Japan's oldest steam locomotive SL Hitoyoshi last run March 29th 13:46

On March 23rd, JR Kyushu's sightseeing train ``SL Hitoyoshi'' retired from service between Hakata Station and Kumamoto Station.

Many people rushed along the lines and at the stations to watch the final run.

Steam locomotives have run through Kyushu for over 100 years, having been retired and revived repeatedly.

We interviewed its history and the thoughts of those who loved SL.

(Kumamoto Broadcasting Station reporter Ayato Fujisaki)

Steam locomotive born in the Taisho era

The steam locomotive that pulled the SL Hitoyoshi was the 8620 class 58654, commonly known as the Hachiroku, which was completed on November 18, 1922.

According to JR Kyushu, it was built when domestic production of steam locomotives began in earnest, and is the oldest commercially operated locomotive in Japan.

After first being stationed at the Urakami Engine Depot in Nagasaki Prefecture, it was active in Fukuoka, Kagoshima, Oita, Saga, Kumamoto, and other parts of Kyushu.

In March 1975, more than 50 years after its completion, it completed its role and was carefully preserved at Yatake Station on the Hisatsu Line.

August 1988.

This steam locomotive was revived as the ``SL Aso Boy'' between Kumamoto Station on the Hohi Main Line and Miyaji Station in Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture.

The train has gained popularity because of the view from the window of the majestic Mt. Aso and the ability to enjoy the switchbacks that change the direction of travel when traveling on steep slopes, but due to aging parts, the train has been in operation for 17 years. He retired in August 2005.

However, in response to the voices of fans who wanted the SL to be revived, large-scale renovation work was carried out at the JR Kyushu factory in Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture, over a period of about two years.

Resurrected as SL Hitoyoshi, attracting many people

After maintenance was completed, the steam locomotive began operating as the ``SL Hitoyoshi'' in April 2009 between Kumamoto Station on the Kagoshima Main Line and Hitoyoshi Station on the Hisatsu Line in Hitoyoshi City, Kumamoto Prefecture.

It attracted tourists and locals alike with its gusts of steam, the high-pitched sound of the whistle, and the magnificent view of the nearby Kuma River.

However, due to the record-breaking heavy rains in July 2020, the Hisatsu Line had two bridges, the 205-meter-long "Kuma-gawa First Bridge" spanning the Kuma River, and the 179-meter-long "Second Kuma-gawa Bridge". was washed away.

In addition, the foundation of the track was washed away and other damage occurred at 450 locations, making the line unable to operate.

From May 2021, we changed the section of service and began running between Kumamoto Station on the Kagoshima Main Line and Tosu Station in Saga Prefecture.

However, the steam locomotive, which has been around 100 years since its completion, has deteriorated even further, and it has been difficult to secure parts and maintenance personnel, so it has been decided to end its operation.

Those who missed the last run

March 23rd.

SL Hitoyoshi is in its last commercial operation between Hakata Station and Kumamoto Station.

A departure ceremony was held at Hakata Station, and at around 1:50 p.m., the train departed for Kumamoto Station with a high-pitched whistle and steam.

A loud train whistle greeted the cheers of those along the line, and many people gathered at the stations to watch the final run.

The train arrived at Tamana Station in Tamana City, Kumamoto Prefecture around 4:50 p.m. and stopped for about 10 minutes.

A large number of families and railway fans gathered on the platform to bid farewell, taking commemorative photos and holding up panels saying things like ``Thank you for your hard work.''

As they departed, members of the local chorus sang ``Firefly Light'' to send them off.

A man in his 60s from the choir

said, ``It's a shame that the drive has come to an end.I would like to see a more energetic SL Hitoyoshi.''

Along the line in Kita Ward, Kumamoto City, huge 18-meter-long signs that read ``SL Hitoyoshi Thank You Goodbye'' were erected, and nearby residents gathered together.

At around 5:16 p.m., the train passed by with black smoke and a loud whistle, and the people who had gathered there saw it off by filming it on their smartphones and waving flags with SL Hitoyoshi written on it.

Mr. Yukio Ota (71), who installed the sign, said, ``

The final run, with all the black smoke, was the best. It felt like the people watching, the passengers, the engineer, and the locomotive had become one, and I was so happy. But it’s also lonely.”

Approximately four hours after leaving Hakata Station, SL Hitoyoshi arrived at its final stop, Kumamoto Station.

Approximately 500 people packed the platform.

A man who boarded the train said, ``

It was impressive to see people waving to everyone, both people along the line and locals, and I felt that this train was loved by everyone.I was really glad that I had some good memories at the end.''

The thoughts of those who support the operation

The steam locomotive then heads to the other terminal, the Kumamoto Rolling Stock Center in Nishi Ward, Kumamoto City.

This is where steam locomotives have undergone regular inspections and inspections by mechanics and engineers.

One of the mechanics I interviewed before the last run looked back on the work and said, ``Even though he's older than me, he was like my own child.''

Engineers and assistant engineers were waiting at the Kumamoto Vehicle Center.

Engineers wearing special light blue uniforms called ``Nappa uniforms'' and hats welcomed us.

The steam locomotive, shining black in the dark garage, underwent its final inspection.

The 12 engineers who lined up in front of the steam locomotive saluted for about 5 seconds, chanting "Two lines abreast!" and then bowed their heads, saying, "Thank you for your hard work."

Engineer Yasunori Okabe

: ``It was great seeing off people along the line, and I'm glad I was able to do my job.Actually, I want the train to run even longer.''

SL Hitoyoshi, which carried a total of 414,000 people, has completed its 15-year run.

Regarding the steam locomotive that towed the SL Hitoyoshi, JR Kyushu decided to transfer it to Hitoyoshi City free of charge in response to the city's request to ``display and preserve it.''

Citizens have welcomed the site, saying it will become a new tourist attraction.

The steam locomotive Hitoyoshi has become a part of Kyushu's scenery, with its powerful drive against a backdrop of lush greenery.

Even after its role as a running runner is over, it will remain in the memories of many people and continue to be loved.

(Broadcast on March 25th on “Kumaroku!” etc.)

Ayato Fujisaki ,

reporter for Kumamoto Broadcasting Station

Joined the station in 2021

After working in police and judicial affairs, he has been in charge of Kumamoto city government since August 2023.

Continues to cover economic issues such as recovery from heavy rains and railways.