The Series N700 rolling stock is one of the latest models used for the shinkansen, the world's top-level high-speed railroad system. The series made its debut in 2007 and is now serving as the main type of train on the Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu Shinkansen lines. Because Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central) is scheduled to replace approximately 70% of its shinkansen rolling stock with the Series N700 by fiscal 2013, Nippon Sharyo, Ltd., which is responsible for manufacturing these new trains, is operating its Toyokawa Plant at full capacity every day.

The first Japanese railroad began service in 1872, running between Shinbashi in Tokyo and Yokohama. During the early phase of the service, most of the locomotives, passenger coaches, and freight cars used were imported from the United Kingdom. Later on, rail transport was promoted under a government initiative as a priority industry in the nation, and train manufacturing companies began proliferating in 1896: Kisha Seizo Co., Ltd in Osaka City and Tetsudo Sharyo Seizosho Company and Nippon Sharyo in Nagoya City. As a pioneer in this industry, Nippon Sharyo supported rail transportation in Japan in its burgeoning years and has since supplied many coaches and cars for rail service, including the shinkansen.

For many decades, sturdy and inexpensive ordinary steel was the predominant material used in building not only shinkansen trains but also rolling stock in general. However, reflecting the growing need for higher speed and more energy efficiency from the 1960s, greater percentages of aluminum (which substantially reduces weight) and rust-resistant stainless steel (which does not require coating) were rapidly being utilized in making railroad vehicles. Today, these two materials account for some 80% of rolling stock materials in Japan.

Japanese rolling stock manufacturers flexibly use a variety of materials, such as iron, aluminum, and stainless steel, according to requirements. These manufacturers also use the high technical capabilities they have developed from manufacturing shinkansen trains. These trains will certainly continue to meet the worldwide need for greater comfort, safety, and speed.