JNR (Japanese National Railways)

Japanese National Railways (JNR) was the government-owned company responsible for Japan’s national railway network from 1949 until its privatization in 1987. It managed numerous local and long-distance train services across the country, playing a key role in Japan’s transportation infrastructure and economic growth. Due to financial difficulties and operational inefficiencies, JNR was divided into regional companies, known as Japan Railways (JR) Group, which are now privately operated. This restructuring aimed to improve service quality and financial performance while maintaining Japan’s extensive, reliable rail system.