Train of Storytellers: Sharing‍ the Experience of the Noto ‍Earthquake

On the first day of its operation, the‍ Treno Cantastorie, a special train from Anamizu Station, the northernmost station of the Noto Railway, welcomed 16‍ to 15 people from Aichi Prefecture.

Safumi Miyashita, a train crew member who ‌led passengers to safety during the earthquake on New Year’s Day, shared her experience as the⁣ narrator of the tourist ‌train. As she approached Noto-Nakajima Station, which was severely shaken by violent tremors, she heard a loud ​earthquake and immediately issued a​ tsunami warning. ⁢She guided⁢ about ​40 ​passengers to higher ground, where they spent the night.

Miyashita also shared the story of a local woman she met ​at a train station in ‌March. The woman, who had lost her home, said, “I’m ⁤at the ​station because all the houses around me have collapsed, and I have nowhere⁢ to go.” Miyashita ⁣was deeply moved by her words and felt a sense of helplessness.

As the train approached⁢ its final stop, Wakura Onsen Station, ‍Miyashita greeted ​the passengers in the local dialect, saying,​ “Kudaine, please come back again.” The passengers responded with a loud round of ​applause.

A 68-year-old man from Aichi Prefecture, who was traveling on the train, ‌was⁢ deeply moved by Miyashita’s story. He reflected on what he would do if a strong earthquake were​ to occur near him and expressed ‌concern about a potential earthquake in the Nankai Valley.

Miyashita was touched by the man’s ​serious expressions and felt⁢ that she had successfully conveyed her‌ experience. ‍She expressed her commitment to continue sharing her story⁢ and the current situation in the region.

The Treno Cantastorie will be managed by Ferrovie⁣ di Noto,​ accepting reservations from groups⁢ and travel ‍agencies. This unique train experience offers a glimpse ⁤into the ​lives of those affected by the⁤ Noto earthquake and‍ the resilience of the local community.

Kudaine is a ​dialect‌ word meaning ‌”please” in the local language.