Jun Mizutani

Bio: Jun Mizutani is an academic researcher from Kobe University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Track (rail transport) & Advertising. The author has an hindex of 3, co-authored 4 publications receiving 21 citations.

Issues on modal shift of freight from road to rail in Japan: Review of rail track ownership, investment and access charges after the National Railway restructuring

Abstract: When Japanese National Railways was privatized and separated in 1987, the government established a new freight train operation scheme where rail tracks were owned by six JR Passenger companies, and JR-Freight was allowed access to the JR Passenger company's tracks by paying an access charge under the avoidable cost rule, regulated by the national government. The aim of this scheme was to reduce the track costs for JR-Freight. We found that rail freight infrastructure investment had not been high enough because it was only conducted by JR-Freight, and it only included investment in a few facilities owned by JR-Freight but excluded investment in the rail tracks owned by the JR passenger companies. Additionally, the track access charges, calculated by the avoidable cost rule, could not compensate for the track maintenance costs and would induce an undersupply of rail tracks for rail freight traffic. In conclusion, the track access charges paid from JR-Freight to the JR Passenger companies were too low, causing difficulties in the promotion of a modal shift to rail freight.

Japan and the UK: Emission predictions of electric and hydrogen trains to 2050

Abstract: Electric trains (ETs) and hydrogen trains (HTs) offer an opportunity for both Japan and the UK to meet their national targets as part of the Paris Agreement. Although ETs and HTs are considered zero emission at the point of use, their true environmental impact is dependent upon non-tailpipe emissions from fuel/energy production and vehicle manufacture, maintenance and disposal. To assess and compare the carbon dioxide emissions produced from ETs and HTs in Japan and the UK from 2020 and 2050, the operating emissions of these trains were projected. Results compared ET and HT emissions with diesel fuelled trains (DFTs) to better assess which fuel type was the most environmentally friendly. Emissions per train, cumulative emissions and total energy required for ETs and HTs were compared. Results indicated that even with technological improvements, DD DFTs produced the highest level of emissions in both countries, followed by HTs. Although ETs produced the lowest level of emissions, it is likely that a mix of both ETs and HTs will be required to meet passenger demand and for travel within rural areas. As Japan has already transitioned towards ETs, future policy focus should be placed on decarbonisation of their energy sector and a shift away from fossil fuels in favour of renewable energy, otherwise environmental benefits of ETs will be diminished. As the UK is decarbonising its electricity network, focus needs to be placed on electrifying the majority of the rail network and running the rest on hydrogen to decarbonise rail transport.