
Tokyo’s Yamanote loop line is getting its first new station in nearly half a century, and Japan Railways wants you to give it a name.
Tokyo is crisscrossed by dozens of train and subway lines, but none is more critical for tourists and commuters than the Yamanote Line. A loop line that passes through trendy Shibuya, bustling Shinjuku, cultural Ueno, otaku Akihabara, and Shinkansen-connected Tokyo and Shinagawa Stations, the Yamanote makes 29 stops on its circuit around downtown.
However, come 2020, a 30th station will be added, positioned between currently neighboring Shinagawa and Tamachi Stations. This will be the first new Yamanote station in nearly half a century, as the last addition was Nishi Nippori in 1971.
Rail operator East Japan Railway is currently in the middle of the major construction job, but the station still doesn’t have a name. Media reports and press conferences have been referring to it as simply “Shin Shinagawa” or “Shinagawa Shin” (shin being the Japanese word for “new”), but JR East is hoping for something a little more eloquent for the final name, and now it’s turning to you for help.
▼ An artist’s rendition of the new station, which will also connect with the Keihin Tohoku Line, with its position on the Yamanote marked by a star.
As of June 5, JR East is accepting suggestions for the new station’s name through its website. If you’re looking for some inspiration, the new station’s address will be in the Konan district of Tokyo’s Minato Ward, and the preexisting names of nearby neighborhoods include Takanawa and Shibaura (although there’s already a station in Tokyo named Shirokane Takanawa). Alternatively, if you’re searching for a name evocative of the station building itself, JR East says some of the structure’s characteristic design elements will be:
● A large roof inspired by traditional origami.
● Lattice patterns and woodwork to evoke the motif of classic shoji sliding paper doors.
● An open platform at the upper level of the structure, from where the bustle of the city can be felt.
● Large windows on the building’s east and west sides, so that views of the city and station blend together.
Suggestions can be made using the online form here between now and June 30, and JR East says it plans to announce its final decision for the station’s name sometime this winter. In a previous poll, which asked high school girls for their opinions, the boring “Shin Shinagawa” and bizarre “Space Station” were the top two results, so if you’ve got a better idea than those, here’s your chance to make your voice heard.
Source: JR East (1, 2)
Top image: Wikipedia/Abezori2525
Insert image: JR East
[ Read in Japanese ]


Downtown Tokyo set to open its most important train station in 50 years, and now it has a name
What should Tokyo’s newest rail station be called? Poll asks high school girls for their opinion
Tokyo travel alert: City’s most important train line shutting down for construction this weekend
Tokyo’s busiest train line to be partially shut down this weekend as part of Shibuya renovations
Tokyo’s busiest commuter line slowing things down with special one-lap Yamanote sightseeing train
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
Japanese bento shop touches hearts by selling super cheap boxed lunches for around a dollar
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam is getting a new look before its end-of-summer removal
Reinvented traditional Japanese hearths may be coming to a restaurant near you
Japan’s Pokémon Slowpoke Train goes on hiatus, but a mini version could be yours to own
Abandoned pirate pleasure ship sinking south of Tokyo Bay, city orders destruction
These rare eggs cost more than a typical meal in Japan but are they really that special?
When is miso ramen not miso ramen? When it’s the new ramen at one of Japan’s top beef bowl chains
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
East Japan Railway announces plans to abolish magnetic-strip tickets
New Square Enix Cafe reveals Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, Nier, and Fullmetal Alchemist menu items
Universal Studios Japan is giving Frieren anime fans the chance to make unforgettable memories.
Japan’s cheap beef bowl chain goes upscale with Matsuya Premium, but is it worth the higher price?
Family Mart commits “reverse fraud” in new Giant All-Star Festival, and we couldn’t be happier
7-Eleven Japan joins the craze for Korean Gamja Cheese Balls
Shakey’s Japan creates matcha mochi, Kyoto fish, and Kansai Chili Con Carne pizzas
Anne Hathaway creates PR frenzy in Japan after mentioning Tottori in Devil Wears Prada interview
7-Eleven Japan has a new Creamy Iced Cafe Latte that’s a hit on social media
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
New official Ghibli anime food cookbook will teach you how to make Ponyo’s ramen and more
Japanese convenience store Lawson launches new “mini supermarket” chain, L Minimart
Japan’s real-world Pokémon hot spring’s first photos are here![Photos]
Kyoto public junior high school becomes first in Japan with a hoodie school uniform
Japanese convenience store shows us how to dress for the rainy season
Starbucks Japan unveils new Frappuccino showcasing “mottainai” culture
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Tokyo party problem: Last train on most important line will soon leave almost 30 minutes earlier
Woman decides to go for a walk on the busiest train tracks at Shibuya Station【Video】
The Station Idol Latch! project gifts us with 30 male idols for 30 Yamanote Line stations
Mobile battery fire breaks out on Tokyo’s main commuter line
Here’s what happens when the trains shut down in Tokyo during rush hour: Craziness 【Photos】
How much money do you need for a studio apartment in downtown Tokyo?
These are Tokyo train lines people most want to live along【Survey】
Shibuya Station’s Hachiko Gate and Yamanote Line stairway locations change next month
Hypnotic moving map of Tokyo’s crazy rush hour trains almost makes them relaxing【Video】
Injuries on stairs in Tokyo highlight an overlooked design flaw
Construction start date announced for rebuilding of Tokyo’s iconic Harajuku Station
Japan’s Harajuku Station to be rebuilt ahead of 2020 Tokyo Olympics
JR East to introduce numbering system at all stations in Tokyo
Final Fantasy event lets riders unlock goodies and battle bosses on Tokyo’s Yamanote Line【Pics】
Tokyo partially shut down busiest train line, 3,200 workers fought clock on platform project【Vid】