Residents of Gujo City, Gifu Prefecture, are bracing for potential changes as the Nagaragawa Railway considers abolishing sections of its service due to persistent financial losses and decreasing ridership. The railway, which has been part of the community for decades, is facing significant challenges, with nearly 90% of Gujo citizens reportedly opting not to utilize the service.
During the city council meeting held on March 3, 2025, Gujo City Mayor Hirotaka Yamakawa confirmed discussions about the potential removal of certain railway segments. The Nagaragawa Railway, which connects Mino-Ota (in Mino Kamo City) to Kita-Mino (in Gujo City) over 72.1 kilometers, has encountered deficits for 39 consecutive years. The financial strain has led local governments to cover losses, with the railway accumulating approximately 36.615 million yen ($270,000) in deficits for fiscal year 2023 alone.
Local sentiments reflect growing discontent with the railway's declining use. Serina Omura, a 15-year-old high school student who has relied on the train since her first year, expressed her fondness for the service yet acknowledged its limitations. "I considered using the railway to commute after moving to Gifu City for school next month, but the infrequent trains made it impractical," she shared. Such personal stories underline the emotional connection some residents maintain with the railway system.
Despite efforts to rejuvenate the service through tourism initiatives, including the introduction of scenic trains, the Nagaragawa Railway's fate remains uncertain. Gujo City's Mayor Yamakawa believes it is practical to streamline operations within the city to address the financial burden placed by subsidies and aging infrastructure. He stated, "Various management improvement measures exist, but organizing this within Gujo City is realistic. I encourage discussions to be held within our jurisdiction." This perspective reflects the harsh realities of public transportation management amid waning patronage.
Mayor Kiyoshi Yamashita of Seki City, who also holds the position of president of the Nagaragawa Railway, highlighted the necessity for action. "If we continue on the current path, the possibility of the railway’s survival is at risk. We must maintain necessary services but are considering the abolition of certain lines as part of future planning," he remarked following the council meeting.
The financial burden on the local governments has become increasingly unsustainable. Currently, five municipalities along the railway line, including Gujo City and Seki City, share the costs, which total over 14.5 million yen ($100,000) annually. With projections indicating the operational deficit might reach 45.7 million yen for fiscal year 2024, discussions around supplementary funding and potential facility upgrades have intensified.
For residents, the prospect of losing the railway is more than just about transportation; it symbolizes the shifting dynamics of Gujo City's infrastructure and community engagement. "It feels sad to see the railway decline. With less population, fewer passengers will inevitably follow. From a financial standpoint, the move is probably inevitable," lamented one resident, illustrating the community’s emotional investment.
Gujo City has been known for its tight-knit community—with local heritage tied to the railway for nearly 100 years. The Nagaragawa Railway was born from the Etsumi-Nan Line, which opened back in 1934. While the emotive ties remain strong, civic authorities are pushed to adapt to contemporary trends like the increased preference for personal vehicles and buses. Unquestionably, the reality of dwindling ridership demonstrates this shift.
Although the railway attempted to keep pace by rolling out tourism projects, including the introduction of the 'Nagara' scenic train back in 2016, and other customer-centric initiatives like incorporating local food experiences, their impact was short-lived. The recent revival efforts, praised for initially reducing deficits, have not been enough to combat the systemic issues the railway faces.
With more challenging financial forecasts now looming, the future of this beloved railway hangs by the threads of public discussion. City officials are now carefully watching how these discussions progress among government representatives and local residents, especially as the narrative surrounding transportation solutions continues to evolve.
The forthcoming discussions among stakeholders promise to provide clarity about the railway's future. For many, the outcome will determine whether the Nagaragawa Railway remains part of their daily lives or becomes another chapter closed within Gujo's storied history.