The bullet train, an iconic symbol of Japan's postwar economic boom, marked 50 years of service on Wednesday with a celebratory ceremony at Tokyo Station.

A state-of-the-art N700A bullet train left the station bound for Fukuoka at 6 a.m., witnessed by officials of Central Japan Railway Co. (JR Tokai) and special invitees born the same year as the shinkansen.

Similar ceremonies were held in Shizuoka, Nagoya and Osaka.