OSAKA -- Every day, they are responsible for the safety of millions of lives. Without their services, the nation would, quite literally, come to a standstill. And they are under constant pressure to ensure that one of the world's most efficient train systems is on time.
They are the train drivers of JR West. From the remote villages in the jagged hills of Fukui Prefecture to the urban jungle of Osaka to the Shimonoseki straits, JR West drivers work nearly all hours, and in all kinds of weather.
Drivers take pride in their jobs, but admit it is extremely high-stress work, with bullying by superiors over mistakes and a lack of psychiatric evaluation or psychological counseling.