This is a rare look into the politics and economics of the largest and arguably most dramatic privatization undertaken in Japan. Yoshiuki Kasai, President of JR Central, guides readers through first-hand accounts of the history of JNR's break-up, the political and internal obstacles faced in the reform process, and the major lessons drawn through his experiences. At the end of the book Kasai is joined by Diethelm Sack and Sir Steve Robson in a discussion of major issues encountered in railway reforms in Japan, Germany and the UK.