Part of Hokkaido's Rumoi Line ends

The section of the JR Rumoi line connecting Ishikari-Numata and Rumoi in Hokkaido ended on Friday, bringing the curtain down on the 35.7 kilometer stretch.

The line started in 1910 but has been limited to seven round trips per day with a single-car train in recent years.

With fans mourning the closure of the section, a second car was added from March 18. It was increased to four cars on Friday.

A large crowd waving penlights gave the last train an emotional sendoff as it left Rumoi Station at 8: 20 p.m.

The Rumoi Line had been used to transport coal, timber, and other resources to the Port of Rumoi, but it has since been closed due to the closure of coal mines and other factors.

The entire main line from Fukagawa to Rumoi had to be removed by local municipalities by the year 2026. There is now a section between Fukagawa and Ishikari-Numata.