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JR Tokai's Shinkansen bullet trains stand at platforms at Tokyo station in Tokyo, Japan, 01 October 2014, on the 50th anniversary of the high-speed train service. The Shinkansen is regarded as a symbol of the nation's economic boom, after its ignominious defeat and devastation in the World War II. The train went into service on 01 October 1964, just nine days before the opening of Tokyo Olympic Games. The bullet train debuted with a top speed of 210 km/h, travelling the 515 kilometres between Tokyo and Osaka in four hours. Shinkansen trains now travel the route at up to 270 kilometres per hour, taking just two hours and 25 minutes to connect the two major cities. The top speed is set to be raised to 285 kph next year. (Photo by Kimimasa Mayama/EPA)
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