The fact that Japan requires such an extensive railway network is because of the sheer size of the country. Of course if ya really do not do your homework, traveling is really a confusing thing as you do not know what railway services to board and so on to reach your destination... Speaking of Japan, Singapore's railway system will soon be just as extensive as this as shown below...
What really amazes me is that though Singapore is really a small island, such an extensive railway network is being setup to facilitate movement of the people from one place to another. Some of which aren't seen or being contructed as of yet as they are on the planning phase for the future ahead. But somehow or rather, it seems that almost the whole island is connected together with the Central Business District as the Main Interchange Area. Looking forward to more of such improvements in transport so that we can travel for one end to another with ease...
Wanted to go Japan for a very long time... However, due to the fact that it is an expensive place to be in, still don't have that much of a money to go there anytime soon. Planning is mostly necessary if you'd want to get the most out of your trip and especially so when you are going there on a budget. Came across a simple traveling guide that could probably help in travels to Japan. Check it out here so that you'd get a picture of why Japan isn't as cheap as you thought it might be... unless you plan ahead...
The All Nippon Airways promotes their Airlines with a seemingly anime touch and feel to it to attract anime fans like me to fly Japan by ANA. Dunno what the heck's with the fairy tale kinda thing with Mozart and Princesses like characters but somehow it's kinda cool. One of the many reasons why anime captures the hearts of people with its creativity and unique way of presenting things to their audiences... Wished I'd go Japan one of these days...