Japan bullet train operator to test facial recognition gates at Niigata, Nagaoka stations

NIIGATA -- East Japan Railway Co. (JR East) is set to begin a trial of facial recognition gates at Niigata and Nagaoka stations on the Joetsu Shinkansen bullet train line on Nov. 6. This new system allows passengers to pass through ticket gates without needing to take a ticket or IC card out of a pocket or bag.

According to JR East's Niigata branch, facial recognition gates equipped with cameras will be installed at shinkansen ticket gates at both stations. These cameras will capture images and extract facial data to authenticate passengers. The trial aims to verify whether the technology functions correctly at stations in service.

At Niigata Station, the facial recognition system will be overlaid on existing gates, while new facial recognition gates will be installed at Nagaoka Station. The trial will use different apparatuses at each station to evaluate their respective performances.

The test will run for about five months from Nov. 6 to March 31, 2026, targeting passengers with shinkansen commuter passes between Niigata and Nagaoka stations who are of junior high school age or older. Approximately 500 participants are expected. Those who take part must register in advance, including having their photos taken, with applications open from Oct. 6 to 17.

Hiroko Shirayama, president of the Niigata branch, explained, "There has been an issue that the process of inserting tickets into gates is inconvenient for passengers with large luggage or strollers. We hope this trial will provide a glimpse into the future."

(Japanese original by Shuichi Kanzaki, Niigata Bureau)

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