Railway Diamond Information

『鉄道ダイヤ情報』 (Railway Diamond Information), commonly abbreviated as DJ, is a monthly Japanese magazine for railway enthusiasts published by Kotsu Shimbunsha Co., Ltd. First launched in 1972 under the name 『SLダイヤ情報』 (SL Diamond Information) with a focus on steam locomotive photography, it was renamed to its current title in 1976 after the end of regular steam operations, and became a monthly publication in 1985. The magazine is known for its detailed train diagrams (daiya) and extensive coverage of JR Group trains, including temporary and event services. It is published on the 15th of each month, the earliest among monthly railway magazines, though from 2023 the release date was changed to the 21st to align with timetable releases. The magazine often includes fold-out supplements featuring diagrams for JR East and JR West lines. In December 2016, Kotsu Shimbunsha launched the smartphone app 'DJ鉄道楽ナビ' (DJ Tetsudōraku Navi), which provides information that missed the print deadline, as well as features like 'Vehicle Bed' for searching train depots and 'Simultaneous Up/Down Line Display' linked with 'Digital JR Timetable Lite'. In April 2026, the app was renewed and renamed to '鉄道ダイヤ情報'. The magazine is a key product of Kotsu Shimbunsha, a company established in 1958 and headquartered in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, whose shareholders include the JR Group companies and SoftBank.

『鉄道ダイヤ情報』 was first published in 1972 as 『SLダイヤ情報』 (SL Diamond Information), a magazine focused on steam locomotive (SL) photography, with the tagline '国鉄協力' (Japan National Railways cooperation). At that time, steam locomotives were still in operation, and the magazine catered to enthusiasts wanting to photograph them. After the complete withdrawal of steam locomotives from regular service in 1976, the magazine was renamed to 『鉄道ダイヤ情報』 (Railway Diamond Information) to reflect its broader focus on railway operations and diagrams. In 1985, it became a monthly publication (月刊化). The magazine is published by Kotsu Shimbunsha, a company established in 1958 that also publishes the official JR timetable 『JR時刻表』. This connection gives the magazine access to official information from the JR Group, and it is known for publishing diagrams of temporary trains, event trains, and other special movements. A notable feature is the fold-out supplement containing train diagrams, primarily for JR East and JR West lines, which was moved from the main text to a fold-out format in 2001 to improve readability. The magazine has also spawned related publications such as MOOKs and books under the DJ brand. In December 2016, Kotsu Shimbunsha launched the smartphone app 'DJ鉄道楽ナビ' (DJ Tetsudōraku Navi), which provides supplementary information and interactive features. In April 2026, the app was renewed and renamed to '鉄道ダイヤ情報'. The magazine has been featured on radio programs, with editors appearing to discuss railway news. As of 2023, the release date was changed from the 15th to the 21st of each month, aligning with timetable releases.

• 2026

  App renewed and renamed to '鉄道ダイヤ情報'.

• 2023

  Release date changed from 15th to 21st of each month.

• 2016

  Smartphone app 'DJ鉄道楽ナビ' launched.

• 2001

  Train diagrams moved to fold-out supplement format.

• 1985

  Became a monthly publication.

• 1976

  Renamed to 『鉄道ダイヤ情報』 after steam locomotive withdrawal.

• 1972

  First published as 『SLダイヤ情報』 (SL Diamond Information).

A specialized railway enthusiast magazine focusing on train diagrams and JR Group information, published by a company with close ties to the railway industry.

• 月刊鉄道ダイヤ情報

  Monthly magazine for railway enthusiasts.

• 鉄道ダイヤ情報MOOK

  Special issue books under the DJ brand.

• DJ鉄ぶらブックス

  Book series related to railway travel.

• DJプラチナ

  Premium issue series.

• 今さら聞けない鉄道の基礎知識

  Book on railway basics.

• DJ鉄道楽ナビ

  Smartphone app for railway information.

1. 1鉄道ダイヤ情報 | 出版物 | 株式会社交通新聞社kotsu.co.jp
2. 2会社沿革 | 株式会社交通新聞社kotsu.co.jp
3. 3会社概要 | 株式会社交通新聞社kotsu.co.jp
4. 4鉄道ダイヤ情報 - Wikipediaja.wikipedia.org
5. 5歴史 | 出版物 | 株式会社交通新聞社kotsu.co.jp
6. 6鐵路運轉情報wikidata.org