Kyushu Shinkansen Gets Send-off...10 Years Later

Above, Fukuoka Tower in 2007. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in 2007, I took a trip down to Kyushu to see Kumamoto, Mt. Aso, Nagasaki, Sasebo and Fukuoka.

At that time, the "Shooting Star" Shinkansen was still under construction. It didn't begin service until March 12, 2011. 

Above, Kumamoto Station in 2007. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It would have come in handy for me as I had to rely on smaller and slower commuter trains to get from Fukuoka to Kumamoto.

The ceremonial send-off for the Shinkansen was canceled due to the Great East Japan Earthquake of the day before on March 11.

Finally, ten years later, a ceremonial glitzy send-off was held for the train.

According to the Asahi Shimbun:

KAGOSHIMA--Ten years after being fully launched, a bullet train dubbed the "Shooting Star Shinkansen" finally got the send-off it wanted but canceled due to the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami.

The Shinkansen made a special run on March 14, carrying hundreds of wishes solicited from the public and emitting spotlights into the night sky in seven hues and attracting spectators along the way.

The run marked the 10th anniversary of the full opening of the Kyushu Shinkansen Line, which connected Fukuoka to Kagoshima, in March 2011.

The train, comprising six cars, left JR Kagoshima-Chuo Station at 6:35 p.m. for Hakata Station in Fukuoka without passengers.

Above, a view of Fukuoka from Fukuoka Tower. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

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