Wed Apr 09 07:40:00 UTC 2025: ## JR East to Pilot Nationwide First Facial Recognition Gates at Shinkansen Stations
**Niigata, Japan** – JR East announced on August 8th that it will conduct a pilot program for facial recognition gates at Shinkansen stations, marking a nationwide first for the bullet train network. The trial, running from this autumn to spring 2026, will take place at Niigata and Nagaoka stations in Niigata Prefecture. The system aims to eliminate the need for tickets or Suica card taps, allowing passengers to pass through gates seamlessly.
Participants, primarily Shinkansen commuters between Niigata and Nagaoka, will be recruited this summer. One facial recognition gate will be installed at each station. Upon registration, participants will provide a facial image for the system. The gates are jointly developed by a JR East subsidiary, NEC, and Panasonic Connect. The trial will assess the accuracy of the facial recognition technology and its adaptability to varying passenger speeds.
JR East aims to implement ticketless, contactless gates by 2034, with facial recognition as a potential technology. Further trials involving mobile Shinkansen tickets linked to Suica are also under consideration. President Yoshikazu Kisei stated that JR East is exploring various technologies, including Bluetooth, for future pilot programs.
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