I found this great documentary on YouTube about the technological and mechanical advances that came about with the rise of the Japanese high speed railroads. It is very informative and a flat out great entertaining show! 
[video=youtube;VZjYL847KnI]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZjYL847KnI[/video]

[video=youtube;VZjYL847KnI]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZjYL847KnI[/video]