Summary of "【海外の反応】「320km hなんて嘘をつくな！」新幹線をバカにしたアメリカ視察団が乗車5分後…大激怒した理由"

Pete Buttigieg’s Transformative Visit to Japan’s Shinkansen Rail System

The video documents U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg’s eye-opening experience during his June 2023 visit to Japan’s Shinkansen high-speed rail system. This visit came in the aftermath of a major freight train derailment accident in East Palestine, Ohio, which had raised concerns about rail safety in the United States.

Initial Skepticism and Low Expectations

Buttigieg and his delegation began their trip with considerable skepticism. Their doubts were shaped by previous poor experiences with other Asian high-speed trains, such as South Korea’s KTX, which Buttigieg described as noisy, uncomfortable, and poorly maintained. They held low expectations for Japan’s rail technology, anticipating it to be outdated or inefficient.

The U.S. inspection team initially viewed the Shinkansen’s human-operated control system and its strong emphasis on punctuality as antiquated compared to American and other automated high-tech rail systems. They mocked Japan’s reliance on meticulous operational management and questioned its applicability to the U.S. rail context. Buttigieg himself was doubtful of Japan’s claims regarding safety and efficiency, especially when compared to China’s faster but accident-prone high-speed rail network.

A Dramatic Change in Perspective

Once aboard the Shinkansen, the delegation’s perspective shifted dramatically. They were impressed by several qualities that far exceeded their prior experiences with Asian and American high-speed trains:

Smoothness and quietness of the ride
Cleanliness and spaciousness of the train cars
Overall comfort for passengers

They also admired the system’s remarkable punctuality, with an average delay of only 12 seconds despite operating hundreds of trains daily. This was particularly notable given Japan’s vulnerability to natural disasters such as earthquakes and typhoons.

Advanced Safety and Operational Excellence

The video highlights several key features of Japan’s rail system that contribute to its safety and efficiency:

Earthquake Early Detection System: Automatically slows and stops trains within seconds of detecting seismic activity, preventing accidents and injuries.
“Seven-Minute Miracle” Cleaning Process: A rapid and thorough cleaning routine between train runs, praised worldwide and studied at Harvard Business School.

Buttigieg’s Reflections and Lessons Learned

Buttigieg openly admitted his initial prejudice and ignorance regarding Japan’s rail system. He expressed regret for underestimating its capabilities and acknowledged that adopting similar technologies and operational philosophies could have helped prevent tragedies like the East Palestine derailment.

He described the visit as a humbling experience that challenged his own qualifications and inspired a newfound respect for Japanese engineering, culture, and their commitment to passenger safety and service.

Conclusion: A Model for the Future

The video concludes with Buttigieg publicly praising the Shinkansen as a global model for the future of railways. He emphasized that Japan’s success is not only due to technical excellence but also its deep consideration for passengers and a strong safety culture.

The commentary suggests that America and other countries have much to learn from Japan’s approach—especially the value of the “12 seconds” saved through precision and care, which can ultimately save lives.