Japan: Rail services in Hokuriku, Joetsu, and Tohoku lines suspended Jan. 23 due to power fault

Faults in power cables affecting Kumagaya, Oyama, and Ueno stations have led to the suspension of bullet trains along Hokuriku, Joetsu, and Tohoku lines since around 10:00 Jan. 23. Disruptions are impacting connectivity to and from Tokyo city and between Tokyo and Saitama. Shinkansen trains between Tokyo and Sendai stations on the Tohoku Line, between Tokyo and Echigo-Yuzawa stations on the Joetsu Line, and between Tokyo and Nagano stations on the Hokuriku Line are suspended. It remains unclear when service will normalize.

Rail disruptions could continue through the evening commuting hours as repair operations continue. Increased demand for other forms of transport is likely, especially on alternative trains between Tokyo and Saitama.