Japanese National Railways (JNR) commenced research into developing Japan's own technology for a superconducting magnetic levitation railway system (Superconducting Maglev). The aim was to build a next-generation ultra-speed railway that connects Tokyo and Osaka in just one hour.

The Miyazaki Maglev Test Track was opened in Miyazaki Prefecture. Two years later, the entire 4.3-mile stretch of the single test track was completed. Considerations made in selecting the site for the test track included "availability of a generally straight 4.3-mile stretch of land with no obstacles," "support from local communities," "close proximity to conventional railway lines for convenience and PR," "a stable power supply" and "freedom from adverse weather conditions, such as heavy snowfall, to secure a large number of days available for testing."

In July, Miyazaki's first-generation "ML-500" testing train began running tests on a reverse T-type guideway.
The ML-500 was built as an un-manned testing train with no passenger space. The "500" in its name refers to the goal of achieving an operational speed of 500km/h (311mph).

In April, the shape of the guideway was modified from the original reverse T to a U-type form, which offers greater benefits in terms of vehicle structure (e.g. accommodating passenger facilities).
In November, the "MLU001" testing train, capable of manned operation, began running tests. The "U" in its name refers to the new shape of the guideway.

The Miyazaki Maglev Test Track was only a single track without tunnels, steep gradients or narrow curves. When a new test line with these missing features was required, it was decided to construct the Yamanashi Maglev Line.

The "MLU002N," the final testing train for the Miyazaki Maglev Test Track, was completed. This vehicle's train body is almost identical to the MLU002, but the MLU002N had disc brakes for the wheels and bogies that provide elastic suspension for superconducting magnets in order to improve passenger comfort.

In July, the MLX01 testing trains were delivered and taken to the Yamanashi Maglev Line.
They were available in two types of leading cars in different shapes; "double-cusp head" and "aero-wedge head." The "X" in the name refers to "Experimental" and "Express."

20 years of Miyazaki Maglev Test Track running tests ended, marking the completion of basic Superconducting Maglev technology development.

In February, the preliminary round of running tests for practical technological application began to examine and adjust the operation of the Superconducting Maglev system, which combined the MLX01 and ground facilities.

On March 27, a 11.4-mile priority section of the Yamanashi Maglev Line was completed following a review by Japan's Minister of Transport.

On April 3, full-scale running tests were commenced on the Yamanashi Maglev Line in a ceremony for the start of running tests.
After a ribbon-cutting ceremony, running tests began at low speed to examine the vehicle's operational stability and braking performance.

On May 30, the first levitated operation was successfully carried out on the Yamanashi Maglev Line.
JR Central subsequently confirmed that the Superconducting Maglev system was capable of stable levitated operation. Attempts to increase operational speed began in June, achieving a speed of 311mph during levitated operation on November 28.

Passing tests involving two trains began as part of the comprehensive function testing program. This was designed to confirm operational safety when two Superconducting Maglev trains passed by in opposite directions.

Anticipating the use of extended trainsets for revenue services, running tests were carried out with 5-car trainsets, the longest at that time on the Yamanashi Maglev Line. The tests examined the operational stability of extended trainsets.

On March 9, the Transport Ministry's (today's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism) Maglev Technological Practicality Evaluation Committee (MTPEC) acknowledged that "the technology of the Superconducting Maglev has reached a stage that makes it a viable ultra-speed mass transport system."
With the aim of establishing all necessary basic technologies for practical application, technological development and running tests were promoted with a focus on verifying the reliability and long-term durability of the system, as well as reducing the costs and improving the aerodynamics of the vehicles.

In June, a new "MLX01-901" leading car and middle car were delivered for testing. Running tests involving these cars began in July. In the MLX01-901, many factors including vehicle aerodynamics and passenger comfort were tested from various angles to produce substantial data for improving conventional vehicle for use in commercial services.

The Guinness Book of World Records recognized the Superconducting Maglev's maximum speed of 361mph attained on December 2 during manned operation, which beat the Maglev's previous record of 343mph. (Guinness World recognition earned on February 16, 2004)

On March 11, the MTPEC acknowledged that "all necessary technologies of the Superconducting Maglev for the future revenue service are established."
This signified official recognition that JR Central's efforts to develop the Superconducting Maglev system cleared all technological conditions for practical application.

On March 25, JR Central opened the Superconducting Maglev Pavilion at the 2005 World Exposition in Aichi, Japan. It showcased the actual "MLX01" leading car with double-cusp head that had set the world record railway speed of 361mph. It also featured a massive 3D theater and Superconducting Maglev laboratory. Approximately 6.9 million people visited in 185 days (up to September 25).

In November, running tests began with vehicle featuring high-temperature superconducting magnets capable of maintaining superconductivity at temperatures 60°F higher than the previous magnets that required -452°F. The vehicle traveled 2,554 miles during the test period, recording a maximum speed of 344mph and demonstrating a very high degree of perfection.

Renovation and extension of the Yamanashi Maglev Line began.

The MTPEC acknowledged that "the technologies of the Superconducting Maglev have been established comprehensively and systematically, which makes it possible to draw up detailed specifications and technological standards for revenue service."

In October, the major specifications of the new "Series L0", the first-generation vehicle in commercial service, were finalized.

-Maximum service speed: 311mph
-Vehicle capacity: Up to 24 people for the leading car and up to 68 people for each middle car
-Trainset length: 980.9ft (12-car trainset)

The cumulative travel distance exceeded 545,000 miles in September, marking the end of running tests using the MLX01 in the priority section.

In August, the entire 26.6-mile stretch of the Yamanashi Maglev Line was launched at a ceremony. Operation using the L0 began on the renewed and extended Yamanashi Maglev Line.

Series L0 operated at a maximum speed of 375mph during manned operation. This was a new world record in railway speed. It also set a new record in per-day travel distance at 2,525 miles.

The MTPEC acknowledged that "the Superconducting Maglev technological developments necessary for the revenue service line have been completed."
JR Central will continue to refine the Superconducting Maglev technology further and work on reducing the costs of construction, maintenance and service operation.

Running tests commenced with Series L0 Improved version, a brushed-up version of the original Series L0 incorporating data gathered from various tests.