The Kosen Bridge over the railroad tracks in Mitaka City, Tokyo, which is known as a favorite place for the writer Osamu Dazai, will be removed more than 90 years after its construction.

In the local area, efforts to convey the memory of this overpass to posterity through photographs and videos are spreading.

It was decided to remove the Kosen Bridge, which is located about 300 meters west of JR Mitaka Station and has a total length of about 90 meters.



Built by the Ministry of Railways at that time in 1945, it was built on the JR Chuo Line and the depot, and has been used by locals for many years as a living road connecting the north and south of Mitaka City.



It is also known as a favorite place visited by the writer Osamu Dazai, who spent his last years in Mitaka City. I am.

However, in June last year, JR East, which owns this bridge, announced a policy to remove it due to its aging and the nearby underpass connecting the north and south, and has been in discussions with the city.



According to Mitaka City, there was a proposal from JR to transfer it to a city that emphasizes cultural value free of charge, but the city declined and realized because it costs a lot of money for earthquake-resistant repair work and maintenance. did not do it.



The time when the removal will start has not been decided yet, but there are a lot of people who want to see it before the bridge disappears.



A man in his 60s said, "Osamu Dazai has a history of liking this place, so it's a bit sad to lose it."



In addition, a man in his thirties said, "I'm impressed when I think that various people have walked for more than 90 years, and I'm a little excited when I think that I'm looking at the same scenery as Dazai."

In the local area, efforts to pass on the memory of this bridge to future generations are spreading.



The printing and publishing company, which is located near the Kosenbashi and has introduced spots related to Dazai in the city, has decided to create a new booklet that records the history of the Kosenbashi.



Last December, when I asked for old photos of this bridge on the company's homepage, four people have sent me so far.

Of these, the photo taken in 1956 shows the children in the area gathering and playing, and it can be seen that this bridge has blended into their daily lives.



At this company, the employees also keep taking pictures of this bridge frequently, so they want to see it until the last time it is removed.

Nobuyoshi Kawai, chairman of the printing and publishing company "Bunshin," said, "It feels good to see Mt. Fuji from above and see the trains passing by one after another. I want to keep the memory that there was a bridge. "



In addition, Mitaka City will take over a part of the stairs of this bridge from JR East and save it at the current location, or record the entire bridge with VR = virtual reality video. I have decided.