This book reveals the fundamental principles of how railways work, enabling safe, comfortable, accurate, high-speed, and energy-efficient operation. It utilizes figures and photographs to systematically and clearly explain the basic technical elements of building a railway system, including not only rolling stock but also tracks and electrical equipment.

Readers may have questions such as what is the real reason why trains run and stop? What is the difference in the air resistance between trains and automobiles? Why can a train curve without a steering wheel? How did we come to be able to use AC motors on railways? What is the idea of vibration-free and quiet vehicles? What are the technologies to achieve energy conservation and low noise?

This book answers simple questions from readers who are involved in or interested in high-speed and urban rail technology, allowing them to discover the secrets behind the development of advanced and innovative technologies. These eye-opening stories will inspire and energize you for the next advancements in railway technology.

In preparing the English edition, all chapters are reviewed. In particular, the latest information on safety measures for major earthquakes, which was not included in the Japanese edition, is added. This includes the early detection of earthquakes to stop trains before a major earthquake strikes, as well as measures to mitigate damage in the event of a major earthquake.