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.