October 14th, which is known as “Railway Day”, marks the 150th anniversary of the opening of the railway. Toshi Otsuki, 81, from Kawame, Morioka City, displays items from the former Japanese National Railways era at his home to coincide with milestones. Mr. Otsuki, who worked with his late husband Ryosuke (deceased), who served as the stationmaster of various parts of the prefecture during the days of the former Japanese National Railways, has made efforts to promote the use of the station.
The table in the living room is lined with train head marks, scissors for cutting tickets, nails for fixing rails to sleepers, JNR flags, armbands and badges worn by drivers and others. More than 100 pieces can be seen around the house, including those given by Ryosuke’s colleagues.
The tour is open until the end of this month. For inquiries, please contact Mr. Otsuki (019-653-5536).
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For details, please see the Iwate Nippo article dated October 10.
