ALFA-X is a ten-car experimental bullet train developed by East Japan Railway Company (JR East). Its official name is Class E956, and the name ALFA-X stands for Advanced Labs for Frontline Activity in rail eXperimentation. Purpose: This prototype is being used to test new rail technologies for future high-speed Shinkansen trains that could operate at cruise speeds of around 360 km/h (225 mph). Timeline: • Announced: July 2017. • Unveiled: May 9, 2019. • Testing Locations: Includes the Tōhoku Shi