Railway Workers' Day

On 4 November, Ukraine marks Railway Workers' Day, recognising the daily work and dedication of those employed in the railway industry. Ukraine's railway network is one of the largest transport systems in Europe, and its technical specifications differ from those of Japan. The track gauge in Ukraine is 1,520 mm, wider than the European standard of 1,435 mm. In Japan, the Shinkansen high-speed rail network uses the 1,435 mm gauge, while most conventional railway lines use a narrower gauge of 1,067 mm. Passenger services in Ukraine include long-distance overnight trains with sleeping carriages, daytime Intercity+ express trains and suburban electric services connecting towns with surrounding communities.

Each Ukrainian sleeping carriage has its own attendant, known in Japanese as 車掌. Many women work in this responsible role, looking after passengers' comfort, providing bed linen and drinks, and helping to ensure their safety. At the same time, women are increasingly taking up technical roles, including assistant train drivers and train drivers.

International cooperation with Japan plays an important part in supporting Ukraine's transport infrastructure. With the support of the Japanese government, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has facilitated the delivery of approximately 25,000 tonnes of high-quality rails for the repair and restoration of Ukraine's railway network. Japan also supplies Ukraine with generators and other energy equipment to help keep critical infrastructure operating during power cuts.

Since russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, Ukraine's railway system has carried a vital share of the country's passenger and humanitarian transport while its airspace remains closed. Rail routes have also become essential for visits by international leaders, including Japan's then Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who travelled to Kyiv by train in March 2023. Even during wartime, railway workers organise these journeys with heightened security measures.