Remote Japanese Train Station Operated for One Student’s Commute

In a remarkable display of commitment to education and community, Kyu-Shirataki Station in the remote town of Engaru, located on Japan’s northernmost main island of Hokkaido, remained operational for years to accommodate just one student. Opened in 1947 and managed by JR Hokkaido, this train station became a symbol of the challenges faced by rural communities as it continued to serve its sole passenger, Kana Harada, until her graduation.

By 2015, Kyu-Shirataki Station had fallen into disuse, prompting JR Hokkaido to consider its closure due to dwindling passenger numbers. Situated on the Sekihoku Main Line, the station was surrounded by a sparsely populated area with only 36 residents. Harada was the lone student who relied on the station for her daily commute to Hokkaido Engaru High School, approximately 35 kilometers away. Without train service, she would have faced a lengthy 73-minute walk each way.

Recognizing the importance of accessible education, JR Hokkaido decided to keep the station operational until Harada graduated in March 2016. On her daily journeys, she often shared the train with fellow students, highlighting the station’s role as a vital link for local youth. After Harada’s graduation, Kyu-Shirataki Station closed its doors, marking the end of nearly 70 years of service.

The last day of operation was commemorated with a heartfelt farewell. Local news outlet SoraNews24 reported on the event, noting that community members gathered to bid farewell to the worn wooden structure, adorned with a paper banner that read: “Kyu-Shirataki Station, 69 Years, Thank You.” For the occasion, a bouquet of flowers was placed on the station’s bench, and free refreshments were provided to attendees.

As the final train arrived at 16:53 bound for Ashikawa, locals celebrated the station’s legacy. Despite its humble appearance, featuring a single incandescent light bulb and a simple timetable showing just four daily train stops, Kyu-Shirataki Station represented a dedication to education that resonated with those in the community.

In stark contrast to this poignant story, China recently celebrated the opening of the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, the world’s tallest bridge, on September 28. While Japan’s Kyu-Shirataki Station closed due to changing societal needs and demographics, the bridge symbolizes modern engineering advancements and the rapid development seen in urban areas.

The tale of Kyu-Shirataki Station serves as a reminder of the significance of infrastructure in rural communities and the lengths to which local residents will go to ensure that education remains accessible. It stands as a testament to the value of community and the impact of a single individual on preserving a crucial service.