Japan Keeps This Defunct Train Station Running for Just One Passenger

[yuiyoshida]

For years, there’s only been one passenger waiting at the Kami-Shirataki train station in the northernmost island of Hokkaido, Japan: A high-school girl, on her way to class. The train stops there only twice a day—once to pick up the girl and again to drop her off after the school day is over.

It sounds like a Hayao Miyazaki film. But according to CCTV News, it was a decision that Japan Railways—the group that operates the country’s railway network—made more than three years ago.

At that time, ridership at the Kami-Shirataki station had dramatically fallen because of its remote location, and freight service had ended there as well. Japan Railways was getting ready to shut the station down for good—until they noticed that it was still being used every day by the high-schooler. So they decided to keep the station open for her until she graduates. The company’s even adjusted the train’s timetable according to the girl’s schedule. The unnamed girl is expected to graduate this March, which is when the station will finally be closed.

People are tipping their hats to the Japanese government for making education a top priority. “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,” one commenter wrote on CCTV’s Facebook page. “This is the meaning of good governance penetrating right to the grassroot level. Every citizen matters. No Child left behind!”

http://www.citylab.com/commute/2016/01/japan-keeps-this-defunct-train-station-running-for-just-one-passenger/423273/

[Octafish]

1. Now THAT is how to treat students.

With respect. It's civilized and democratic.

Thank you for the wonderful story, yuiyoshida!

[daleanime]

2. Why not us?

[longship]

3. Great OP! R&K nt

[KittyWampus]

4. "why should I not want to die for a country like this when…."

I can never imagine myself using that phrase under any circumstances.

Laudable decision by the Japanese Government.

Though one wonders why Hokkaido is so devoid of populace.

Is everyone moving to the cities?

[geomon666]

5. Hokkaido is mostly agricultural land.

But it does have Sapporo which is one of Japan's largest cities. I think it has more to do with people moving to the mainland and aging populace. People would rather work in the cities than work in the fields.

[Lucky Luciano]

6. Rough winters up there!

[Turbineguy]

7. Hokkaido

is a beautiful place. Interestingly enough, the people are larger than the rest of Japan. I was told it was the diet.

[yuiyoshida]

8. Must be those famous

Hokkaido Potatoes I keep reading about! I heard they are yummy too!

[CanSocDem]

9. mmmmmm...

Nice OP too.



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