A mini-exhibition titled "Seibu Railway and Rissho University - Efforts Towards Regional Revitalization" is currently being held at the Rissho University Kumagaya Campus Museum, located in Kumagaya City, from now until April 7, 2025. This exciting event highlights the collaboration between Rissho University and the Seibu Railway, established through an industry-academia collaboration agreement signed back in May 2017.
The exhibition celebrates significant milestones, including the operation of an SL train adorned with a head mark commemorative of the university's 150th anniversary in 2022 and Assistant Professor Junichi Yamada's engaging lecture on board the SL train for the 2024 new banknotes issuance. This not only marks the 125th anniversary of the Seibu Railway's operations but also coincides with the centenary of the Department of Geography at Rissho University.
Visitors to the museum will find fascinating historical artifacts on the first floor exhibition room. Notable items include the "Deha 107" headlight, the "ED381" number plate, and a fascinating "dating machine" from 1960 used for printing dates on train tickets. There is also the "small inspection lamp" from 1982, utilized for vehicle inspections and repairs. Equally impressive, the museum displays the woodblock print titled, "From Tokyo Ueno to Musashi Kumagaya Steam Locomotive Round Trip Prosperity Picture," painted by Kiyokata Kaburagi in 1889, alongside collections provided by Assistant Professor Yamada.
On the second floor, attendees will be treated to the first public exhibition of the front panel of the "Ordinary Train (Series 7500)", which has been turned as a popular photo spot. For families visiting on weekends and holidays, specific activities are organized such as the "Nariki Station Staff Day," where children can borrow uniforms and caps, letting them immerse themselves in the railway experience.
Looking to the future, on March 22, 2025, Assistant Professor Yamada will deliver another significant lecture on "Seibu Railway and Rissho University - Efforts Towards Regional Revitalization". This event is open to the public without prior registration, reflecting the university’s intention to involve railway enthusiasts and the local community alike.
"We hope to attract children who love trains and the local community to visit and enjoy the exhibition," stated Fumihiro Kusakawa, the university's administrative section chief. The exhibition runs until April 7, 2025, offering free admission to everyone interested. The museum operates from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on weekdays and until 3:00 PM on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, remaining closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, with the exception of special openings on March 31, April 1, and April 7.
This exhibition not only commemorates significant historical moments but also emphasizes the collaborative efforts aimed at regional revitalization, drawing on the fascinating history of the Seibu Railway and the academic strengths of Rissho University.