The 21st century promises to be the railway century. Roads are facing increasing congestion in most industrialised countries, as well as continued, and growing, opposition to the use of car and construction of new roads for environmental reasons.

The airline industry is facing many problems. Yet, the railway industry also has problems that need to be addressed if it is going to be successful.

In Britain, there is a strong perception that Japan can and should teach other countries how to operate an efficient, safe and effective railway system.

Many in Japan, however, are keen to learn more about the ways in which privatisation has been approached in other countries as they seek to address the financial burdens related to running a railway company.

So a Japanese Railway Conference will be held on Monday 25 March 2002 at the Cardiff Business School