The 8th volume of the photo picture book series
I am creating together with Tamon Yahagi,
“The Working Railway Staff”, was published in November 2025!
I am creating together with Tamon Yahagi,
“The Working Railway Staff”, was published in November 2025!
This time, we had the wonderful cooperation of Eizan Electric Railway Co., Ltd.,
located in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto.
(Many of you have probably ridden this train
from Demachiyanagi to Kurama or Mount Hiei for sightseeing!)
located in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto.
(Many of you have probably ridden this train
from Demachiyanagi to Kurama or Mount Hiei for sightseeing!)
We followed a full day in the life of railway workers,
featuring Ruruka Wada,
who works in the Technical Department of the railway—known affectionately as “Eiden”
and Mr. Ito, a train driver.
featuring Ruruka Wada,
who works in the Technical Department of the railway—known affectionately as “Eiden”
and Mr. Ito, a train driver.
By the way, Ms. Wada is the first female technical staff member
in the 100-year history of Eizan Electric Railway!
(I heard that even among railway companies across Japan,
the number of female engineers is still extremely small.)
When I first learned this,
I couldn’t help but feel something almost fateful about being able to create this picture book with Ms. Wada as the central figure
especially during this special 100th anniversary year.
in the 100-year history of Eizan Electric Railway!
(I heard that even among railway companies across Japan,
the number of female engineers is still extremely small.)
When I first learned this,
I couldn’t help but feel something almost fateful about being able to create this picture book with Ms. Wada as the central figure
especially during this special 100th anniversary year.
So, we carried out the photoshoot in May 2025.
We were given special access to areas that are normally strictly off-limits,
including the railway tracks,
and were able to witness precious moments such as maintenance
and inspection work on equipment and tracks,
the entire process of late-night track construction,
and even the workers’ breaks and interactions behind the scenes.
We were given special access to areas that are normally strictly off-limits,
including the railway tracks,
and were able to witness precious moments such as maintenance
and inspection work on equipment and tracks,
the entire process of late-night track construction,
and even the workers’ breaks and interactions behind the scenes.
We ride trains so casually,
without thinking twice—but the more I watched their work, the more
I realized how deeply the operation depends on the dedication of people like Ms. Wada,
who support everything behind the scenes.
without thinking twice—but the more I watched their work, the more
I realized how deeply the operation depends on the dedication of people like Ms. Wada,
who support everything behind the scenes.
At the same time, the more technology—such as AI—continues to develop,
the more clearly I felt that we are entering an era where the kinds of work
that only humans can do will stand out even more.
(In that sense, I especially hope you will also pay attention to Ms. Wada’s senior colleague,
the veteran engineer Mr. Okawauchi, who appears in this book.)
the more clearly I felt that we are entering an era where the kinds of work
that only humans can do will stand out even more.
(In that sense, I especially hope you will also pay attention to Ms. Wada’s senior colleague,
the veteran engineer Mr. Okawauchi, who appears in this book.)
It was a shoot that reminded me once again of how beautiful it is to see someone working steadily, quietly—and yet with strong passion.
It was also a project that gave me renewed joy in photographing people like this.
It was also a project that gave me renewed joy in photographing people like this.
If you live in Kyoto, of course—but also if you are visiting from anywhere in Japan—please come and take a ride on the “Eiden” railway.
You might even meet some of the people who appear in this book!
You might even meet some of the people who appear in this book!
“The Working Railway Staff” is now available
nationwide at bookstores, libraries,
and online.
Please check it out!!
nationwide at bookstores, libraries,
and online.
Please check it out!!
