Kyushu Shinkansen service resumes September 18, ending a 52-day earthquake closure. JR Kyushu confirmed the date August 28 after accelerated repair of 900 damaged sections near the Hinagu fault zone.
Safety concerns have arisen since Kyushu Railway Co. (JR Kyushu) withdrew personnel from most of the station platforms for Shinkansen bullet trains to improve business efficiency and profitability.
Reduced speeds and fewer trains remain in place, while the government plans a travel discount program to encourage tourism across the region.