The nation's main railways are taking different approaches as they pursue billions in high-speed train contracts in the U.S., reflected in their sales pitches to U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood during his recent visit.
Washington has awarded $8.5 billion to create 13 regional high-speed rail projects, with $2.5 billion more to come this year and hundreds of billions needed before lines are up and running. The U.S. has almost no expertise of its own, and Japan sees a golden opportunity to export its technology and experience.
Japan boasts some of the most advanced trains in the world, running hundreds each day with average delays of less than a minute, and a sterling safety record. Countries around the world are upgrading old lines to high-speed systems, but Tokyo has had little success at exporting its trains.