JR Central Hosts Experience Event at Mishima Training Center: Children Try Their Hand at Shinkansen Jobs

JR Central hosted a family-oriented event at its comprehensive training center in Mishima, Shizuoka, to think about the travels and jobs associated with the Tokaido Shinkansen. Out of about 400 applications, 54 pairs of elementary school students and their parents were selected to participate. They tried their hand at the work of train drivers and station staff and planned travel itineraries using the railway in workshops.

The event was held to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Tokaido Shinkansen’s opening and to foster familiarity with the same Shinkansen. Children first took on tasks such as driver and conductor duties and ticket sales at stations, using simulators and mock-ups within the training center. These facilities are also used by JR Central employees for training, and the children learned about operating procedures, safety checks, and tips for customer service, all under the guidance of active drivers, conductors, and station staff.

In a subsequent workshop, participant families created a “travel brochure” incorporating travel plans using the Tokaido Shinkansen. Participants split into groups, shared insights about tourist spots and specialties along the route they wanted to visit, and, while referencing others’ ideas, crafted their “own unique travel plans.” JR Central Tours vouchers worth 30,000 yen were awarded to participants, enabling them to embark on their planned trips.

▲ Kazuko Murata, an advocate of “Tabiiku” – leveraging travel for parenting

Kazuko Murata, who advocates the “Tabiiku Method,” of incorporating travel into parenting and has held numerous events with local governments, was the workshop instructor. In collaboration with JR Central, she created a “Tabiiku Notebook” to acquaint participants with the Tokaido Shinkansen’s route. The notebook divides the areas into the Capital Region, Tokai, and Kansai, showcasing their attractions with photos and illustrations. Murata expressed her aim to make learning fun, like treasure hunting, rather than a burdensome education process.

The Tokaido Shinkansen, which opened on October 1, 1964, celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. JR Central announced that it would continue to hold various commemorative events.