Japan was set to shut down an unused train station — until they received a plea from one girl

Time and again, we see hardworking people find support from those who walk alongside them, forging a shared path despite the struggles. A similar incident occurred in one of Japan’s remotest villages when authorities decided to continue railway services for a single traveler—a schoolgirl. Yes, you read that right! The renowned, highly efficient train network of the country was dedicated to ensuring that a young traveler named Kana Harada received a timely education. The old Shirataki Station on Japan’s Hokkaido island was set to be demolished in 2016—until authorities heard from their only passenger and decided to delay the closure, as reported by Bloomberg.

A local photographer from Japan—who goes by @kikou9186 on X (formerly Twitter)—traveled all the way to Old Shirataki Station in 2015 before its demolition. They shared a few pictures of the site, which had been established due to strong community demand. “The only user of this station, a high school student, will graduate next spring, so the station will be abolished then as well,” remarked the photographer, showcasing a glimpse of the snow-capped railway station. “The station was created to ensure the convenience of children's commute to school,” read a loosely translated post by another microblogger (@foxnumber6), originally written in Japanese.

Initially, students relied on trains to travel from one place to another. In fact, their parents even requested Japan Railways to keep the station running despite having only a handful of passengers. Over time, ridership at Kyu-Shirataki and a few neighboring stations declined dramatically due to its remote location. It eventually reached a point where only a single commuter remained, and she had a fixed travel schedule.

To accommodate the schoolgirl’s timings, the train started to stop there only a few times a day—either to pick her up or drop her off after school hours. After considering all options, the company responsible for managing the railway network decided to keep the station operational until March 2016. The local authorities wanted to ensure the young student could complete her graduation by then, per the outlet. Moreover, the officials involved in the initial demolition plans were moved by Harada’s story.

The decision aimed to recognize her dedication to attaining education despite the hardships, from living in a remote location to relying on freight services. In fact, her inspiring tale was widely publicized in the global press, lauding her values and passion for seeking education. "Every day, only two trains stop at Kami-Shirataki Station, following a unique timetable based on when the girl needs to go to and return from school," reported CGTN.

Following Harada’s graduation, train services at the old Shirataki Station were halted, and it reportedly became part of the country’s widely discussed disappearing rural railroads. Among the many people who reacted to the widely shared post by microbloggers, @Cry0nicS said, “It’s quite impressive! Faith in humanity restored.” “Salute to Japan’s government,” @NaveenY00287645 added. Others also praised the authorities for their thoughtful gesture in accommodating the school girl’s needs.