News On Japan

The Town Where the Steam Locomotives Vanished

Shizuoka, Jan 21 (News On Japan) - The Oigawa Railway, running through Shizuoka Prefecture, is a local train line famous for its steam locomotives (SL). However, services were suspended in the wake of devastating Typhoon No. 15 in September 2022. More than a year later, the section in Kawanehon remains out of operation, and the once-familiar sight of steam locomotives has disappeared from the town.

With Oigawa Railway struggling financially and the future of service resumption uncertain, local residents have begun to take action. The documentary focuses on the current state of the town, where people are longing for the day when their beloved steam locomotives will run again.

This absence has left a noticeable void in the daily life of the town. Efforts to revive the railway are not just about restoring a mode of transport but also about reclaiming a piece of the town's soul and identity. The documentary delves into the emotions of the locals, their stories intertwined with the railway, and their determination to see the steam locomotives return.

Source: ANN

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