Photostory
New JR Stations in Tokyo and Osaka

Universal City Station (Osaka)
JR West's Universal City Station was opened in March 2001, coinciding with the opening of Universal Studios Japan, the famous Hollywood theme park transplanted from Los Angeles to Osaka’s former manufacturing district facing Osaka Port. Architect Tadao Ando designed the station building, adopting the image of a sailing vessel as the main motif.

Photo: Transportation News

Saitama Shintoshin Station (Tokyo)
JR East's Saitama Shintoshin Station was opened in April 2000 to serve a new business, commerce and cultural complex built on the site of a huge disused marshalling yard at Omiya, 30 km north of Tokyo. Architect Edward Suzuki and JR East's technical staff designed the station building jointly.

Photo: JR East

Iidabashi Station (Tokyo Municipal Subway Oedo Line)
Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) opened the Oedo subway line in December 2000, forming a new circular line around the city centre. The line features some unique station designs (pp. 22–25). Iidabashi Station is proud of its interior ambiance that gives many Tokyoites a fresh impression.

Photo: TMG

Kuala Lumpur Grand Central Station
Malaysian Railway (KTMB) opened its new Kuala Lumpur Grand Central Station in April 2001, replacing the old Central Station (completed in 1910 by architect A. B. Hubbock, bottom right) as the rail terminus for Malaysia's capital. The new station is currently served by KTMB's long-distance and suburban trains as well as by the Putra LRT system. A rail link to KL's new international airport is being built to enter service in 2002 and operated by Express Rail Link Company.

Photos:Y. Taniguchi and EJRCF