In the summer of 1955 (Showa 30), Shima Hideo (Nakamura Masatoshi) who wishes to build a bullet train, is persuaded by Sogo Shinji (Ito Shiro), the president of Japan National Railways to take the post of chief engineer. The bullet train is also the earnest wish of his late father, Shima Yasujiro, who had been a railway engineer. However, Shima gives this reply, “Let me discuss with my wife.” This comes just as he has built a new house for his wife and promised to be devoted to her. But his wife Toyoko (Minami Kaho) breezily says with a smile, “You’ve already made up your mind to go back to the national railway, haven’t you? I’m the wife of a train man after all.” The bullet train development programme is saddled with numerous problems besides the technical issues.How will they be able to obtain the enormous budget and convince opponents inside and outside Japan National Railways? The challenges that Shima is burdened with, is too much for an engineer to handle. On the other hand, Shima’s son Takashi (Mizobata Junpei), who is also employed by the national railway, is handpicked as a member of the development team for the bullet train. He feels awkward about having to suddenly work under his father. At that moment, Sogo’s wife Kiku (Kaga Mariko) passes away despite Sogo’s dedicated care. Sogo had claimed to be the typical Meiji man, a tyrant. But his grief at the funeral service, remind Shima and Toyoko of a couple’s love. After that, the team bands together and overcomes many difficulties. They push ahead with the development of the bullet train in preparation for a launch in October 1964 which is when the Tokyo Olympics will take place. Shima, the chief engineer of the Japan National Railways, would go on to be described as the greatest engineer of 20th century Japan and a perfectionist who designed the D51. He was called “the man who created the bullet train”.
Official Website: www.nhk.or.jp/nagoya/shinkansen
Part 01
Part 02
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