Dangers of train photography in Japan

The story may just stop at the interesting passion of some people, if what they behave is right within the allowable framework. However, that passion sometimes crosses the line both literally and figuratively, to the point of endangering others and the toritetsu themselves.

The punctual railway system with advanced technology is something the world should envy Japan. The Japanese themselves are proud of their country’s trains, to the point of forming a group of toritetsu – train photographers, who are always looking for ways to get pictures that show the perfection of the people. train is running.

However, with high-speed trains that always have to operate on time according to a separate timetable, the appearance of groups of people who are always competing with each other to satisfy their passions can cause dangerous obstacles.

Mr. Masao Oda, who has been photographing trains for about 50 years, said: “Now the number of people taking pictures of trains has increased because everyone has a digital camera to take pictures. We are forbidden to use ladders or tripods on the platform. The behavior of train fans has certainly gone bad.”

Mr. Tsutomu Okawa found it unpleasant to be classified as the same type of person as the toritetsu who had a bad reputation. “I’ve heard that some extreme fans have crossed the line, even stopping the train. The railway companies have warned that some fan behavior can be dangerous. I want it for the operators. train operators know that fans like me know very well how to stay safe when taking photos. I wanted to get rid of a bad impression of toritetsu.”

In addition to toritetsu, the Japanese railway system has other fanbases such as noritetsu – people who simply love to ride the train, or ekibentetsu – enthusiasts of the lunch boxes sold at train stations; and also the group of soshikitetsu who mourn the trains that are no longer in use.

Currently, there are an estimated 5 million train fans in Japan.

* Invite readers to watch the programs broadcast by Vietnam Television on TV Online and VTVGo!