1997 April 3: [JP] Yamanashi Maglev Test Track Opened with First Runs

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April 3, 1997: Yamanashi Maglev Test Track Opened with First Runs

On April 3, 1997, the Yamanashi Linear Experimental Line began full-scale running tests with the superconducting maglev Liner Motor Car (MLX01). This 42.8 km track was built by JR Tokai and RTRI to succeed the earlier Miyazaki test line, where Japan first hit 517 km/h unmanned in 1979.

Key tests here included tunnel running, passing maneuvers, and high-speed operations impossible at Miyazaki. Highlights: 531 km/h manned and 550 km/h unmanned in 1997, then a world rail record of 603 km/h manned by the L0 series on April 21, 2015. Over 140,000 people test-rode it until 2025, receiving "boarding passes" instead of tickets.

The Yamanashi line will become part of the Chuo Shinkansen mainline, though JR Central now targets Tokyo–Nagoya opening "2027 or later" (realistically 2036+ due to Shizuoka delays).

Source: Historical records and JR Central statements.