The two-tone Sapporo streetcar, once a familiar sight, had vanished. A crowdfunding campaign launched to revive that classic color scheme has successfully concluded, far exceeding its initial goal. The Sapporo Streetcar Series 240, car number 243, has been restored to its former glory and is scheduled to operate until May 2024.

A Nostalgic Color Scheme Cherished by Sapporo Citizens

The two-tone streetcars, featuring "Desert Cream" and "Light Green," began service in the 1950s. By the 1970s, when all cars were converted to one-person operation, the red line in the center of the body was changed to white. Despite its pop color palette, the sight of these streetcars blending into the city landscape is etched in the memories of many. This was once the standard color for the city's trams, but as they aged, they were gradually replaced by new models, and the last two-tone streetcar was retired in 2021.

The restored Series 240, car number 243

A Fundraising Period with Ups and Downs, Supported by Residents Along the Line

The "Hokkaido Railway Tourism Resources Study Group" (led by Shigeru Nagayama), a group of local railway enthusiasts, took the initiative to bring back this nostalgic city scene. However, reaching the goal was not always a smooth ride.

"Right after the project started, we didn't see the growth we expected, and we felt anxious and impatient," says Satoshi Wada, a member of the group and a well-known city-walking researcher. As the second half of the campaign began, they focused on grassroots efforts like distributing flyers to residents and shops along the streetcar line. With the cooperation of the Sapporo City Transportation Promotion Corporation, valuable new rewards for backers were also offered.

Mr. Wada standing next to the retro-colored streetcar

Goal Surpassed! Crowdfunding a Huge Success

Thanks to the efforts of many, the crowdfunding campaign, which launched in May 2023, raised approximately 7.24 million yen in about two months, significantly surpassing the initial goal of 5.5 million yen. "We truly felt the deep affection that not only railway fans but also local residents have for the streetcar," said a project official. About 10% of the supporters were residents of Sapporo's Chuo Ward, and there was even an inquiry by postcard from a hearing-impaired individual asking how to contribute.

The white stripe indicating a "one-man car" has also been reproduced