The Movie "Hankyu Densha"

  Hankyu Densha, a novel written by Hiro Arikawa, was made into a movie. Hankyu Densha, or the Hankyu Railway, runs through Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe, but this story takes place on the Imazu Line, a very short line that connects Takarazuka Station and Nishinomiya Kitaguchi Station in about fifteen minutes.

Hankyu Railway Imazu Line

 The unique, maroon-colored Hankyu train is known for its retro-style and nostalgic atmosphere. This heart-warming story takes place on one of these trains. The story is about different passengers who ride this train, and how their lives start to change on this short, 15 minute train ride. I personally use the Imazu Line fairly often, but nowadays, thanks to the novel, I can’t help but wonder about the lives of other people on the train. I wouldn’t be surprised if some of them are thinking the same thing!

Fundraiser for East Japan Earthquake

  On March 29, the Hyogo Tourism Association held a fund raiser in Kobe to support the victims of the recent earthquake and tsunami that hit the northern part of Japan. Hyogo prefecture experienced the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake 16 years ago, and received support from people all over the country, so we really wanted to do our part in helping out those who are in need. We got members of “Okami-no-kai” (female owners of Japanese style inns), the Hyogo Tourism Ambassador, Habatan, and the members from our association.