Aichi Loop Line

The Aichi Loop Line (愛知環状鉄道線, Aichi Kanjō Tetsudō-sen; 'Aichi Loop Railway Line') is a Japanese railway line connecting Okazaki Station in Okazaki and Kōzōji Station in Kasugai. It is the sole line operated by the third-sector Aichi Loop Railway (愛知環状鉄道, Aichi Kanjō Tetsudō). The line and operating company are both abbreviated as Aikan (愛環).

First proposed in 1927 by the amended Railway Construction Act, the line was originally planned to connect Okazaki to Tajimi, Gifu Prefecture. The line was constructed by the Japan Railway Construction Public Corporation from 1965 to 1970, and opened as a line of the Japanese National Railways on October 1, 1970. Due to financial deficits, the line was transferred to the third-sector company Aichi Loop Railway in 1988. Since then, the company has partially duplicated the line. Shares of the company are held partially by public sector entities such as Aichi Prefecture and Toyota City along with private companies. Unlike typical third-sector lines in Japan, the Aichi Loop Line makes a profit, as it functions as commuter rail for nearby Toyota Motor factories and offices.

Despite its name, and unlike other loop lines in Japan, the line is a not a true loop; however, it can be said to complete a loop with the JR Tokaido Line and Chuo Line serving as other portions of the circle.