The Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central) is preparing to launch Supreme Class as a rival to Japan’s domestic first-class airline services. The class will be available on its Tokaido Sanyo Kyushu Shinkansen high-speed ‘bullet train’ services that link Tokyo with Nagoya, Osaka, Okayama and Hiroshima, and Osaka with Hakata.
The Supreme Class cabin features luxurious seats with a large back-shell, as well as an electronically locking door for privacy from the aisle, which can be opened using the QR Ticket or IC card and locks automatically. Customers can choose their experience, from facing the seatback in front, or rotating the seat to face a travel companion.
The Supreme Class Seat is scheduled to enter service during fiscal year 2027 (April 2027 to March 2028).
Supreme Class Cabins
A more exclusive experience is available with the Supreme Class Cabins, available as a private single or double room. The double room, found in Car No.7, has a main seat that does not rotate, but faces the sofa. Customers can use the tablet in the cabin to adjust the seat recline, leg rest, lumbar support, and seat heating, as well as the brightness and colour of the cabin lighting, the airflow in the space, and the audio volume.
A speaker built into the headrest can be connected wirelessly to customer devices, with PSZ (Personalized Sound Zone) technology from NTT Group that lets you enjoy music, videos and more without headphones, and without disturbing other passengers.
The luggage space beside the seat can hold a carry-on bag around the same size approved for air travel (within 55 cm × 40 cm × 25 cm / 21 inch × 15 inch × 9 inch). Supreme Class guests can also arrange to bring oversized baggage on board.
There is also a single Supreme Class Cabin, with the same features but a little less space and without a sofa, which can be found in Car No.10.
All Supreme Class customers can access a dedicated wi-fi network powered by a 5G-compatible transparent glass antenna provided by AGC Inc.
