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A Mysterious Black Fluffball Looms at a Crossing Near an Abandoned Station! What Is It?
A black creature, seemingly crouched in front of a railroad crossing that's no longer in use. This black fluffball was discovered by X user "Stationmaster Tomekichi Yamamoto" (@Y_Tomekiti). What on earth could it be?
Something's sleeping
In the comments,
"What... is this..."
"There's a fluffy thing-"
"A raccoon?"
Many users were trying to guess the identity of the black fluffball. So, what was it really? We spoke with the original poster, "Stationmaster Tomekichi Yamamoto," to find out.
The Black Fluffball's Identity is a... ?
What exactly was this creature?
Looking at your posts, it seems you visit train stations often. Do you have any particular favorites?
Although they're already closed, on the Rumoi Line, I liked the magnificent wooden station buildings like Togeshita Station and Kita-Ichiyan Station, as well as the platform-like feel of Mappu Station.
Also, while it's not a real station, I have a special fondness for "Ashimoi Station" (Ebijima Station), which was a set created for the NHK morning drama "Suzuran."
Ashimoi Station, which appeared in the NHK morning drama "Suzuran" (Photo courtesy of Stationmaster Tomekichi Yamamoto)
What is it about stations that you find so fascinating?
There are all sorts of stations, and each has its own charm. Personally, I especially like stations where you can feel the history, like from the era of the station building itself, or how the ticket and baggage claim windows remain even after the station has become unmanned. I also research building property markers as a hobby, so when I find one, I can't help but think, 'Yes!' (laughs)
Also, in the Hokkaido winter, it's so comforting when the stove in the waiting room is lit.
The stove in the waiting room of Chippubetsu Station (Photo courtesy of Stationmaster Tomekichi Yamamoto)
JR Mappu Station, Closed in 2023
Incidentally, Mappu Station, located in Numata Town, was decommissioned on March 31, 2023, when the Rumoi-Ishikari-Numata section of the JR Rumoi Main Line was closed. The poster, Stationmaster Tomekichi Yamamoto, along with illustrator "Shihatsu-chan," published a doujinshi (fanzine) based on the Rumoi Line in August 2023 titled "A Stroll to Every Station on the Rumoi Line (with Shihatsu-chan and the Stationmaster)."
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