December 12, 2025 East Japan Railway Company
Yuji Fukasawa Appointed Chair of UIC
On December 11, Chairman (Director) of East Japan Railway Company (JR East), Yuji Fukasawa was elected Chair of the International Union of Railways (UIC) during the 107thUIC General Assembly held in Poland.
Through this appointment, the JR East Group expects to leverage its expertise and achievements to promote higher levels of innovation, sustainability and safety in rail across the globe as a supporting factor in the development of international railway policies and standardization.
Through active engagement in UIC initiatives, the JR East Group aims to realize the Group Management Vision "To the Next Stage 2034," aspiring to achieve "Lifestyle Transformation" (LX) as in continues to contribute to growth in the rail industry worldwide.
Appointment as UIC Chair
Elected to Chair at the International Union of Railways (UIC) during the 107thGeneral Assembly in Poland on December 11, Chairman of East Japan Railway Company (JR East) Yuji Fukasawa will officially assume his new position as of January 1, 2026.
Fukasawa has served as an Executive Board Member of the UIC and member of the UIC Asia-Pacific Management Committee since January 2023. Widely recognized for his significant contributions in these roles, his experience, along with JR East's past presence in key UIC positions, were important factors leading to his election. This marks the third time a representative from JR East has held the UIC Chair, following
in the footsteps of Yoshio Ishida (2009-2012) and Satoshi Seino (2012).
About UIC
The International Union of Railways (UIC) is dedicated to promoting the sustainable development of railways worldwide, and has been among the most authoritative international organizations in the rail sector since its founding in 1922. Headquartered in Paris, France, the UIC plays a central role in the development of technical standards, formulation of policy recommendations, and the facilitation of global cooperation as it connects railway networks across the globe, bringing together close to 220 rail organizations including railway operators, infrastructure managers, and research institutions from around 80 countries. UIC contributes to greater safety, efficiency, and environmental practice in the rail industry through the sharing of knowledge and joint research among its members.
UIC and JR East Activities
Japan has been a member of UIC since its inception through the former Ministry of Railways and has continued to actively participate since JR East's establishment in 1987. JR East has promoted global exchange and the sharing of information from key positions within the UIC; including Chair, Vice Chair, member of the Executive Board, and Chair of the Asia-Pacific Region. The UIC facilitates thematic platforms such as the Railway System Forum and Safety Platform. In particular, JR East has served as Chair or Vice Chair in leadership of the Specification & Standardization Platform and continues in its contributions to the advancement of railways worldwide through active engagement in UIC initiatives.