Well, it’s not exactly in the middle of nowhere, but compared to the capital’s busy Ginza district where the tram used to run, rural Saitama just north of Tokyo must at least seem like the back of beyond.
The tram in question was in operation from 1954 to1968 — there’s actually a photo of it from back in the day here. Then, after being decommissioned, it was transported to its current location where, most unusually, it was used as a kindergarten. And not just any old kindergarten either, but one connected to New Village, an intentional community that is based around shared resources, self-sufficiency and the development of each member’s individuality so long as it doesn’t infringe upon the lives of others.
Sadly, just like so many other faded, as well as already abandoned settlements in provincial Japan, New Village is slowly dying, with records showing only 8 registered inhabitants in 2018. Outside supporters and money from solar panels allow it to keep ticking over, but income from the latter is only guaranteed until next year, so the future looks decidedly bleak to say the least.
All of which helps to explain the now empty and somewhat lonely looking state of tram 7022. It stopped being used as a school way back in 1984, and apart from some much needed maintenance in the late 90s, it has sat quietly, and quite beautifully, on the edge of the village.
Linda says
That is an excellent idea for a kindergarten.
Lee says
It really is, isn’t it? The kids must have thoroughly enjoyed it.
Jenn says
I love the natural environment but that’s like the smallest school ever! 🙂
Lee says
Certainly not the biggest. But yeah, an absolutely great place to grow up.
Harry says
Very cool! Imagine being a little boy and going to kindergarten that’s a tram. A TRAM! 🙂
Lee says
Haha, indeed. What little boy, or indeed big boy, wouldn’t like that?
Coli says
What an absolutely interesting story. This whole story reminds of something Murakami Haruki. Lovey find!:)
Lee says
Yeah, it really is. Didn’t know the background story at all when we were there, so it was fascinating to find out all those little details. And yes, definitely has the otherworldliness of a Murakami story.
cdilla says
Back in the days before computers, and penfriends were still a thing, a Japanese girl sent me a copy of a book that had just been released called “Totto Chan: The little girl at the window”. It was in Japanese of course, but she translated it for me a few pages each letter to try and teach me Japanese. And what a wonderful story (or account – it’s true) it is. To get to the point, the school that is the centre of the story is comprised old railway carriages, and that is immediately what this photograph and attendant words brought to mind. If you are Japanese you’ll already know it. If you are no – or don’t you should give it a read.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Totto-Chan:_The_Little_Girl_at_the_Window
Lee says
Ah, what a fascinating series of letters that must have been. The internet is great and all that, but the waiting and personal element of those exchanges can never be experienced these days eh?
Thanks. I wasn’t aware of the story at all, but you re absolutely right. Mentioned it to the missus and she knew it immediately. I will have to get myself a copy.
MrSatyre says
How lovely! Thanks for sharing!
Lee says
Yes, it really is. And you are very welcome. As you can imagine, I thoroughly enjoyed seeing and researching it.
Rohan Gillett says
I hope the people in Ginza still aren’t waiting for this one … beautiful shot btw!
Lee says
Haha, they’ll have seen some changes while doing so if they have!
Thank you. A really nice location and very easy to photograph.
Tramthusiast says
This is an incredible story…I’d love it if it were restored and put into service in my home city of San Francisco. We have trams from all over the world(Moscow/Orel, Oporto, Kobe/Hiroshima, Johnstown, Pa, Blackpool, Melbourne, Osaka, Philadelphia, Minneapolis-St.Paul/Newark, Milan, Brussels, Hamburg, New Orleans, etc) operating alongside our original San Francisco trams in daily service through several neighborhoods within central/northeastern San Francisco.