InsideJapan News Network

Japan's Tohoku 'Shinkansen' bullet train network has been extended in the north of the country.

An extra 82km has been added to the line so that it can now serve Shin-Aomori station, which is located 600 km to the north of Japan's capital city, reports AFP.

"Eventually, the line fully opened after it was extended inch by inch," said Mutsutake Otsuka, chairman of JR East, which operates the train line.

He added: "We would like to contribute to the stimulation of local economies with the fast-train system."

The bullet train system was first opened in 1964 and has been gradually extended over the years and has recorded a top speed of 443km/per hour.

Last month, Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper reported that JR East is planning to further extend the route between Tokyo's Shinagawa Station and Nagoya by 2027, although it could open a section between Kofu and Sagamihara in 2020.

Written by Mark Smith.