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Today, we take air-conditioned trains for granted. But back in the day, commuter trains had no such luxury. During hot summer mornings, trains were packed to an extreme—especially during Japan’s period of rapid economic growth in the Showa era. With crowding rates reaching an unbelievable 300%, passengers were crammed in like sardines, dripping with sweat, and the stifling heat and odors filled the carriages. It was nothing short of a daily “commuter hell.”

Japan’s first air-conditioned train made its debut in 1936 (Showa 11)—surprisingly, before World War II. It was introduced by Nankai Electric Railway, featuring a cooling system in the conductor’s cabin that delivered cold air into the passenger area through ducts in the ceiling. However, with the outbreak of the Second Sino-Japanese War the following year, such trains were deemed a luxury and were discontinued.

Air-conditioned trains began to reappear in the 1950s, first in limited express services. When the Tokaido Shinkansen opened in 1964, all of its cars were equipped with air conditioning. In 1970, the Yamanote Line became the first commuter line in Japan to introduce air-conditioned trains, triggering a rapid shift across the country.

While underground trains faced challenges due to heat exhaust, most commuter trains in major cities were fully air-conditioned by around 2000. Still, even today, some local lines continue to operate trains without air conditioning.

On hot summer days, we can all be grateful for that refreshing cool air onboard.

📘 Reference: Kenji Asai, “Yomeba Yomu Hodo Omoshiroi Tetsudō no Zatsugaku” (PHP Bunko)