Nagato Railway Report.pdf

The Nagato Railway, which operated from 1914 to 1952, played a significant role in the development of the region between Kumamoto and Toyoura. The steam locomotive No. 101, nicknamed "Nagato Popo," was sold to a company in Shiga Prefecture in 1947 and later relocated to several other locations, including a theme park in Hyogo Prefecture and an SL museum in Kyoto.

In 2019, a group of local residents launched a project to bring the locomotive back to its hometown, and after negotiations, they were able to receive it free of charge. With the help of donations from over 400 people and a subsidy from the local government, the locomotive was transported back to Toyoura Town over two days.

To commemorate the locomotive's return, a booklet titled "The Story of Nagato Railway" was published, featuring a collection of documents and photos. The locomotive is currently on display at the Michi-no-Eki Hotarugaike-Nishinouchi roadside station, where a monthly event called "Popo no Hi" (Popo Day) is held, allowing visitors to explore the locomotive's driver's seat. The event takes place on the first Sunday of every month.