Everything Under The Sun: Japan Closes A Rail Link

The railway station at Kyu-shirataki.

Here's something that you don't see very often. A series of three railway stations was kept open to allow one girl to complete her education. No, it didn't happen here in the US. We can't even update our train service to the same level as other developed countries, much less grasp the concept of making sure that one student completes her education. This actually happened in Japan.

The three stations, Kami-shirataki, Kyu-shirataki, and Shimo-shirataki, are end of the line stations of which most riders had little awareness, except for the student who used them to get to school. However, on March 25, these stations became an international phenomenon when they were finally taken off-line due to the student's graduation.

As far as train stations are concerned, the Kyu-shiratiaki station was just the bare minimum, a shack beside the tracks, with a bench inside, attached to the wall. This was the very station from which the female student had departed every day. The station was so small that the many visitors who came to witness the last train's voyage down the tracks had to be accommodated with tents set up next to the station. They were serving free milk and sweet potatoes to those who stopped by.

Inside the bare shed with a bench, there was a bouquet of flowers and a timetable that announced the four times a day that the train came through. The very last train was due at 4:53 and it was on time as it pulled into the station. It had a number of passengers, who were taking this ride for the very last time. The locals had deeply thoughtful facial expressions, since beyond this day, railroad travel in this area would just be a memory.

Then it was on to Kami-shirataki. Here the station was a bit bigger, so many miles away from the nearest station. There were banners inside and outside, congratulating the station on its long years of service.

Finally, the train stopped at Shimo-shirataki for the last time. This station had been in operation for 87 years and is known for being one of the most remote in Japan. There are cattle ranches and buildings scattered among the landscape, not really very plentiful in number.

Then the train reached Shirataki station, a busier station on the route that will remain open. The distinction is that this station has more modern amenities, and instead of being completely wooden, had the benefit of aluminum siding. The timetable on the wall attests to more frequent stops, eleven in all each day.

Inside the food tent at Kyu-shirataki.

Similar to what happens in other countries, the Japanese people are on the move. Younger people seek out opportunities in more populated areas, the places where jobs are available for those fortunate enough to have more education. They leave behind their elders, who eke out a living in remoter corners of the country, sometimes with the sweat of their own physical labor. As their numbers dwindle, we witness the demise of their connection with the booming areas of the country, that connection becoming a memory.