The Akita Shinkansen was unable to operate between Akita and Morioka due to a power outage caused by fallen trees in Iwate Prefecture around 9:30 pm on the 20th.


Passengers spent up to two and a half hours in total darkness on trains that stopped at stations along the way.


We plan to operate from the first train on the 21st.

According to JR East, the Akita Shinkansen experienced a power outage in Shizukuishi Town, Iwate Prefecture around 9:30 pm on the 20th, and was unable to operate on the up and down lines between Akita and Morioka.



A tree along the track had fallen and was found leaning against an overhead wire.

As a result, Komachi 96, which was heading to Sendai with 51 passengers on board, remained stopped at Akabuchi Station in Shizukuishi-cho, and passengers spent up to two and a half hours in a pitch-black car.



Passengers changed to a taxi arranged by JR and headed for Morioka Station.

At Morioka Station, Shinkansen cars were prepared as so-called "train hotels."



A male passenger in his 30s said, "I was going to go from Akita to Osaka. I was supposed to take a night bus in Morioka, but I canceled it because of the situation. The Shinkansen suddenly lost power and stopped after a while. It was really dark inside the train. It was."



According to JR, the fallen trees have been removed and the safety of the power equipment has been confirmed, so it is planned to operate normally from the first train on the 21st.