The opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen in March 2015 helped JR East and JR West to achieve revenue growth in the last financial year. JR East achieved sales of Yen 2.8 trillion ($US 2.6bn), up 4% year-on-year, while revenues increased to Yen 47.5bn. Operating profits rose 14.1% to Yen 487bn.

JR West sales increased 7.5% to Yen 1.4 trillion, with revenues of Yen 28.9bn. Operating profits swelled 29.9% to Yen 181bn.

JR Central saw revenues on the Tokaido Shinkansen climb by Yen 48.5bn as demand increased in both the business and leisure markets. Overall sales increased 4% to Yen 1.7 trillion with operating profits increasing 14.2% to Yen 578bn.

All three companies are forecasting a decline in profits this year and both JR East and JR Central anticipate significant expenditure on Shinkansen infrastructure maintenance. However, the opening of the Hokkaido Shinkansen last month is expected to fuel continued sales growth for JR East.