"(...)It is a society which is HEAVILY dependent on train travel..."
I agree 100%.
I've attended the IIW Assembly in Osaka in 2004 and to be honest, it was one of the most impressive experiences I was blessed to got to know by now.
Not only the Japanese culture but also their way to deal with things - in particluar welding related ones - and last but not least their immense arrangement and their understanding of the importance of the public traffic (undergrounds) have sustainably impressed me. I am hardly looking forward to get there again. As well as I have heard from a fellow worker that Kyoto must be one of the most beautiful cities in Japan. As you confirm this it appears to be correct what I've heard.
In terms of the High Speed Trains. This is another issue however. In Germany we are having the ICE (Intercity Express). However, at the present time it could stand for "In Case of Emergency" as well, since they are having really massive problems with the train's axles, which are showing partially severe fatigue (cracks). That's the reason they have withdrawn all ICE's from public use to UT the axles very thoroughly.
They mean that the poor track network in Germany is the main reason for the axle's failure. This again is quite not that modern as e.g. in Japan (Shinkansen) or France (TGV). Both countries have modified their track network appropriately for the High Speed Train use. In Germany whereas the ICE's have to slow down - not using "to brake" - the speed from time to time to avoid flying from the tracks!
On the other hand the "Deutsche Bahn" (German Railways) does have a head or board of directors respectively, who is/are pushing the company towards the Stock Exchange. Very poor situation as it shows what appears to really matter ($, EUR). :-(
I've seen that hogan has posted somewhat from France (high speed train accident) and has said that the French do know how to build a High Speed Train.
I agree, it really appears so.
And if additionally to the positive news (no one injured) a case of Bordeaux is corked, hmmm... I guess this fits pretty well to the today's incident that ross has opened the bar again. ;-)
Best to you,
Stephan