At JR Kyushu’s Kumamoto General Rolling Stock Depot, the transportation of the Kyushu Shinkansen “Tsubame,” a train damaged in the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake, was open to the public.
This train had been stored for many years due to distortion of its bogies caused by a derailment in the earthquake.
To mark the 15th anniversary of the Kyushu Shinkansen’s full opening and the upcoming 10th anniversary of the Kumamoto earthquake, JR Kyushu planned an event to preserve the memory of the disaster and express gratitude to residents along the line.
The train, untouched for 10 years, will be repaired for peeling paint and stains and will travel around the country as part of the “Tsubame’s Great Adventure.”
A representative commented, “Many people are unaware that the train still exists. We want to make it a symbol of recovery by inspiring people.” The train will be transported to Kumamoto Port from late night on the 28th, sailing along the Kyushu coast before heading to Fukuoka.
It will be displayed in the Hakata Station Plaza illuminated from the 10th of next month, allowing the restored “Tsubame” to be seen again.
