In Japan, by contrast, the Shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo to Osaka costs around Y14,000 (~US$140), every day, all the time. So at unpopular times, the trains are half empty, because people fly or take highway buses or drive instead, all of which are slower and less environmentally friendly, but deregulated and thus cheaper. I find this offensive on the deepest level.
The consumer only stands to lose. Travel at a busy time and pay more. Travel at normal times for normal fares. Travel at low times for... normal fares.
I think you got tricked into believing that you are getting a deal. You are not. The "dirt cheap" fare is what the regular/full fare should be, it's not a promotion or a good deal.
The problem with Shinkansen pricing is that its always expensive. There is no surge pricing,but the baseline price is still too expensive. That is an entirely different problem altogether.
Why? Just because you say so?
What if the "dirt cheap" fare, offered all the time, wouldn't even cover the costs of running the line?
Is your salary higher than you absolutely need to survive? If so, how do you justify your demand-based rate hike?
In the UK on the other hand, all train lines are private,and they charge whatever they like if there is demand. So a morning train to London will cost hundreds of pounds if bought 5 minutes before departure,but only 20 pounds if bought 3 months in advance. I find this offensive on the deepest level. I understand that this is how capitalism works,but it is against human freedom and flexibility, in order to do nothing else but maximize corporate profits.