Design on the track: Japan's cutting-edge trains turn heads

Whimsical shapes and updated function draw attention at home and abroad

Seibu Railway's Laview train, designed by famous Japanese architect Kazuyo Sejima, uses a special silver paint for its exterior, a type usually applied on car tire rims. (Photo courtesy of Seibu Railway)

ANNU NISHIOKA and YUICHI SHIGA, Nikkei staff writers

May 22, 2019 01:24 JST

TOKYO -- Japan's railways are introducing a slew of new models conceived by world-renowned designers, merging groundbreaking concepts with cutting-edge technology to create trains the country has never been seen before.

Companies are seeking new ways to add value as the competition move beyond speed or transportation capacity. With the help of industry outsiders, they are now looking to deliver a total experience to passengers.