Hokkaido train loses parts

Accidents involving trains are few and far between in Japan, so the picture in today's newspapers of a scorched train in Hokkaido was quite a shock. The report said some components dropped off the underside of the train, and sparks from metal friction set off the fire. Luckily, no one was seriously hurt.

That said, why would parts drop off?

It wasn't reported in the news, but almost always it is the fault of a bolt that failed.

Since Japan has the world's leading technology in computer controlled thread rolling--technology that makes a nearly fail-safe nut and bolt combination possible--this accident is a little embarrassing.

They should be using the perfect lock bolt, manufactured by Nissei KK.