noun
national railway
General abbreviation for a state-owned railway system. In modern contexts, usually refers to a specific historical entity unless otherwise specified.
See also: 国有鉄道
国鉄の路線は全国に広がっていた。
The national railway network extended across the country.
noun
Japan National Railways (1949-1987)
Historical abbreviation for 日本国有鉄道, the state-owned railway corporation that operated from 1949 until its privatization in 1987.
See also: 日本国有鉄道
国鉄は1987年に分割民営化された。
Japan National Railways was split and privatized in 1987.