Train Station Kept Open for One Student in Japan

Hokkaido, Japan – In a heartwarming tale of dedication and community spirit, the Kyu-Shirataki train station in rural Hokkaido remained open for an 18-year-old high school student, Kana Harada, even as it faced closure due to low ridership.

The story begins with a challenging reality for Kyu-Shirataki station, which, like many rural stations in Japan, struggled to maintain operational viability amidst dwindling passenger numbers. The railway company, faced with the tough decision to close the station, discovered that Kana Harada was the only regular commuter relying on this remote stop.

Kana, a diligent high school student commuting daily to her school, had become the symbol of the station’s purpose. In an extraordinary gesture of support for Kana’s education, the railway company made the decision to keep the station open exclusively for her until her graduation in March 2016. This decision not only ensured her daily commute but also highlighted the company’s commitment to fostering educational opportunities in the face of financial constraints.

While there were a few occasional users of the station in the afternoons, Kana remained the sole scheduled commuter. Her dedication to her studies and the company’s determination to support her became a poignant symbol of community solidarity.

After Kana graduated and moved to pursue her nursing studies, the station, along with two other nearby stations—Kami-Shirataki and Shimo-Shirataki—was closed as initially planned. The decision to close the stations was driven by the continued challenge of maintaining these routes with insufficient ridership.

The Kyu-Shirataki station story stands out as a shining example of how communities and organizations can come together to support their members, even when faced with difficult economic decisions. It underscores Japan’s commitment to education and the lengths to which some will go to ensure that students have the resources they need to succeed.

As we look back on this story, it serves as a reminder of the power of community and the impact of small, heartfelt gestures in making a significant difference in someone’s life.