One last journey for Japan's oldest steam train
 

Japan's oldest operating steam locomotive made its last run in the Kyushu southwestern region on March 23, drawing crowds of train fans and local residents to bid farewell at stations and along the tracks.

The SL Hitoyoshi train with the 101-year-old steam locomotive made a final round trip between Kumamoto Station in Kumamoto Prefecture and Hakata Station in Fukuoka Prefecture. The three-car train was driven by a diesel locomotive from Kumamoto to Hakata in the morning, and the steam locomotive pulled the train on the 120-kilometer return trip for nearly four hours in the afternoon.

A special event was held at Hakata Station before 2 p.m. to commemorate the trip.

"We hope you will imprint the majestic SL Hitoyoshi on your memories," Hiroyuki Fukunaga, head of the railway business division of Kyushu Railway Co., or JR Kyushu, said in a speech.

The train arrived back at Kumamoto Station shortly past 5:30 p.m. amid the applause of about 500 spectators.

The railway operator decided to retire the SL Hitoyoshi due to its aging and difficulties in securing train parts and mechanics.

The 8620-class steam locomotive was manufactured in 1922 during Japan's Taisho Era (1912-1926). It was retired in 1975 but has made two comebacks — first as the Aso BOY sightseeing train, which was in service between 1988 and 2005, and later as the SL Hitoyoshi, which has carried a total of about 410,000 passengers since 2009.

After the Hisatsu Line was damaged in a heavy rain disaster in 2020, the SL Hitoyoshi was used on the Kagoshima Line.

Some municipalities along the train route have requested that the SL Hitoyoshi be displayed after its retirement. JR Kyushu said it is considering the request.

Source : https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2024/03/30/lifestyle/jiji-life-steam-train-final-journey/

Comprehension

Where did Japan's oldest operating steam locomotive make its last run?
What was the name of the train that made the final round trip?
How long did the steam locomotive pull the train on the return trip?
Why did the railway operator decide to retire the SL Hitoyoshi?
In what year was the 8620-class steam locomotive manufactured?
How many passengers has the SL Hitoyoshi carried since 2009?
What happened to the Hisatsu Line in 2020?
What are some municipalities along the train route requesting from JR Kyushu?

Discussion

Have you ever seen a steam locomotive in person? What was your experience like?
Why do you think people are interested in old trains like the SL Hitoyoshi?
How do you think the retirement of the SL Hitoyoshi will affect the local community?
What are some ways to preserve historical vehicles like the SL Hitoyoshi?
Have you ever taken a scenic train ride? What made it special?
How does the SL Hitoyoshi's history reflect Japan's development?
What role do you think trains play in connecting people and places?
Should historical vehicles like the SL Hitoyoshi be preserved for future generations?
How can events like the SL Hitoyoshi's final run bring people together?
What can we learn from the SL Hitoyoshi's story about the importance of preservation and nostalgia?

Vocabulary

Operating - to control or manage the use of something, like a machine or a system.
Commemorate- to celebrate or honor an event or occasion with a ceremony or activity.
Majestic- grand, beautiful, and impressive.
Retire- to stop working or using something because it is old or no longer needed.
Securing- to obtain or make sure of something, like parts or mechanics.
Sightseeing- the activity of visiting and looking at interesting places, especially while on vacation.
Damaged- to harm or destroy something, like a building or a road.
Considering- to think carefully about something, like a request or an idea.