Contribution from Christopher Johnson

“Transportation Fascination”

The movement of people and material from place to place is an integral part of modern society. Everyday we rely on efficient transportation systems to move people and products throughout the world. Indeed without this infrastructure the freedom of movement and economic integration upon which the modern world is built would disintegrate.

Accordingly, the infrastructure itself has often become a source of interest and fascination for many people. The transportation systems that they interact with on a day-to-day basis have become a source of curiosity, and indeed a hobby. This is an accessible passion with which they can interact on a daily basis.

In Japan, economic development and prosperity has combined with high population density to create the need for highly efficient and high volume transportation solutions. Often, this solution has been found in a rail-based system.

“Railfans” as they are called in English (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Railfan ) or “鉄道オタク／鉄道ファン“　(Tetsudou Otaku/Tetsudou Fan - http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E9%89%84%E9%81%93%E3%83%95%E3%82%A1%E3%83%B3) in Japanese, are people who have particular interests or hobbies relating to rail transportation systems.

It is estimated that the number of railfans in Japan has grown from 20000 people in 2004, to upwards of 140000 today. And amongst their numbers can be found a diversifying demographic with diverse interests in train-culture.
(See: http://www.japantoday.com/category/lifestyle/view/for-fans-of-locomotives-it%E2%80%99s-full-steam-ahead)

Their presence can be seen in a variety of interesting and (mostly) unique manifestations of railfan culture in Japan:

At many hotels near train stations, it is possible to buy a room with a “train view” from which it is easier to observe and photograph the nearby trains. (See: http://www.japantoday.com/category/lifestyle/view/fans-flock-to-city-hotels-for-rail-view)
Although train-driving simulation games are not unique to Japan, the variety of types and platforms for train simulation games is quite unique. Train simulation games can be found in Japan for the handheld gaming systems, PS3, Wii and in arcade versions. These games allow railfans to enjoy driving trains on a variety of different lines and in different locations. Often they also include a “conductor mode” to help the railfans who are mostly interesting in memorizing the stops along a certain line.
Densha de GO! Is a popular example of a train simulation game in Japan, and can be found for a variety of different platforms.
(See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Densha_de_Go!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5KHXWx9PSU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaWLCAHmSWY
Everyone knows about maid cafés, but what about a station attendant café? LittleTGV is in Akihabara and features train map menus and waitresses dressed up as station attendants or conductors.
(See: http://www.alafista.com/2008/03/05/train-cafe-in-akihabara/; http://littletgv.com/)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69shBN_euHY
The melodies that are played at the stations are quite popular! (And really catchy! These will forever remind you of Japan!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2aCoO3hqQI
Many different novelty products showcase the popularity of trains in Japan.
(See: http://www.wordpress.tokyotimes.org/?p=2635 )
Of course, these kinds of interests are not limited to trains. Some people share similar passions about air-transportation, shipping or automobiles.

I think it is also interesting to see these interests in the context of Japanese culture. It seems that compared to North America, people in Japan who are employed in positions related to transportation are much more highly respected. And that often people in these positions approach their jobs with a level of respect and efficiency that is rare in North America. It is also interesting to see the different level of respect and patience exhibited by the passengers between North America and Japan. For example, in Japan people usually line up at the markers indicating where the train doors will be when the train stops. Once the train stops they move aside slightly, providing room for people to get off, before proceeding onto the train.

I hope that for a few moments during our journey in Japan that everyone will take a second to observe the various transportation systems that are found there. Try to observe the differences and similarities, and try to understand the “railfan” mindset, if only for a moment!