Shinji Higuchi’s ‘Bullet Train Explosion’ Takes Off for Netflix

Tokyo, Japan – Shinji Higuchi‘s action thriller, ‘Bullet Train Explosion,’ debuted on Netflix on April 23, 2025, receiving enthusiastic responses from viewers. The film quickly climbed to No. 2 on the streamer’s global non-English films list, marking a significant success for Netflix Japan.

This film serves as a sequel to Junya Sato’s 1975 classic ‘The Bullet Train,’ which inspired Jan de Bont’s 1994 blockbuster ‘Speed.’ The updated storyline features an unseen villain who claims to have planted a bomb on a Tokyo-bound Shinkansen train. If the train drops below 100 km/h, the bomb will explode, prompting a combined effort from JR East train employees, passengers, and control tower staff to prevent disaster.

‘Bullet Train Explosion’ holds special meaning for Japanese audiences, particularly those familiar with the Shinkansen, a rapid transit system central to the film. The production garnered official support from the East Japan Railway Company, a rare endorsement as the company typically avoids associations that could cloud its reputation.

During a recent film showcase in Tokyo, Higuchi and his team highlighted their collaboration with JR East, emphasizing their commitment to accuracy in recreating the train experience, including detailed sets and uniforms. Higuchi expressed that the film’s attention to detail would resonate with Japan’s train aficionados.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Higuchi reflected on the emotional weight of the original ‘The Bullet Train.’ He recalled its impact on him as a child, where the portrayal of a bomb threat on the Shinkansen was both thrilling and educational. He explained how the film ignited a sense of aspiration in Japanese children, connecting them to the Shinkansen’s promise of speed and adventure.

The director pondered on the significance of the Shinkansen to modern Japan, noting how its evolution has made it an integral part of daily life. He remarked, ‘When it started, it was just a route between Osaka and Tokyo, but it expanded to allow travel everywhere, changing it from something extraordinary to an everyday experience.’

Higuchi also discussed the film’s themes, indicating a desire to present complicated characters who reflect imperfections common in society today. He stated, ‘This time around, the characters are not all great people; they’ve got flaws, just like everyone else.’ The film explores those complexities while emphasizing cooperation and social trust in crisis situations.

As anticipation builds for the film’s streaming release, Higuchi is eager for audiences to engage with its themes and characters. He concluded, ‘I’m more curious about how people will respond after watching the film,’ highlighting his desire for the film to inspire dialogue.