standards and technologies have important reference significance for China.

I sincerely hope that this study can play a positive role in the revision, improvement and development of China's railway standards.

VIII. Interpretation

Letter of Representation: The letter of presentation issued by Japan is equivalent to China's design and construction codes, standards, etc.

Province: Japan's "province" is equivalent to China's "ministry", and implements a large ministerial system, Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism is equivalent to China's Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, Ministry of Land and Resources, National Railway Administration, Tourism Administration (called Tourism Agency in Japan), Coast Supervision Administration (Japan called Coast Guard), General Administration of Customs Central Meteorological Agency (called Japan Meteorological Agency) and sum. For easy inquiry and comparison. This article uses the "provincial order", which is equivalent to a ministerial order issued in China.

JR: Abbreviation for Japan Railway.

Fire Countermeasures Standards for Underground Stations, etc.: This standard was translated and published in China in June 2009 under the name "Detailed Explanation of Subway Fire Protection Regulations". Publisher: China Architecture and Construction Press; Translation: Up

IX. References

[1] Provincial decree on the formulation of railway technical standards

[2] Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Notification No. 1785

[3] Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Notification No. 1786

[4] Railway technical standards set standards for the interpretation of provincial decrees

[5] Overview of superconducting magnetic levitation

[6] Superconducting magnetic levitation technology has been developed

[7] Railway Business Law System

[8] Variable gauge trains

[9] 2017 Valuable research topic

[10] 2018 valuable research topic

[11] Revision of the design and construction manual for steel sheet pile foundations

[12] Latest edition of the Catalogue of the Book

[13] Evaluation of practical technology of superconducting maglev railway

[14] Five basic standards promulgated by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism: Railway Technical Standards (Civil Engineering), Railway Technical Standards (Rolling Stock), Railway Technical Standards (Electrical), Railway Technical Standards (Driving), and Fire Prevention Countermeasures Standards for Underground Stations

100% provides standard translation, standard search, standard catalog construction, standard purchasing and other services, please consult: 18678822802 for details