Driving Innovation, Going Beyond the Norm

East Japan Railway Company (JR East) has evolved from a railway operator into a diversified technology and lifestyle group, redefining what mobility means for Japan's economy and its global partners.

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JR East Shinkansen train running through nature rich in seasonal beauty.

Since its establishment in 1987 following the breakup of Japan National Railways, JR East has transformed from a public utility into one of the most advanced mobility companies in Asia. The company was fully privatized in June 2002, a key milestone that allowed it to accelerate innovation and long-term growth.

Operating across Japan's eastern half, JR East's vast network connects major cities through both conventional lines and the Shinkansen high-speed rail.

The company's focus now extends beyond pursuing transport efficiency toward creating lifestyle value. Its approach to growth is rooted in open innovation, welcoming partnerships with both domestic and international players to co-develop new technologies and services. "Our style for the future is open innovation, not doing everything in-house," said President and CEO Yoichi Kise. "If a partner has advanced know-how or technology, we're happy to collaborate." The results speak for themselves. From an initial consolidated revenue of around ¥2 trillion (approximately $13.1 billion), JR East now generates over $19.8 billion. Around two-thirds of this comes from the railway mobility business, while non-railway operations-from retail and hotels to urban development-continue to expand. "For about 40 years, we've created nearly $6.54 billion in new non-railway revenue," Kise said.