Japan's Bullet Train - a podcast by BBC World Service

On 1 October 1964, the fastest train the world had ever seen was launched in Japan. The first Shinkansen, or bullet train, ran between Tokyo and Osaka, and had a top speed of 210km per hour. Lucy Burns spoke to Isao Makibayashi, one of the train's first drivers.

This is a rebroadcast(Photo: Shinkansen, or bullet train. Credit: Keystone/Getty Images)

Further episodes of Witness History

Further podcasts by BBC World Service

Website of BBC World Service