JR Tokai Boosts Shinkansen Security Patrols after Stabbing Rampage

June 14, 2018

Nagoya- Central Japan Railway Co., or JR Tokai, has increased the number of patrolling guards on Shinkansen high-speed trains in the wake of a knife rampage last weekend in which one passenger was killed and two others were injured, company president Shin Kaneko revealed on Wednesday.

The company also plans to have more police officers on Shinkansen trains and introduce a smartphone-based system by August that enables simultaneous talks among crew members in the event of an emergency, Kaneko told a press conference.

The company chief, however, took a negative stance on starting baggage inspections for Shinkansen passengers before boarding.

"It's difficult to implement, because the convenience of the railway service could be sacrificed," Kaneko said. "We have no choice but to ensure security through other measures."

The stabbing spree by a 22-year-old man occurred on a Tokaido Shinkansen train between Shin-Yokohama and Odawara Stations in Kanagawa Prefecture on Saturday night.

"It's an absolutely unforgivable act of crime," Kaneko said. "We offer heartfelt condolences for the deceased passenger." Jiji Press