ARTICLES
Bringing Back the Nostalgic Two-Tone Sapporo Streetcar! What is the "Sapporo Streetcar Revival Color Project"?
A Grand Finale for Car No. 243, 63 Years After its Debut
The streetcar is an indispensable part of the history of Sapporo's development. A beloved mode of transport for citizens for over 100 years, its cars were once all painted in a two-tone scheme of "Desert Cream" and "Light Green." Many people have fond memories of streetcars in these colors. Car No. 243, set to retire next spring, debuted in 1960. While it has undergone repeated repairs and renovations, it remains the only car whose body and bogies were all manufactured in Hokkaido.
"We want to repaint this precious car in its classic two-tone colors to give it a grand send-off into retirement." With this love and gratitude for the streetcar, the "Hokkaido Railway Tourism Resources Study Group" (led by Shigeru Nagayama), a group of local railway enthusiasts, has launched a crowdfunding campaign.
Car No. 243, which will be retired next March
A Nostalgic Cityscape May Return to the Developing Streets of Sapporo
Since the retirement of Car M101 in 2021, not a single two-tone streetcar has been running. "We want to repaint this traditional railway car, which is nearing retirement, in its classic colors to revive its historical value as a piece of railway heritage. We hope it will remain in the memories of many people," says group leader Nagayama.
One streetcar driver shared his hopes, saying, "I thought the streetcar was seen as just a means of transportation, but I'm so happy to hear this kind of sentiment from the citizens. I truly hope the project succeeds and that Car No. 243 gets a spectacular retirement."
Shigeru Nagayama (left), head of the Hokkaido Railway Tourism Resources Study Group, and member Satoru Wada (right), also known as a "town walking researcher"
The well-used driver's cab
Car No. 243 was repainted to its current color in 1994, but its rounded shape and curved single-pane front window have been recognized as the "Sapporo Style" since its debut. It is even said to have influenced the design of the first-generation cars of the Namboku subway line.
The project runs until June 30, and if the goal is met, the car will return to its traditional appearance for the first time in about 30 years. Amidst the changing scenery, a heroic figure from the past may just make a comeback.
Crowdfunding "Sapporo Streetcar Revival Color PJ | Let's Send Off a Retiring Car in its Classic Colors"
https://readyfor.jp/projects/sapporo243
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Writer's Profile
Magazine & Book Editor/Writer
Kyohei Yamashita
While working in program production at a radio station, he began producing fanzines and writing for magazines. He later joined a publishing house as an editor, where he worked on a variety of articles, mainly for a city information magazine. His hobbies include cooking, mountain climbing, river fishing, and exploring Sapporo's stone monuments. He lives in and deeply loves Sapporo's Minami Ward.
"Domingo Local Topics" brings you the charm of various regions through the "raw voices" of local people. From unique local shops and student initiatives to community-built events, the content varies by region. We deliver stories from the community that will make you feel closer to the local scene and want to visit.
