Text by / MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Team, compiled and reported
 
A station in Hokkaido, Japan, “Kamishibunai,” which used to have only one passenger, is now on the verge of closure as that sole passenger is set to graduate from high school at the end of this month, officially becoming history.

In the past, due to freight transportation, the Hokkaido Kamishibunai Station was in operation, but as freight gradually declined, train services were also reduced. Coupled with inconvenient connections at the station, few people used it, so locals began calling it “the station with only one passenger,” “the lonely station,” and “the one-girl station.” Currently, there is only one high school girl who uses the station, and as she is set to graduate in spring 2016, the Kamishibunai Station will also be closed. Some are calling it a real-life fairy tale, sparking widespread discussion in Japan.

Upon investigation, the truth seems less heartwarming than the rumors suggest. Although “Kamishibunai,” “Usushinai,” and “Kanashinai” — the three stations in question — are indeed scheduled to close on March 26, the reason is not because of the female student, but rather due to JR Hokkaido’s “operational rationalization.” Regardless, the rumor that the station was kept running for the girl has added a touch of romance to this soon-to-be-closed station.
 

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