History Daily – “The First Bullet Train” (October 1, 2025)

Host: Lindsey Graham
Podcast Networks: Airship | Noiser | Wondery
Episode Date: October 1, 2025
Episode Focus: The launch of the world’s first high-speed rail line, the Shinkansen ("Bullet Train"), in Japan on October 1, 1964, and the broader story of Japan’s post-war recovery and transformation.

Overview

This episode of History Daily delves into the historic unveiling of the Shinkansen, Japan’s revolutionary “Bullet Train,” in 1964. Lindsey Graham draws a sweeping arc from the devastation of post-war Tokyo to the country’s economic revival and global leadership in technology, using the story of the Shinkansen as a symbol of Japan’s “economic miracle.” The episode captures pivotal moments, political maneuvers, and bold engineering, offering the listener both the drama of innovation and the trajectories of the people who made it possible.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Devastation and Reconstruction: Postwar Tokyo (00:12–04:23)

• Opening with a vivid scene from the aftermath of the Tokyo firebombing in March 1945, emphasizing the destruction and human struggle as Robert Guillaume, a French journalist, helps battle the flames.

• The narrative sets up Japan’s dire position at the end of WWII, foreshadowing the scale of reconstruction to come.

  • “At the end of World War II, the Japanese will face the huge task of rebuilding their country.” — Lindsey Graham (01:38)

• Introduces the concept of Japan’s astonishing “economic miracle,” hinting at the technological marvels to emerge, notably the bullet train.

2. Political Upheaval and the “Yoshida Doctrine” (04:23–11:33)

• 1946: Shigeru Yoshida is pressured to take the helm as Prime Minister after American occupation authorities bar Ichiro Hatoyama from office, setting the stage for Japan's democratic rebirth.

  • Yoshida negotiates stability between American occupiers and Japanese citizens, enacts a new constitution, and averts a communist-led general strike.
  • Quote: “Only Yoshida has the skills needed to lead Japan at this crucial juncture.” — On Hatoyama’s insistence (06:33)

• The United States’ shift in policy: From punishing former enemies to cultivating Japan as a Cold War ally.

  • Emergence of the “Yoshida Doctrine”: prioritizing economic recovery over military spending, relying on the U.S. for security.
  • “Rather than spend funds on an expensive army, Yoshida wants to focus all of Japan's resources on economic recovery.” — Lindsey Graham (08:08)

• The Korean War (1950) dramatically boosts Japan’s economy, labeled by Yoshida as a “gift from the gods.”

• Power struggle between Yoshida and Hatoyama leads to political realignment; yet, Japan emerges transformed, ready for technological leadership.

3. Engineering Ambition: Birth of the Shinkansen (11:33–16:22)

• Summer 1958: Shinji Sogo, as head of Japanese National Railways, travels on a crowded, outdated train between Osaka and Tokyo, experiencing first-hand the rail system’s shortcomings.

  • Onboard, Sogo is inspired: the solution isn’t a simple upgrade, but a total reimagining—a new, faster, wider railway.
  • “The line between Osaka and Tokyo is no longer fit for purpose.” — Lindsey Graham as Sogo reflects (12:32)

• Sogo’s vision for the Shinkansen (“new main line”):

  • Wider rails for speed and capacity.
  • Massive undertaking: requires immense funding, land, and construction.
  • To secure funding, Sogo underestimates costs, persuading the government and securing a crucial World Bank loan.
  • “He fudges the numbers… keeps the estimated cost as low as possible.” (13:23)
  • The World Bank’s involvement ensures the government cannot easily back out due to international exposure.

• Technological innovations:

  • New long-rail segments for smoother rides.
  • Each carriage with its own electric motor; streamlined design earns “Bullet Train” nickname.
  • Prototypes smash speed records (up to 159 mph by early 1960s).
  • Rising costs lead to Sogo’s forced resignation in 1963, but the project marches on.

4. The First Bullet Train: Inauguration and Impact (17:31–20:48)

• October 1, 1964: Tokyo Station. Reisuke Ishida, Sogo’s 78-year-old successor, inaugurates the Shinkansen with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

  • Momentous public excitement, media coverage, and anticipation.
  • Onboard, passengers marvel at the train’s comfort and speed.
  • “Passengers are delighted by how smooth and quiet the ride is compared to the old diesel trains.” — Lindsey Graham (18:16)

• Record-breaking service: 130 mph, the world’s fastest at the time.

• Perfect timing for Japan’s moment on the world stage; the 1964 Tokyo Olympics see thousands of visitors enjoying the new technology.

• “Within less than three years, 100 million journeys will have been made on bullet trains.” (19:23)

• The Shinkansen quickly becomes integral to Japanese life, especially for business. Over time, the network grows further, connecting most major cities with lines capable of 200+ mph.

  • Despite rivals (China/Indonesia) later surpassing it in speed, the Shinkansen remains a global icon of reliability, speed, and modernity.
  • “The bullet trains remain an enduring symbol of Japan’s post war recovery, as it has been ever since the first train departed Tokyo station on October 1, 1964.” — Lindsey Graham (20:09)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Postwar Resilience:
  “Despite the firestorm in Tokyo and the devastating atomic bombs... the reconstruction will be a phenomenal success.” — Lindsey Graham (01:43)
• On Economic Strategy:
  “Rather than spend funds on an expensive army, Yoshida wants to focus all of Japan’s resources on economic recovery.” — Lindsey Graham (08:08)
• On Engineering Vision:
  “A completely new railway. Shinji wants the new main line, or Shinkansen, to be built on wider rails.” — Lindsey Graham (12:58)
• On Innovation:
  “Each carriage is equipped with its own electric powered motor... creating a distinctive shape that soon earns them the nickname ‘Bullet train.'” — Lindsey Graham (14:38)
• On the First Ride:
  “Passengers are delighted by how smooth and quiet the ride is compared to the old diesel trains.” — Lindsey Graham (18:16)
• On Enduring Legacy:
  “The bullet trains remain an enduring symbol of Japan’s post war recovery, as it has been ever since the first train departed Tokyo station…” — Lindsey Graham (20:09)

Important Segment Timestamps

• 00:12–01:43 – Tokyo Firebombing & Introduction to Postwar Challenge
• 04:23–11:33 – The Political Settlement & Economic Miracle (Yoshida, Occupation, Korean War)
• 11:33–16:22 – Shinji Sogo and the Birth of the Shinkansen
• 17:31–20:09 – October 1, 1964: First Bullet Train Inauguration & Impact

Conclusion

This episode masterfully uses vivid storytelling to capture the intertwined stories of national trauma, bold leadership, and engineering audacity that led to Japan launching the world’s first bullet train. Through sharply painted personal vignettes and sweeping contextualization, listeners are left with an appreciation for the scale of postwar change in Japan and the Shinkansen’s enduring place as a national and technological icon.

Listeners come away with a deeper understanding of how much more there is to the “bullet train” than just speed—it is a story of resilience, vision, and a nation’s determination to reinvent itself.