Shinkansen trivia

Shinkansen Mini Quiz

Test your knowledge with these top questions!

Question 1

Japanese Shinkansen trains feature a long beak-like nose to solve what specific problem?

Inspired by the kingfisher bird, the aerodynamic nose slices through air rather than pushing it, preventing the deafening micro-pressure waves caused by entering tunnels.

Question 2

The Japanese term Shinkansen literally translates to what English phrase?

The name refers strictly to the high-speed tracks rather than the trains themselves, which are officially designated as "Super Express" services.

Question 3

Shinkansen trains use an automated safety system to do what during an earthquake?

The Urgent Earthquake Detection and Alarm System senses fast-moving primary seismic waves to halt the train seconds before the more destructive secondary tremors hit.

Question 4

Japan's Shinkansen rail network holds what remarkable safety record over its entire history?

Since the network opened in 1964, it has safely transported over ten billion passengers without a single passenger fatality due to a derailment or collision.