The German ICE trains are about the most comfortable I've been on. The Norwegian Flytoget service is rather comfortable too, though you do need a second mortgage to travel on it.

While I love the Shinkansen, and the sheer volume of people it manages to transport, the seats are a little on the small side for me. There were some services (I forget which - Sakura?) further West on the Tokaido Shinkansen which gave passengers with reservations green-car seating in standard class, which was really rather pleasant.

On the TGV, some sets really need some TLC, but my favourite is the downstairs first class on the Duplex. No through traffic, and so it's blissfully peaceful. One of the best things about the TGV Sud-Est is the sheer variety of the landscape - you get a constantly changing view as you gaze out the window - a fantastic microcosm of a beautiful country.

I quite like the new Javelin (High-Speed commuter service in Kent) in the UK. It's obviously Japanese built, but the comfort is excellent for a commuter service. Very solid, comfortable feeling trains.