In a world often driven by efficiency and cost-cutting, Japan once demonstrated an extraordinary act of compassion through the small Kyu-Shirataki Station on Hokkaido Island. Until 2016, this remote station remained in service solely to ensure one high school student could continue her education without hardship.
When freight services ended and passenger numbers dwindled, Japan Railways had initially planned to close the underused station. But after learning that local student Kana Harada relied on it for her daily commute to school, the company made a rare decision — to keep it running just for her.
For years, trains stopped only a few times each day: once in the morning to take Kana to school and again in the afternoon to bring her home. Without it, she would have faced a grueling 73-minute walk to reach the nearest express train.
Even with the station in operation, her commute was challenging — only four trains ran daily, and just two aligned with her school schedule. This meant no after-school activities and occasional sprints from class to catch the final train of the day.
Despite the operational inconvenience, the station became her most reliable link to education. Finally, in March 2016, Kyu-Shirataki Station closed its doors when Kana graduated and the academic year ended.
The story touched hearts around the world, standing as a powerful reminder that infrastructure is not only about profit or convenience — it is about people, their dreams, and the communities they live in.