{"id":603,"date":"2021-11-05T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-11-05T09:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/userblogs.fu-berlin.de\/urban-rural-migration-japan\/?p=603"},"modified":"2024-07-02T12:37:22","modified_gmt":"2024-07-02T10:37:22","slug":"railway-tourism-on-kyushu","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/userblogs.fu-berlin.de\/urban-rural-migration-japan\/2021\/11\/05\/railway-tourism-on-kyushu\/","title":{"rendered":"Guest contribution: Railway tourism in Ky\u016bsh\u016b"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><em>by Galina Khoikhina<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Today, railway tourism is highly popular in Japan. Tourist trains \u0441an be created on the basis of trains that are no longer in use, or they can be specially designed for a specific project. One of these trains is the luxury cruise train \u201cSeven Stars in Kyushu\u201d. It was launched by JR Ky\u016bsh\u016b on 15 October 2013. In a few days, the train crosses Ky\u016bsh\u016b\u2019s prefectures. During this journey, passengers can visit local sights, try local cuisine and participate in workshops. In 2014, \u201cSeven Stars in Kyushu\u201d was chosen as an example of a revitalization project in the MLIT White Paper [1].&nbsp;The designer of \u201cSeven Stars\u201d Mitooka Eiji collaborated with Japanese artists from Ky\u016bsh\u016b. For example, artists from \u014ckawa, Fukuoka Prefecture, decorated the interior of the train with the Japanese art of woodworking (<em>kumiko)<\/em>. Another example of cooperation is the porcelain used on board of the train. It is made by potters from Arita, Saga Prefecture [2].<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><em>This is a promotion video for the Seven Stars in Kyushu on the occasion of it&#8217;s 7th birthday<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"lyte-wrapper\" style=\"width:640px;max-width:100%;margin:5px;\"><div class=\"lyMe\" id=\"WYL_Jkqn5WN3C9c\"><div id=\"lyte_Jkqn5WN3C9c\" data-src=\"https:\/\/userblogs.fu-berlin.de\/urban-rural-migration-japan\/wp-content\/plugins\/wp-youtube-lyte\/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FJkqn5WN3C9c%2Fhqdefault.jpg\" class=\"pL\"><div class=\"tC\"><div class=\"tT\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"play\"><\/div><div class=\"ctrl\"><div class=\"Lctrl\"><\/div><div class=\"Rctrl\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><noscript><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/Jkqn5WN3C9c\" rel=\"nofollow\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/userblogs.fu-berlin.de\/urban-rural-migration-japan\/wp-content\/plugins\/wp-youtube-lyte\/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FJkqn5WN3C9c%2F0.jpg\" alt=\"YouTube video thumbnail\" width=\"640\" height=\"340\" \/><br \/>Watch this video on YouTube<\/a><\/noscript><\/div><\/div><div class=\"lL\" style=\"max-width:100%;width:640px;margin:5px;\"><br\/><span class=\"lyte_disclaimer\">ACHTUNG: Daten nach YouTube werden erst beim Abspielen des Videos \u00fcbertragen.<\/span><\/div><figcaption><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n<p>In my bachelor thesis, I studied the impact of \u201eSeven Stars\u201d on the revitalization of Ky\u016bsh\u016b\u2019s rural areas. To answer this question, I conducted a qualitative content analysis of articles that appeared about \u201cSeven Stars\u201d in the <em>Yomiuri Shinbun<\/em> newspaper. I analyzed articles that came out in the time interval from the launch of the train to the beginning of the pandemic. The research has shown a generally positive effect from an economic point of view. The demand for the train is many times greater than the number of available seats. The train is highly popular and attracts wealthy tourists to the region. Since the train passengers mostly live outside Ky\u016bsh\u016b, it can be stated that they bring financial resources to the region. In addition, the articles highlighted the growing interest in Ky\u016bsh\u016b as a destination. \u201cSeven Stars\u201d attracts people interested in rail transport. The articles mention the growing popularity of the tourist trains that already existed in Ky\u016bsh\u016b, especially those whose route intersects with the luxury train. In addition, the popularity of \u201cSeven Stars\u201d has led to the introduction of new touristic trains, which have a similar effect. The analysis of the articles also revealed an increase in sales of local products associated with \u201cSeven Stars\u201c. People want to buy items like those used on the train and try the same meal as the passengers. The increase in sales of local goods also has a positive impact on the economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><em>Trains hold a special place in Japan and come in many variations<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/userblogs.fu-berlin.de\/urban-rural-migration-japan\/files\/2021\/10\/IMG_1798-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-606\" width=\"318\" height=\"212\" srcset=\"https:\/\/userblogs.fu-berlin.de\/urban-rural-migration-japan\/files\/2021\/10\/IMG_1798-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/userblogs.fu-berlin.de\/urban-rural-migration-japan\/files\/2021\/10\/IMG_1798-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/userblogs.fu-berlin.de\/urban-rural-migration-japan\/files\/2021\/10\/IMG_1798-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/userblogs.fu-berlin.de\/urban-rural-migration-japan\/files\/2021\/10\/IMG_1798-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/userblogs.fu-berlin.de\/urban-rural-migration-japan\/files\/2021\/10\/IMG_1798-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/userblogs.fu-berlin.de\/urban-rural-migration-japan\/files\/2021\/10\/IMG_1798-450x300.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 318px) 100vw, 318px\" \/><figcaption><em><strong>This Resort Shirakami train on the north-western coast of Honshu features live Koto-players<\/strong><\/em><br><em>Copyright <em>\u00a9<\/em><\/em> <em>Maritchu Durand 2018<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/userblogs.fu-berlin.de\/urban-rural-migration-japan\/files\/2021\/10\/IMG_1602-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-605\" width=\"320\" height=\"213\" srcset=\"https:\/\/userblogs.fu-berlin.de\/urban-rural-migration-japan\/files\/2021\/10\/IMG_1602-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/userblogs.fu-berlin.de\/urban-rural-migration-japan\/files\/2021\/10\/IMG_1602-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/userblogs.fu-berlin.de\/urban-rural-migration-japan\/files\/2021\/10\/IMG_1602-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/userblogs.fu-berlin.de\/urban-rural-migration-japan\/files\/2021\/10\/IMG_1602-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/userblogs.fu-berlin.de\/urban-rural-migration-japan\/files\/2021\/10\/IMG_1602-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/userblogs.fu-berlin.de\/urban-rural-migration-japan\/files\/2021\/10\/IMG_1602-450x300.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px\" \/><figcaption> <em><strong>The Furano Biei Norokko train in Hokkaido runs through the flower fields of the northern island<\/strong><\/em><br><em>Copyright <em>\u00a9<\/em><\/em> <em>Maritchu Durand 2018<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Furthermore, there is some evidence of the positive impact of the train on society. Articles repeatedly mentioned that for locals the arrival of the train becomes an event. They cheerfully welcome the train and thus show their hospitality. This initiative of the locals is also encouraged by JR Kyushu. It is important to note that the articles also showed an increase in the motivation of local farmers. Thus, the train also has a positive impact on the local people on a social level. Although the train changes its route regularly and therefore cannot serve as a stable revitalization factor for a particular location, it still has a positive effect on the island in general. To summarize, my bachelor&#8217;s research showed that, according to the news coverage in the <em>Yomiuri Shinbun<\/em>, the introduction of the \u201eSeven Stars in Kyushu\u201d project had an overall positive effect on the economic and social levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><em>Even small local trains<\/em><\/strong><em><strong> can be a special attraction<\/strong><\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/userblogs.fu-berlin.de\/urban-rural-migration-japan\/files\/2021\/10\/IMG_1859-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-607\" width=\"319\" height=\"212\" srcset=\"https:\/\/userblogs.fu-berlin.de\/urban-rural-migration-japan\/files\/2021\/10\/IMG_1859-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/userblogs.fu-berlin.de\/urban-rural-migration-japan\/files\/2021\/10\/IMG_1859-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/userblogs.fu-berlin.de\/urban-rural-migration-japan\/files\/2021\/10\/IMG_1859-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/userblogs.fu-berlin.de\/urban-rural-migration-japan\/files\/2021\/10\/IMG_1859-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/userblogs.fu-berlin.de\/urban-rural-migration-japan\/files\/2021\/10\/IMG_1859-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/userblogs.fu-berlin.de\/urban-rural-migration-japan\/files\/2021\/10\/IMG_1859-450x300.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 319px) 100vw, 319px\" \/><figcaption><strong><em>A decorated local train in Nagaoka, Niigata Prefecture<\/em><\/strong><br><em>Copyright <em>\u00a9<\/em><\/em> <em>Maritchu Durand 2018<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/userblogs.fu-berlin.de\/urban-rural-migration-japan\/files\/2021\/10\/gALINA_zug-for-torii_conny_2018-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-604\" width=\"381\" height=\"213\" srcset=\"https:\/\/userblogs.fu-berlin.de\/urban-rural-migration-japan\/files\/2021\/10\/gALINA_zug-for-torii_conny_2018-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/userblogs.fu-berlin.de\/urban-rural-migration-japan\/files\/2021\/10\/gALINA_zug-for-torii_conny_2018-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/userblogs.fu-berlin.de\/urban-rural-migration-japan\/files\/2021\/10\/gALINA_zug-for-torii_conny_2018-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/userblogs.fu-berlin.de\/urban-rural-migration-japan\/files\/2021\/10\/gALINA_zug-for-torii_conny_2018-500x281.jpg 500w, https:\/\/userblogs.fu-berlin.de\/urban-rural-migration-japan\/files\/2021\/10\/gALINA_zug-for-torii_conny_2018.jpg 1418w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 381px) 100vw, 381px\" \/><figcaption><strong><em>Some trains even pass through shrines! The Midori-Express in the Tozan-shrine in Arita, Saga Prefecture<\/em><\/strong><br><em>Copyright <em>\u00a9<\/em><\/em> <em>Cornelia Reiher 2018<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>[1]<br>MLIT (Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism) (2014),&nbsp; <em>Kokudo k\u014dts\u016b shiro<\/em> [White Paper of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism],&nbsp; https:\/\/www.mlit.go.jp\/common\/001113556.pdf (Accessed on 25 October 2021).&nbsp;<br><br>[2]<br>Cruise Train \u201eSeven Stars in Kyushu\u201d (2021), \u201eThe train\u201d https:\/\/www.cruisetrain-sevenstars.jp\/english\/train\/ (Accessed on 25 October 2021).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Galina&nbsp;Khoikhina&nbsp;is a student in&nbsp;Freie&nbsp;Universit\u00e4t&nbsp;Berlin\u2019s Japanese Studies master\u2018s program. She has written her bachelor\u2018s thesis about tourism in rural Japan.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>by Galina Khoikhina Today, railway tourism is highly popular in Japan. Tourist trains \u0441an be created on the basis of trains that are no longer in use, or they can be specially designed for a specific project. One of these &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/userblogs.fu-berlin.de\/urban-rural-migration-japan\/2021\/11\/05\/railway-tourism-on-kyushu\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3214,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[91],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-603","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-allgemein"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/userblogs.fu-berlin.de\/urban-rural-migration-japan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/603","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/userblogs.fu-berlin.de\/urban-rural-migration-japan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/userblogs.fu-berlin.de\/urban-rural-migration-japan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/userblogs.fu-berlin.de\/urban-rural-migration-japan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3214"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/userblogs.fu-berlin.de\/urban-rural-migration-japan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=603"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/userblogs.fu-berlin.de\/urban-rural-migration-japan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/603\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2065,"href":"https:\/\/userblogs.fu-berlin.de\/urban-rural-migration-japan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/603\/revisions\/2065"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/userblogs.fu-berlin.de\/urban-rural-migration-japan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=603"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/userblogs.fu-berlin.de\/urban-rural-migration-japan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=603"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/userblogs.fu-berlin.de\/urban-rural-migration-japan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=603"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}