Bullet train service fully resumes after Kumamoto quake | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News

The Kyushu Shinkansen bullet train has fully resumed operations after a strong earthquake struck southwestern Japan's Kumamoto Prefecture in July.

Restoration work was completed between Kumamoto and Shin-Minamata stations, the last section of the line that was suspended. Service resumed on Friday morning on the entire Kyushu Shinkansen line for the first time in 52 days.

The Kyushu Shinkansen suspended all service after the July 28 quake. It resumed operations between Hakata and Kumamoto stations by the end of July, and between Shin-Minamata and Kagoshima-Chuo stations on August 7.

But service remained suspended between Kumamoto and Shin-Minamata stations as damage was found in over 1,000 locations, including tracks and facilities.

Kyushu Railway Company says bullet trains connecting directly to the Sanyo Shinkansen line will operate at around 90 percent capacity compared to before the quake, as the trains need to slow down near Shin-Yatsushiro Station, where quake damage was severe.

In Kumamoto Prefecture, the JR Kagoshima Main Line is still suspended between Uto and Yatsushiro stations. The local Hisatsu Orange Railway is also suspended between Yatsushiro and Higotanoura stations. The operators say they aim to fully resume operations around mid-October.