Trains on Japan’s new high-speed maglev line to run between Tokyo and Nagoya will offer only non-reclining seats to maximise passenger leg and luggage space, Central Japan Railway officials said recently.

The train operator decided that seat backs fixed at 15 degrees would not compromise passenger comfort as the 40-minute travel time on the under-construction Linear Chuo Shinkansen line, to link Tokyo’s Shinagawa Station and Nagoya Station in central Japan, will be less than half what it takes existing bullet trains to make the journey.

Using superconducting magnetic levitation technology, the new trains will travel at up to 500kmh.

Non-reclining seats have been installed on the M10, a new test car for the maglev train, the exterior of which was unveiled to the media in July.

The commercial maglev train will be modeled after this prototype, with specifications to be finalised after further refinements.

All previous prototype models had reclining seats.

Seats that do not recline are simpler to build and thinner, providing more room for passengers to keep suitcases and other large baggage at their feet, the officials said.

The seat cushion will be softer than those on the existing Tokaido Shinkansen trains so that passengers’ weight will be evenly distributed.