JR Tadami Line will be fully restored soon!

August 22, 2022

Photographer / Hirokazu Nagane

The JR Tadami Line will be fully restored on October 1, 2022. The JR Tadami Line is a 135.2 km long line that connects Aizu-Wakamatsu Station in Fukushima Prefecture to Koide Station in Niigata Prefecture. It runs through the beautiful scenery of Oku-Aizu along the Tadami River and is always ranked high in the popularity rankings of local lines. The First Tadami River Bridge, known for its purple arch, is a representative railway view of the Tadami Line and is now a popular tourist destination throughout the year. Currently, the Tadami Line is closed between Aizu-Kawaguchi Station and Tadami Station. This is due to damage caused by the heavy rains in Niigata and Fukushima that occurred in July 2011, which washed away many bridges and put the line in danger of being closed. After that, the desire for restoration from Fukushima Prefecture, local governments along the line, residents, and many Tadami Line fans came together, leading to the entire line being restored on October 1, soon after 11 years.

Photographed railways all over Japan, but it is no exaggeration to say that the Tadami Line is one of the most beautiful in the country. In spring, the cherry blossoms and the beautiful rural scenery with water reflections are captivating. In summer, the river mist, a seasonal feature of the Tadami River, is enchanting, and in autumn, the vivid autumn leaves are intoxicating. Winter is a harsh time with heavy snowfall, but the warm hearts of the people of Oku-Aizu are a relief.

The Tadami Line is cherished, and since test runs are being held before the restoration, an immediate outing for photography with a Markins was made. This article is for "Markins Field Report," and it has been four years since encountering the Markins head, which has become like a part of the body when shooting. Before the Markins head, the belief was that a 3-way head was the best, but now there’s surprise at how that policy has completely changed. Currently, using Markins 99% of the time when shooting with a tripod. It is always "Markins Field Report." (laughs)

In the restored sections, the bridges that had been washed away have been beautifully replaced, and just seeing them is enough to fill with emotion, but seeing the actual trains running, even on test runs, brings tears to the eyes.

After 11 long years, this is truly the "Tadami Line miracle." The goal is not just to fully restore the line but to restart the Tadami Line. The moment of truth is now, and support for this beautiful line will continue, however small that power may be, by believing in the power of photography. Please come and enjoy not only riding the line but also taking photos of the train and sightseeing in Oku-Aizu.

Hirokazu Nagane

Born in Yokohama in 1974. After graduating from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Musashi Institute of Technology (now Tokyo City University), studied under railway photographer Mitsuhide Mashima. In 2009, took over the Mitsuhide Mashima Photography Studio and currently serves as the CEO of Mashima Railway Pictures, Ltd. Work has been published in railway and camera magazines, as well as in JR posters such as the Seishun 18 Ticket. Responsible for the monthly cover photo for the JTB timetable as a company, currently serializing "Railway Scenery" on the railway timetable information photogravure page. Will begin serializing "Japan's Scenic Route Strategy Guide" in the October 2022 issue of Digital Camera Magazine. Pursues railways all over Japan with the motto of "works that make you hear the sound of the trains."

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