Shunichi Yanashita of Iwate Kaihatsu Railway

Shunichi Yanashita
Iwate Kaihatsu Railway
Train Driver

After attending elementary and middle school in Rikuzentakata, he enrolled at Tono High School to pursue his hobby, soccer. He was in his first year of high school when the Great East Japan Earthquake & Tsunami occurred. His family home in Rikuzentakata was destroyed. He decided to stay in Iwate to contribute to the reconstruction.

In April 2013, he joined Iwate Kaihatsu Railway. In November 2015, he became their youngest train operator.

Staying in Iwate for the reconstruction

Mr. Yanashita, the youngest train operator at Iwate Kaihatsu Railway, transports limestone from the Ofunato inland region and Sumita mines to the cement factories on the coast.

Mr. Yanashita spoke about his hometown. “I’ve watched Iwate Kaihatsu Railway’s trains ever since I was very young. When I was considering where to apply for work, I thought about going to Morioka or Sendai. But then the disaster happened. I wanted to stay here and get involved with the reconstruction, so I applied to my current company.”

To contribute to the reconstruction

Every day, Mr. Yanashita commutes to Ofunato from his home in Rikuzentakata. He gave us his impression of the reconstruction. “I think it’s progressing, albeit slowly. The town probably won’t turn out to be exactly as it was before, but hopefully it’ll become even better.”

He also spoke about his personal role. “It’s nice to think that the cement made from the limestone I transport is being used in the reconstruction. I’m going to work hard to continue transporting goods safely and securely.”

Mr. Yanashita is one of the unsung heroes continuing to contribute to Iwate’s reconstruction.