It has been five years since the Hokkaido Shinkansen began operations, but business is struggling, partly due to high prices compared with airlines, ferries and other shinkansen operators.
For example, airlines offer early purchase discounts, and Central Japan Railway Co. (JR Central) offers a variety of discounts to attract business travelers. Ferry companies are also providing special services amid the coronavirus pandemic.
With its financial difficulties in mind, there is the question of whether Hokkaido Railway Co. (JR Hokkaido), the operator of the shinkansen line, can offer better services and discounts to survive.