“Steam whistle sounds. Shimbashi echoes.” These words begin the famous Railway Song. We’re standing before the Railway Song Monument. It stands near JR Shimbashi Station. Specifically it is at the Shiodome Exit.
This monument marks a significant spot. It commemorates Japan’s first railway. The railway connected Shimbashi to Yokohama. The monument also honors the song’s composer Owada Tateki. 1957 marked the 85th anniversary of the railway’s opening. It was also the 100th anniversary of Owada’s birth. To celebrate both events, the monument was erected.
The Railway Song is more than just a tune. It is a piece of history. It was composed in 1900 during the Meiji era. The song served as geography education. It has five collections. It includes 334 verses.
Shimbashi Station was chosen for a good reason. It was the starting point of Japan’s first railway. However the original Shimbashi Station was at the old Shiodome Station site. Yokohama Station was at present-day JR Sakuragicho Station.
Interestingly the railway between Shinagawa and Yokohama had a preliminary operation. This was before the official opening of the Shimbashi to Yokohama line.
Look closely. Beside the Railway Song Monument sits a wheel. It belonged to a D51 steam locomotive. The D51 was nicknamed “Degoichi”. It was the most produced steam locomotive in Japan. This display connects us to the age of steam.
Many people use this area around the Railway Song Monument as meeting spot. The area is used to changing trains. Next time you are at Shimbashi Station stop and reflect. Think about the history and the music. Think about the Railway Song Monument.