Over 80% Recognize Closure of Local Rail Lines as a Social Issue; Top Personal Action Is 'Riding the Train'

How Do Railway Enthusiasts Feel About Lines Being Discontinued or Trains Being Retired?

Have you ever felt a sense of nostalgia when stepping off a train at a local station?

The number of trains listed on timetables is gradually decreasing, and familiar local lines are disappearing in the form of 'line closures.'

To what extent do railway fans feel emotionally attached to discontinued lines or retired trains? And how do they feel about preserving them?

To explore these questions, we conducted a joint survey with Tetsuhiro Plaza, targeting 128 men and women across Japan who previously indicated an interest in railways. The survey focused on 'emotional attachment and preservation awareness regarding discontinued lines, retired trains, and local railways.'

※When quoting this press release, please:

・Clearly state the source as 'Survey by NEXER Inc. and Tetsuhiro Plaza'

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Survey Overview: 'Emotional Attachment and Preservation Awareness Regarding Discontinued Lines, Retired Trains, and Local Railways'

Methodology: Online questionnaire

Survey Period: April 21–29, 2026

Respondents: Men and women nationwide who previously answered 'interested in railways' in a pre-survey

Valid Responses: 128 samples

Survey Questions:

Q1: Have you ever felt emotional attachment or regret toward discontinued lines or retired trains?

Q2: Toward which specific lines or trains did you feel this way? (Multiple answers allowed)

Q3: Why did you feel this way?

Q4: If commemorative goods or parts from retired trains or discontinued lines were sold, would you want to purchase them?

Q5: Which specific items would attract you most?

Q6: Please explain your reason.

Q7: Do you feel that the issue of local and regional railway line closures is a social problem?

Q8: If individuals can do something, what do you think it could be? (Multiple answers allowed)

Q9: Have you ever purchased limited-edition goods or commemorative tickets issued for line closures or train retirements?

Q10: What was your reason for purchasing (or considering to purchase) them?

※Percentages are rounded to the nearest second decimal place, so totals may not sum to 100%.

51.6% Said They Have Felt Emotional Attachment or Regret Toward Discontinued Lines or Retired Trains

First, we asked whether respondents have ever felt emotional attachment or regret toward discontinued lines or retired trains.

51.6% answered 'Yes,' while 48.4% answered 'No.'

More than half of those interested in railways expressed some emotional connection to disappearing lines and trains.

'Local Lines in Rural Areas' Ranked Highest at 54.5%

Next, we asked those who answered 'Yes' which specific lines or trains they felt attached to.

The most common response was 'local lines in rural areas' at 54.5%.

This was followed by 'local hometown lines' at 48.5% and 'famous limited express or sleeper trains' at 43.9%.

It appears both lines familiar from daily life and trains that provided 'special experiences,' like limited express or sleeper trains, evoke strong emotional responses.

We also collected reasons for these feelings; here are some examples:

Respondents who chose 'local lines in rural areas':

・Because I’ll no longer be able to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of local lines. (Male, 40s)

・Because it feels sad, as if the happy memories from my childhood are disappearing. (Female, 50s)

・Because it’s sad to see the tracks become vacant land, especially as maintenance costs rise. (Male, 50s)

Respondents who chose 'local hometown lines':

・Because when a train I rode as a child disappears, it feels like my memories are vanishing. (Female, 30s)

・Because I don’t want the railway tracks in my hometown to disappear. (Male, 40s)

・A local line in the area of my mother’s hometown was discontinued when I was a child. I remember attending the closure ceremony. (Male, 40s)

Respondents who chose 'famous limited express or sleeper trains':

・Looking at videos or old photos makes me feel emotional. (Male, 30s)

・I love trains from my childhood or youth—trains, electric cars, sleeper limited expresses—that hold memories. (Male, 40s)

・I feel a bit lonely seeing regional line reductions or the retirement of iconic trains, as it reflects the changing times. (Male, 50s)

The responses frequently included words like 'memories,' 'nostalgia,' and 'loneliness.'

The vehicles we rode as children, the sensation of their swaying and sounds, the scenery seen through the windows—intangible memories are deeply tied to the trains and lines themselves.

Specific anecdotes, such as attending closure ceremonies, suggest that railways are remembered not just as transportation, but as part of life’s moments.

59.1% Said They Would Want to Purchase Commemorative Goods or Parts if Sold

Next, we asked those who expressed emotional attachment whether they would want to purchase commemorative goods or parts from retired trains or discontinued lines if they were sold.

12.1% answered 'strongly agree,' 47.0% answered 'somewhat agree,' totaling 59.1% who said they 'would want to purchase.' Approximately 60% expressed a desire to keep physical mementos related to retiring trains or vanishing lines.

'Photo Books and Commemorative Booklets' Ranked Highest at 23.1%

We then asked those interested in purchasing such items which specific products attracted them most.

The most popular item was 'photo books and commemorative booklets' at 23.1%.

This was followed by 'destination signs' at 17.9% and 'seats' at 12.8%.

Support appears to be split between items that 'record memories,' like photo books and booklets, and actual 'parts of the train,' such as destination signs and seats.

We also collected reasons for their preferences; here are some examples:

Respondents who chose 'photo books and commemorative booklets':

・Photos can be displayed and collected. (Female, 40s)

・They preserve memories and images of the trains from that era. (Male, 40s)

・Books keep the past appearance of the trains alive forever. (Female, 50s)

Respondents who chose 'destination signs':

・I can deeply feel the presence of the train that once used it. (Female, 30s)

・Iron destination signs mounted on the front of trains are now rare. (Male, 50s)

・I want something with rarity value. (Male, 60s)

Respondents who chose 'seats':

・I’m attracted to seats. (Male, 40s)

・Just because. (Male, 60s)

Those who chose photo books and booklets expressed a desire to preserve memories and past appearances. Those who chose destination signs or seats were drawn to the specialness and rarity of actual used parts.

The results show that some people want to preserve memories in recorded form, while others want to keep a physical piece of the train—both coexist.

85.2% View the Closure of Local and Regional Rail Lines as a 'Social