Kitetetsu Work No. 9: "The Train, the Footbridge, and Me"

Starting to get into the Isaribi Railway.

Source: Post by @_yuzu_40

It all started when I saw a train car I love for its cute shape (the Kiha 40 series) in a restored livery inspired by the JNR (Japanese National Railways) era and thought, "What a cute color scheme!" Immediately after, I began to think, "This color combination would make a really cute outfit."

As an aside, I also remembered a university friend who created her presentation slides for an academic conference using the color scheme of her favorite anime character. At that moment, I thought, "So this is the feeling she had when she was so joyfully mimicking those colors!"

I first traveled around Hokkaido on a whim using the "Go To Travel" campaign, and I fell in love after being deeply moved by the magnificent landscapes and the romance of its history and pioneering spirit.

To savor these experiences repeatedly on my own, I found that traveling by public transport is more economical than renting a car, so I often take train journeys. The more I visit, the more I appreciate the romance of the north, and the land transforms into a different world with each changing season. My love for Hokkaido naturally grows as I seek out these things.

The scenery from the train window, or the railways and stations themselves (including abandoned lines and station ruins), feels like a museum, offering glimpses into the lives and footsteps of the people who built Hokkaido from the Meiji to the Showa eras. I love that about it.

"The view from the train in Southern Hokkaido that I want to pass on to future generations." Source: Post by @_yuzu_40

Sekihoku Main Line, Kitami Station, Local train bound for Abashiri, Kiha 40 Series

This is the color scheme that inspired me to start Kitetetsu, so it holds a special place in my heart.

There are only two cars with this livery in the vast expanse of Hokkaido, so it was difficult to encounter one. I wasn't very knowledgeable about trains before, but I studied train operations (*) in order to meet, ride, and take a photo with this car. As a result, I predicted that I would have a high chance of seeing it if I stayed in Kitami for a few days. So, I stayed in Kitami for about three days, observed and predicted the car's movements, and was able to meet it according to plan. This photo was taken when I rode it then.

*This refers to which specific car (and its color) is assigned to which train at what time. It often follows a cycle, so by observing one day's operations, one can often predict the schedule for several days ahead.

Sekihoku Main Line, Kitami Station, Local train bound for Asahikawa, Kiha 40 Series

This is the most standard color for JR Hokkaido and my favorite among all the liveries painted on the Kiha 40 series nationwide.

While it's easy to come across this train as there are many in Hokkaido, finding clothes in this particular color scheme was not. The bluish-purple of the skirt, in particular, is a very subtle shade, and it took me several months of searching through apparel stores and flea market apps to find it. I like this outfit because it's easy to wear as everyday clothing. Perhaps because it was a Hokkaido-colored outfit that suited my style, a follower I had never met before recognized me and approached me just from seeing me wearing it on the train.

When you wear the colors of something you love or are a fan of, you can transform simple activities like choosing clothes or riding a train into exciting events. I started this hobby for my own satisfaction, but I would be overjoyed if you, the readers, also enjoy seeing it.

There may be some of you who are already doing something similar, and I would love to see works from many different people, so please give it a try if you have the chance.