Celebrating Railway 200: A Conversation with Mitsuo Iwasaki, Head of Japan Business at Hitachi Rail

2025 marks 200 years of the modern railway in the UK, a milestone that invites us to reflect on the past, present and future of the railway industry.

As part of Hitachi’s Railway 200 celebrations, we sat down with Mitsuo Iwasaki, Head of Japan Business at Hitachi, who has been instrumental in building and strengthening the connection between Japan and the UK. “I was born and raised in Yamaguchi Prefecture, where the Kasado Works is located, and my father worked at Hitachi's Kasado designing railcars, so I felt a deep connection and bond with Hitachi and Kasado from a young age.”

Since joining Hitachi in 1991, Iwasaki-san specialised in rail systems, contributing to projects like Japan’s Shinkansen rolling stock and the UK’s Class 395, Class 800, and Class 385 trains.

In 2015, Iwasaki-san helped to establish Hitachi’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Newton Aycliffe. Located in a region steeped in railway history, the factory is just a few kilometres from the site of the Stockton and Darlington Railway—the world’s first public railway to use steam locomotives. The proximity to the birthplace of the modern railway highlights the significance of Hitachi’s investment in the area, bridging the region’s rich history with modern rail innovation.

Initially operating as a knock-down production system, the plant achieved full local manufacturing capability in 2021 with the addition of structural welding equipment. The Newton Aycliffe factory “contributed to the modernisation of UK's railway infrastructure and had a significant impact on the local economy.”

Why the Northeast?

When selecting a location for the plant, several factors made the Northeast region stand out. Historically a hub of heavy industry, it offered an experienced workforce and a robust supply chain. “I remember the excitement from the public and local politicians about our investment.” says Iwasaki-san. “They really wanted us to be there.”

Today, Newton Aycliffe is more than a factory; it’s a cornerstone of the local community. From collaborating with schools to training young technicians, Hitachi has worked to create lasting opportunities for residents. “What was particularly memorable was the plant’s opening ceremony, which saw participation from local schools and community groups, celebrating together as a unified community.”

Driving Innovation for the Next 200 Years

A leader in the development of battery trains, Hitachi Rail in many ways represents what it is to be innovative in the rail industry. “Last year, Hitachi introduced the first-ever battery into passenger service in Japan. This battery has proven highly successful, reducing fuel costs by 35%-50% on existing Hitachi intercity trains.”

Digital innovation is also reshaping the rail landscape. By leveraging AI and data from across Hitachi’s global businesses, the company is enhancing train monitoring and predictive maintenance. “The UK is playing an important role in this. There are exciting opportunities to use existing trains in passenger service and AI to monitor trains and infrastructure.”

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate Railway 200, Iwasaki-san reflects on the enduring partnership between Japan and the UK. “I am very proud that Hitachi is ensuring a strong future for UK-Japan collaboration on the railways. UK and Japanese colleagues work together every day – this integration is natural for us.”

Hitachi’s vision for the next 200 years of UK rail is clear: decarbonisation, digitalisation, and a continued commitment to community-driven growth. With technologies like battery-powered trains and AI-led solutions, the future is bright for sustainable, reliable railways.