In 1992, Central Japan Railway Co. (JR Tokai) launched the 300 Series Shinkansen, capable of reaching speeds up to 270 kph. Operating as the Nozomi, it reduced the Tokyo to Shin-Osaka travel time ...
As the only remaining Shinkansen with smoking cars in Japan, the 700 series also attracted tobacco fans. The 700 series made its debut in March 1999, replacing the first Nozomi 300 series.