In a remote spot of Hokkaido, Japan, a small train station became a symbol of dedication and community spirit. Kyu-Shirataki station, had found itself near closing as technology in more populated areas helped trains do more and get to places faster than this aging station could. So the decision to close the station was a necessary one.
But, instead of closing immediately since it had no passengers, it continued to operate for one significant reason: to ensure a young girl could commute to school. For years, Kyu-Shirataki train station in Hokkaido, Japan, served a single regular passenger: a high-school girl commuting to class. This unique situation saw trains stopping at the station only a few times a day, primarily to transport the student to and from school.
Kana makes her wait through snow to the last running train in her remote town. Photo from YouTube
Kyu-Shirataki station, along with several nearby stations, experienced a dramatic decline in ridership due to its remote location. Freight services had also ceased. However, the station remained vital for students, whose parents requested that the company keep it operational. Japan Railways agreed to continue running the station until March, the end of the fiscal year, coinciding with the student’s graduation, according to railway staff.
The Japanese government received praise for prioritizing education. One commenter on CCTV’s Facebook page wrote, “Why should I not want to die for a country like this when the government is ready to go an extra mile just for me… Every citizen matters. No Child left behind!”
On the other hand, some expressed concern over the struggles of rural railways in Japan. The country faces numerous challenges, including a declining birthrate, an aging population, and a potential population decrease by a third by 2060. These issues contribute to a surplus of vacant housing and a shrinking workforce, impacting the nation’s railroad system.
Japan’s high-speed rail network continues to expand, reaching remote areas and rendering many older, less advanced railways obsolete. Kyu-Shirataki station is located in Engaru, a rural part of Hokkaido that has seen the closure of at least 20 rail lines in recent decades, according to Fortune.
Kana rides the train alone. Photo from YouTube
Kana’s story went viral. Without the train, Kana would have faced a 73-minute walk to catch an express train to school. Even with the train, her commute was challenging, with only four daily trains, two of which aligned with her school schedule, limiting her ability to participate in extracurricular activities.
In March, Kana graduated, and the rail company honored their commitment to keep the station open until her graduation. After 69 years of service, the final train passed through Kyu-Shirataki station, marking its closure. The final event was modest, attended by local residents and some media, but it lacked the extensive coverage from earlier in the year.
What an amazing story that highlights the kindness of people, and the need to better keep up on allowing access to necessary things for those who live in remote areas. Watch below for a look at this amazing train and it’s one-and-only teenage passenger.
Sources: Bloomberg | Global Citizen
