Yoshinobu Katagata, a senior engineer at East Japan Railway Co. (JR East), has recently obtained a doctorate from the University of Tsukuba’s graduate school. His thesis focused on the history of railroad accident prevention technologies. Despite being 73 years old, Katagata worked diligently to complete his research.
Katagata has been involved in railway safety measures since his time at the Japanese National Railways, which was later privatized and divided into different companies including JR East. Currently working in the Safety Management Department, he believes that achieving ultimate safety is an ongoing process without a specific end goal.
Katagata’s career began after studying fluid engineering at Ibaraki University graduate school and joining the Japanese National Railways in 1976. He played a crucial role in designing signaling systems and rail yard facilities for the Tohoku Shinkansen Line, which opened in 1982. Additionally, he contributed to developing operational safety equipment such as the automatic train stop (ATS) system.
One incident that remains vivid in Katagata’s memory is an accident that occurred on December 5, 1988, shortly after JR East was established as a private company. A train stopping at Higashi-Nakano Station on the Chuo Line was rear-ended by another train, resulting in one fatality and numerous injuries. The driver of the second train failed to apply brakes appropriately despite receiving an alarm from the ATS system.
Following this tragic event, JR East expedited installing more advanced safety equipment like ATS-P systems that automatically apply brakes when necessary. However, it became evident to Katagata that accidents caused by human error could not be completely eliminated but could be reduced through improved driving rules and appropriate systems.
In 2021, after reaching retirement age but continuing as a contract employee with JR East, Katagata pursued further education at the University of Tsukuba’s Graduate School of Policy and Planning Sciences. His motivation stemmed from wanting to academically systematize safety practices for easier comprehension among younger employees responsible for safety training.
For his thesis on preventing trains from passing stop signals throughout history, Katagata analyzed JR East’s accident records since fiscal year 1958 while also studying literature from international railway companies.
Completing his graduate studies this spring with a doctoral degree awarded to him; he intends to share his comprehensive thesis with younger generations responsible for safe train operations while emphasizing not relying solely on equipment but prioritizing building robust safety mechanisms instead.
