Japan working on the world's fastest train

Japanese engineers are working on would be the world’s fastest train.

Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central) is testing the L0 Series, a Japanese Maglev train, Euronews reports.

It says there is the potential for speeds of up to 603kmh, way ahead of the current record breaker: China’s Shanghai Maglev at 465kmh.

The new service would be on the Tokyo to Nagoya route, a route currently served by Shinkansen bullet trains but the L0 Series trains would half the current travel time.

The L0 Series Chuo-Shinkansen line is currently under construction to enable these speeds. It may also be extended to serve Osaka in the future.

The maglev technology uses magnetic levitation that lifts the train above the tracks, enabling much higher speeds.

The bad news: the project is still about eight years away from completion.

Usually, a train from Tokyo to Nagoya can take anywhere between one hour and 26 minutes to two and a half hours or more, depending on whether travellers take the faster bullet train (Shinkansen) services, or the slower Kodama or Hikari ones.

The L0 Series’ Chuo-Shinkansen is expected to cut this travel time down to only 40 minutes.

Once deemed commercially operational, the L0 Series train will be able to travel from Tokyo to Osaka in one hour, a journey which currently takes anywhere from 2hr 30 mins to four hours.

Thailand promoting its health and wellness possibilities

Thailand may be known as a sunny holiday destination with great islands and beautiful beaches but it also wants to boost its reputation as a serious health and wellness destination.

The Thai pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, in Japan, will highlight the country's commitment to becoming one of the global leaders in medical and wellness services.

In line with the Expo's theme "Designing Future Society for Our Lives," Thailand will aim to demonstrate how its blend of traditional practices and advanced medical services can foster "happiness and well-being for all".

Thailand's Minister of Public Health, Somsak Thepsutin, says Expo can promote Thailand as a preferred global medical hub.

"We are excited to take part in this global event, where Thailand will share its unmatched expertise in both traditional Thai medicine and modern healthcare," Somsak said.

"Thailand's policies are focused on transforming the country into an international medical hub, and our participation in Expo 2025 in Osaka will highlight our strengths in these areas."

The Thai Pavilion at Expo 2025 will feature five key areas: 

# Traditional Thai Healthcare: Emphasizing the harmony between humans and nature, traditional Thai medicine has been practiced for centuries and remains integral to the country's identity.

# Thai Herbs and Culinary Health: Thailand's rich culinary traditions, such as the world-famous Tom Yum Goong, incorporate the healing power of Thai herbs, showcasing their health benefits.

# Thai Herbal Medicine: Visitors will learn about unique herbal products such as aroma inhalers and therapeutic massage oils, commonly used to promote health and well-being.

# Thai Massage: Recognized as a UNESCO cultural heritage activity, Thai massage is renowned for its healing properties, combining therapeutic techniques with relaxation.

# Modern Medical Excellence: Thailand is a recognized leader in modern healthcare, with 62 medical organizations accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI), ranking the country fourth globally and No. 1 in Southeast Asia.

Thailand's healthcare services and hospitality have helped the country rank among the world's top five medical tourism destinations.

Expo 2025 is expected to attract 28 million visitors from around the world.

Image: Thailand Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan: April 13-October 13, 2025