Remote Japanese Train Station Closes After Serving One Student

In a remarkable tale of community commitment, the nearly abandoned Kyu-Shirataki Station in Engaru, Hokkaido, Japan, remained operational for years to serve one dedicated student. Opened in 1947, the station operated on the Sekihoku Main Line and became a lifeline for high school student Kana Harada, who relied on it for her daily commute. As the only student using the station to attend Hokkaido Engaru High School, located approximately 22 miles away, Harada’s presence ultimately influenced the decision to keep the station open until her graduation in March 2016.

By 2015, Kyu-Shirataki Station had fallen into disuse, prompting JR Hokkaido to consider its closure due to low passenger numbers. The station served a sparsely populated area with only 36 residents, and without the train service, Harada would have faced a daunting 73-minute walk to school. The unique circumstances surrounding her daily journey captured public interest, leading to a change in plans.

Despite the station’s impending closure, JR Hokkaido decided to keep Kyu-Shirataki Station operational until Harada graduated. On her last day commuting, the station was filled with other students, as several passengers boarded the train with her, highlighting the strong community ties formed around her routine.

Farewell to a Unique Landmark

When Harada graduated, the station closed its doors for the final time, marking the end of nearly 70 years of service. The station structure, described as a worn-down wooden shed with a single bare light bulb, was demolished in October 2016. The local community came together to commemorate the occasion, as documented by SoraNews24, which reported on the heartfelt farewell attended by many. A tent was set up to offer free milk and sweet potatoes to attendees, and decorations included a banner reading, “Kyu-Shirataki Station, 69 Years, Thank You.”

A bouquet of flowers adorned a well-worn bench, while a timetable displayed the four daily train stops at the station. The final train, scheduled to depart at 16:53 for Ashikawa, arrived on time, marking a poignant moment in the lives of those present.

The story of Kyu-Shirataki Station stands in stark contrast to the rapid developments in transportation elsewhere, such as the recent opening of the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge in Guizhou Province, China. The completion of this bridge, which began construction in 2022, highlights the differences in infrastructure priorities between urban and rural areas.

As Kyu-Shirataki Station closes, it leaves behind a legacy of community spirit and commitment to education, reminding us of the importance of accessible transportation for even the most remote regions.