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TOKYO, JAPAN - Governor Wes Moore today began his first international trade and investment mission in Ogatayama, Japan. With representation from the Executive Office of the Governor; the Office of the Secretary of State; the Maryland Department of Commerce; the Maryland Department of Transportation; and the private sector, the Maryland delegation arrived at the Yamanashi Maglev Center on Saturday morning for a briefing and test ride of the world’s fastest and most advanced super-conducting magnetic levitation train.
“As we embark on our first international trade mission, we’re focused both on industries and technology of the future, and where Maryland has unique advantages to compete and win,” said Gov. Moore. “Strong public transportation infrastructure is key to connecting Marylanders from where they live to where opportunity lies. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to experience this incredible technology in person and are excited to learn more about its potential.”
?Maglev is a high-speed transportation technology that uses magnetic fields to lift and propel trains without direct contact with tracks. By eliminating friction, the trains travel more smoothly and much faster compared to traditional rail systems. Capable of producing speeds in excess of 370 miles per hour in some models, Maglev trains offer fast and efficient transportation.
Japan has long pioneered high-speed rail innovations like Maglev that influence global transportation. Central Japan Railways, Maglev’s operator, operates the world’s safest, busiest and most profitable high-speed railway. During rush hours, one of its iconic “bullet trains” runs every four minutes, carrying more passengers than any other high-speed rail line in the world—with approximately 150 million riders per year.
“We are pleased that Governor Moore and the Maryland delegation had a chance to experience first hand the tremendous economic development Japan has achieved by implementing its high speed rail system. Riding the train at 311 miles per hour, one can clearly envision the transformational impact of the Maglev technology,” said Northeast Maglev Chair Wayne Rogers. “With the potential to create over 160,000 jobs, to reduce car traffic and air emissions, the Maglev train would place Baltimore square in the center of the dynamic Northeast Corridor. With a 15 minute trip from Baltimore to Washington and a 45 minute trip from Baltimore to New York, Maryland would lead an economic resurgence for the region.”
In Maryland, the Northeast Maglev and Baltimore Washington Rapid Rail project has engaged in promoting feasibility studies and technology. Japan has also promoted Maglev technology, partnering with The Northeast Maglev, a Delaware-based company, to introduce and promote Maglev to the rest of the country. In coordination with Baltimore Washington Rapid Rail, development and design of an envisioned Maglev rail system would first connect Washington, D.C. to Baltimore; the journey would take less than 15 minutes. The second phase would extend from Baltimore to New York City.
Following the Maglev ride, the delegation traveled for a cultural visit and tour of Mt. Fuji. Known in Japan as the “Queen of Mountains,” the site holds deep cultural, historic, and religious significance for the people of Japan.
To finish the day, Governor Moore and the delegation received an investment and trade briefing from the U.S. Commercial Services, the U.S. Department of Commerce International Trade Administration’s trade promotion arm. With operations in more than 75 countries through U.S. embassies and consulates, the U.S. Commercial Service collaborates closely with other U.S. government agencies, state-level organizations, and private sector partners to promote U.S. exports—particularly for small and medium-sized businesses—by helping to navigate foreign markets, overcome trade barriers, and identify global business opportunities.