Train Fandom in Japan - The Most CONTROVERSIAL Otaku Explained

[@kabazawa]

最初は「日本の電車は時間通り来ます」とか「たくさん路線があります」といったビデオかと思ったが、日本に長く住んでるから気付く電車の魅力がテーマだったのでとても面白かったです。

[@stormstereo]

I did not know when I woke up today, that I’d watch a 22 minute video about Japanese trains and enjoy the heck out of it. Those short interviews you did really added to it. Particularly the nice man you met in the field of flowers. Good job!

[@CurrentlyHannah]

I’m so glad you enjoyed it! The man in the field was an absolute pleasure to talk to!

[@lezzbmm]

that man was amazing gr8 video !

[@AK.16]

Japan's railways are so good they dedicated a fanbase for each niche topic that they could think of. I once saw a Japanese community dedicated in replicating the sound an electric train makes when departing.

[@CurrentlyHannah]

Haha yeah I included a clip from one of the famous onkyo tetsu (train sound fan) in this video 😅

[@rickysen5620]

@@CurrentlyHannah If i may ask do we need to have a permission first from the land-owner in order to take a picture there? or you just took it freely?

[@matthewivanjudeponciano1354]

DC Chopper GTO VVVF IGBT VVVF

[@justjess882]

Someone please sponsor Hannah and Chris to spend the night on the Twilight Express Mizukaze

[@CurrentlyHannah]

Jess I would DIE! It looks sooooo beautiful 😍

[@AimeeGertsch]

I second this! We need that video in our lives.

[@user-wm3ie6ut5e]

ドキュメンタリー風な構成で始まり、途中からはハンナさんらしい美しく楽しい動画編集に変わり、最後は魅力的なプレゼンで締める。今回もプレゼン力を生かした２０分を超えるiformativeな大作動画でしたね。

[@ElDapperCaballo]

I lived next to a cargo train line growing up and I had enough encounters with engineers waving and using the horn for me to forever fall in love with trains. When I went to visit Japan this spring I was flabbergasted to find out how often you see and ride trains, it was a dream come true. I'm sad to say I didn't spot Dr. Yellow and I didn't find out about the train museum until I was leaving Kyoto 😢 Edit: i loved this video! Amazing and cute interviews and the footage of the trains was *chefs kiss*

[@kimberlyl8766]

I love the format of this video! The info, other viral videos, the interviews, the parts where you travel and film with Chris, and the fact that I learned things about a topic I knew little about! I know it must take while to cut it all together but your hard work pays off! 🤩 More like this please ☺️🙏

[@CurrentlyHannah]

More on the way ☺️

[@ashe1317]

those shots of the shinkansen zooming by Mt. Fuji really give me Haku-from-Spirited-Away dragon vibes ✨

[@stinemalm7037]

The shots of the trains are absolutely beautiful 😍 and the interviews with the little kids was sooo adorable 🥰🥰

[@Curzon1999vie]

Over 400k Subscribers. Congratulations Hannah! 🎉 Very well earned. I am here since about 50k. Hooked by your positive vibes at the very first video (Singapore content) I watched. So happy to see you happy!

[@CurrentlyHannah]

Wow, you've been here for awhile! Thanks for sticking around

[@Cyman75]

Thanks Hannah, for covering this topic! I’m a train otaku myself. I simply love seeing and riding Shinkansen, even if I see them every day, when commuting to work (in fact, the only trains I dislike are the commuter trains - and yes, they are constantly late). Besides the Shinkansen, there are so many other cool, special trains. Every time I see the Saphir Odoriko (last week I saw it three times in two days in a row - I guess it’s a sign), the Cassiopeia, the Shiki-Shima or the Imperial train (which I also saw three times within just a few weeks), I am happy. And one time I also saw passing Dr. Yellow by (or how my wife excitedly said: Look, it’s Mr. Yellow! 😂). I am looking forward to the next time I can get the Tōhoku Rail Pass and I also hope that one day I can see the ALFA-X and the Maglev train in Yamanashi. So yes, Japan is a paradise for all train fans. It just has so many amazing trains, from steam trains, Pikachu train, Anpanman train, Hello Kitty Shinkansen, Evangelion Shinkansen (another big regret I didn’t get to ride it on its last tour period), to all those other resort trains. One thing about the punctuality that is pretty cool however is when I go to work in the morning (and the train is on time) and I pass Shinagawa, it’s like a clockwork (or the Groundhog Day with Bill Murray) when one Shinkansen goes towards Ōsaka and another one is coming from the opposite direction at the same time. Oh and yeah, the Twilight Express Mizukaze is of course also pretty cool! Thanks for nerding out and showing some love for all the 鉄ちゃん (well, maybe except those crazy ones)!

[@denshaotoko42]

So sad the Cassiopeia doesn't exist any more. I got to ride it a decade ago before it was discontinued, and it was such a great way to travel overnight from Tokyo to Sapporo.

[@meganh7526]

Hannah, this is such a good video. I’ve been saying this for a while but it’s been really incredible watching the development of your work. I really enjoyed the editorial approach you took, interviewing folks as well as the self-insertion of you two learning more about this hobby and getting invested yourselves. The drone shots and photos you two got were really incredible! Edit - also, as a Canadian I will never not be impressed that someone could accurately estimate when a train will pass through a precise area based off of a timetable. Here a train schedule is more of an aspiration than anything based in reality…

[@JBUHJBUH]

Same as in the UK lol - good luck getting anywhere on time on a train haha

[@tykep1009]

日本の電車カルチャーにフォーカスした紹介動画ってあまり観たことがないので新鮮でした。さすがの撮影技術で、ドローン撮影された映像が最高ですね。色んな風景を走る列車があるのでシリーズ化に期待してます。

[@SuitcaseMonkey]

Great vid as always. I can confirm the travel guide is worth it! Well made. Also fun fact: Safari now translates websites too so Chrome isn’t always needed for that specific feature

[@LayersOfJenn]

The editing and time put into this was **chefs kiss** 🤌🏻 loving the deep dives on here and what you’re posting on your other platforms ♥️

[@CurrentlyHannah]

Thank you Jenn! I'm really enjoying the process of a new style of content :)

[@michaelanderson1476]

I may not be a train enthusiast but even I can appreciate them!! Such a beautiful and great video from you!!🚂🚃🚄🚅🚆🚇⛩😊😉😎❤👏🙌🙏👍🎉

[@stephen129]

I've been looking forward to this video for a while and it lived up to expectations. Some lovely shots as always and the photos you two managed to take are very cool. I would happily watch a full length train documentary if you ever decided to make one.

[@CurrentlyHannah]

Thanks so much Stephen! It felt like I could’ve continued on and on for another hour on the topic 😅 so maybe I’ll do a documentary one day haha

[@stephen129]

​@@CurrentlyHannah Please do! I'd love to watch a longer documentary style video from you.

[@RazorRoams]

I can definitely relate to this, having not had any particular interest in trains as a child but slowly coming to appreciate their unique majesty as I’ve gotten older. Last month I had the opportunity to ride the Bergensbanen across Norway and absolutely loved the experience. (In addition to the fact that as far as a mode of transit goes I much prefer it to flying.) Now I’m definitely going to look for a way to take a train somewhere anytime I travel to a new country, so thank you for this superbly crafted introduction to the trains of Japan! Can’t wait to see and ride some of them for myself.

[@IanBrandPhoto]

YEEESSS!!!! I've been soo excited for this vid ever since you first mentioned Dr Yellow!!!!

[@SmallBlogV8]

When I started watching your videos a couple of years ago I'm not sure I ever expected one on train otaku, or you becoming super interested in trains. But this was really nicely approached! Japan does seem like a great place for train nerds given the uncommonly large variation in designs and the comprehensive rail network. The thing I want to do is find a station platform where a Shinkansen flashes through at speed and see what ~300km/h looks like up close. Must be thrilling!

[@user-rr6xc9nj6q]

姫路駅がお勧め!

[@sandrajagodzinska9686]

That was one of the most fun videos I watched lately involving Japan content. Thank you for all the extensive research that went into it, the interviews with people were enduring! I'm definitely not a train fan, but I do enjoy seeing them once in a while and will keep an eye for Dr Yellow while in Japan. Keep making more videos like this Hannah!

[@karenlangford5486]

Thank you Hannah. 🎉 Fantastic video. Sooo looking forward to ny first trip to Japan (im 54yo) at the end of Feb. Your content is amazi ng. ❤

[@kevincurrie2052]

Thanks Hannah, I really enjoyed this one. Those kids were super cute! My son was a super train fan when he was little, he’s an adult now but I think he still is a bit of a fan.

[@RussellCambell]

Love the efficiency. Just got back from Japan. I used the trains to get all over the country. My son when very young loved trains in general

[@41tinman41]

I love that Hannah fell in love with the trains, but can we talk about that majestic hair flip? It was a split second appearance, and definitely should get a print of it's own.

[@CurrentlyHannah]

It cracked me up every time I saw it 😂

[@xue5767]

Been watching your videos for a while, while I love the beautiful hikes, the geekiness of this one was really enjoyable! You should do more of these :)

[@japanesetrainandtravel6168]

As a railfan I tend to cringe when non train enthusiasts cover Railway topics, but you did such a great job. Really neat to hear the perspective of Japanese tetchans from you and loved the added touch of you going out to actually take pictures of trains. Enjoyed this episode and have subscribed! I’ve ridden the Azusa 353, Shonan Monorail, limited Express Shimakaze and highly recommend these trains

[@CurrentlyHannah]

So glad to hear that you enjoyed my video, despite me being a newbie to the topic!

[@japanesetrainandtravel6168]

@@CurrentlyHannah would love to see more reviews of Japanese trains from you!

[@jamierose1384]

I am shocked that as a osaka local you have not been on the nankai rapito train.. thank you for the great content.

[@HawaiiJapan808]

Im obsessed with Japan trains, especially the shisa kanko aspect. Loved the Kyoto musem. Great video🤙🏽

[@atshinkansen7439]

That’s one aspect I want to learn. In particular, it could translate well into a model railroad environment.

[@JoeK7]

Happy belated birthday! Great video!

[@Taka-vd5jn]

The convination of Mt.Fuji and shinkansen is phenomenal!

[@Agaettis]

The gentleman at the end who was taking pictures of the shinkansen and mount fuji really helped flip my mind on this. Bless him

[@gosikh]

Happy Birthday. Thanks for this video. My mom used to say Hiccups means someone is thinking of you.

[@andgainingspeed]

The video really took off when it got out of the studio! Would like to see more deep dives on Japan's hobbiest culture. 👍 Not sure how your keen eye and photo/video skills could be leveraged in some other Otaku categories but I wouldn't be at all surprised by it, based on your work.

[@coffeeismygod]

Thank you! I absolutely love this! I fell in love with the Japanese trains on my first trip, and I’m planning a rail/photography trip.

[@lechatnono]

I love trains so much, I wish to visit Japan someday to check out all their magnificent trains (not ride all of them though, rip wallet)!

[@CurrentlyHannah]

I never knew trains could be as expensive as the Twilight Express hahah

[@theboringkaren]

I had no idea train lovers were THAT intense! This was a fascinating video and you knocked it out of the park, Hannah. Thankfully, I know the train loving wrestler I mentioned to you is way too sweet for bad behavior!

[@Suyorukun]

This was incredibly fun to watch! Thank you😄

[@yusuke.s2551]

I respect you very much for choosing your words carefully so as not to mislead people.

[@markhla427]

Hooray for the return of the deep dive 👍🥳👍

[@CurrentlyHannah]

They’re back baby! 😆

[@vasilikonstan]

14:12 Omigosh this part gave me chills! Beautifully filmed and edited, wow. Keep up the good work!

[@vasilikonstan]

Confession: I watched this part five times in a row. I have been deeply in love with Mt Fuji since I travelled to Hakone in December, and took the cable car up to the top of a nearby mountain top. Literally stared at Mt Fuji for two hours 😭

[@AngelunaLovegood]

I’m not a railway fan but I am a fan of watching KZbinrs who are fans, like Kuga or Solo Solo Travel. I guess that’s my way of experiencing the trains without having to go to Japan and try and get on these trains. That’s gotta be its own category right 😅

[@CurrentlyHannah]

Oh I totally get what you mean! It’s just fun to watch people enjoy things that they’re passionate about 😍

[@pshuang415]

www.youtube.com/@SoloTravelJapan Also excellent (but no drooling!) www.youtube.com/@STJfoodtour

[@WayneThePoet]

Hanna, so well done! There is a something about big machines. While I have to admit, American World War 2 fighter planes are my favorite, trains hold a very strong 2nd place - the bullet in Japan and the very large, old steam engines in the US. Chris’ photo of the red train popping out of the tunnel, surrounded by a green sea of trees is spectacular. Have you seen the videos of people in Japan who just ride trains and show the journey? While on board, they talk about the history, the route and show the accommodations. Fun!

[@atshinkansen7439]

Next part of train culture to try is model railroading! I’ve never been to Japan, but I collect Japanese N scale trains. It’s an excellent way to enjoy trains from different parts of the country, and especially those that have been retired from service.

[@ckind2098]

This is a great video, thank you for all the quality work you put in to creating it! I love all the interviews (those little kids are too cute) - I had no idea trains had such a fanbase, and it's fun to hear why people enjoy them.

[@Shreyaasshh]

OMGGGG BEAUTIFUL.. amazinggg workkk

[@lynda.grace.14]

Wonderful video. In 2015 I visited the JR Train Museum in Nagoya. There you throw three tickets you are given into containers from which tickets are drawn for the privilege of operating the Shinkansen and two other trains' simulators. These are the same kind that JR uses to train the conductors. Long story short, I was lucky enough to win the chance to operate the Kodama 700 series on a simulated run. Because I brought the train in safely, on time, and lined up with the station doors, I was awarded a "safe driver" certificate. On the way back to where I was staying in Toyohashi I rode the same train. This time I was aware of everything that was going on--when the automatic braking system (ABS) took over from the conductor, etc. A thrilling experience. I'm not an otaku, but understand how easy it would be to get the bug.

[@tomubaato]

A wonderful video! Who knew I'd enjoy a video about trains so much. Thanks!

[@9realitycheck9]

Our family just came back from a wonderful 3 week trip to Japan.. Your videos inspired us to go and helped us plan our time there! We rode on the Hello Kitty themed Shinkansen.. 😂

[@jennamahaffy9553]

HAPPY LATE BIRTHDAY🎉🎉 This video was amazing and I need to see those Thomas train trains sometime!!! And many others japans trains stre amazing❤

[@jairosadventure4315]

Awesome video

[@saneill17]

Yasss….more train content Hannah please 😘 Didn’t really care about trains until I visited and then lived in Japan. Now I adore them lol

[@warrenandyiching]

I watch all your videos Hannah, but this may be your best one yet. Thanks for shedding light into a topic which most of us foreigners have only at best vaguely heard about. At the end of it, like you, I could begin to understand why trains hold such a fascination. If travel is all about learning about other cultures, then this video is a great example of it!

[@cheriestolze]

Brilliant video!

[@madhouze1]

I can thoroughly recommend the Beyond the Tourist Trail eBook. I recently spent 3 weeks based in Osaka and then Toyama, armed with a JR Rail Pass, visiting places I wouldn't have otherwise known about.The concise information on how to access the attractions proved invaluable.

[@CurrentlyHannah]

So wonderful to hear it helped you on your trip to Japan! 🥰

[@HoangDRM]

Very cool. Train + Flowers + Fujisan = AWESOMENESS

[@BanshanMarwein]

Absolutely great content and enjoyed watching 😊🎉❤

[@kashresurrected]

You never disappoint with your beautiful shots..great work with Chris 👍

[@sakitorihd]

5:48 "kane daro" i just had a yakuza game vibe right there

[@RONIN1111]

Great video! JR pass is the way for tourists who are train fans!

[@YASHVEER971]

Your fan from India . Watching your contents is just so satisfying.

[@danieljackson22]

Great video Hannah very interesting.👍

[@justjess882]

This brought me so much Joy

[@akindo.c9617]

字幕いいですね。最近ですか？ これからも楽しみにしてます。

[@sueallan7896]

In Australia Plane watching is slightly more popular because Australian Trains are rubbish…But Japanese Trains are next level…So much fun…

[@MeasuredLight]

Really, really enjoyed this video! And I'm not a train guy at all haha! Good one Hannah!!!

[@Love_rainy_days]

Very interesting video about Japanese love of trains🚄🚅🚈🚝🚞🚃🚋🚆🚉🚊🚇🚟🚠. Love your channel about Japan🗾 thank for sharing glad you got your visa to stay in Japan. Cheers 🍱🍱👨‍✈️

[@SaugotChowdhury]

That shinkansen pic is amazing 🤩 belated Happy birthday 🎈

[@user-zg5qs5ei5k]

敢えて、日本語で。 面白かったです♩ 日本の、細かい部分を良く観て捉えて居ます♩ 出来事の観察力を、色々な立場からの目線から。 逆に、教えて貰いました。 片寄って居ないジャーナリストの目ですね♩

[@theziggyking]

Until I saw your video I did not have any idea about Kyoto Train museum. Thanks a lot

[@Benham_Design]

Ahh, the train video was worth the wait!!!

[@LemifromJapan]

You're so lucky to see Dr. Yellow parked! Great coverage and congratulations on 400K Hannachan😆✨🎊👏

[@denvreds]

i like this video, i love train, thank you for making and posting this videos.

[@fringehead]

The Nankai Rapi:t to and from Kansai airport is really great

[@CKPeppi]

Thank you for this interesting and fun video 😊

[@neroishii-milovanov863]

That was well edited video!! Nice drone footage btw!

[@endlessdark]

Been waiting for this one. Such a joy to watch. Now I'm into trains.

[@OldBridgeDork]

Thanks Hannah really enjoyed this one! The Anpanman train is a great one for kids, my daughter loved it

[@SpencerRosevear]

This video was fantastic. Yours always are so I’m not surprised. Now I want to take photos of trains.

[@antrea333]

I LOVE THIS VIDEO!!!! the kids are so cute too, i love how they can name their favorite with no hesitation lol also wanted to add that my fiance and i went to the oigawa railway that has the thomas the tank engine trains during cherry blossom season this year and it was 👌👌👌we reserved steam locomotive train tickets and the trains ran through "cherry blossom alleys"!!! we didn't see thomas himself though hahaha

[@CurrentlyHannah]

Ooooh I’ve been wanting to see one of the steam locomotives, especially during cherry blossom season, it must’ve been beautiful!

[@zeeZerl]

Definitely go to the Kyoto Railway Museum. It has many hands-on and interactive bits along with all the trains and related bits on display.

[@sumugu161]

great information . did not notice people being so crazy about taking photos of train .usually ignore seen many people but after watching this videos , my new hobby has been added .thank you ,....

[@fabriziopace1]

Amazing video! Very well done

[@explorer914]

I'm a big Tori/Nori-Tetsu (Photo and train riding) from Sweden. My biggest dream is to travel to Tokyo, ride the Yamanote line, and the Shinkansen to Osaka. I really wished that there was Ekiben here in Sweden too. I'm also Autistic and I can at least, from my point confirm the fact that I like trains because they have a set number of rules and predictability.

[@kurofune.uragabay]

Loved it, thanks Hannah. Is there a "-tetsu", a name for shinkansen fans, like for example those that seek secondary stations on straight sections of the line so they get to see up close a shinkansen blaze trough at close to max speed?... 🙇🏻

[@CurrentlyHannah]

I dunno but I’m one 🙋🏼‍♀️

[@kurofune.uragabay]

@@CurrentlyHannah 😄🙋‍♂

[@kurofune.uragabay]

Erm... If you ever find yourself again in that spot in Oita where the train comes out of that "tunnel" of hinoki trees (is there an actual tunnel in there?...), in my (humble) opinion the shot when it's about to come out, with the top still in the dark, might be the most interesting one 🦯 The shot of the bullet train crossing between Fuji-san and a field of wild flowers is a classic, absolutely gorgeous and a badge of honour for any photographer, congrats Hannah and Chris 🥇 (...it just would have looked _a bit_ better with a sizeable snow-cap, screw the flowers... 😯😯😅 ) 🙄

[@mattbarros7102]

My favourite is the Odakyu romance car. Love being able to sit at the front of the train, whilst the driver sits upstairs.

[@AfroInJPN]

Gawd this is such a fantastic topic and an absolutely amazing video!! Keep them up!

[@CurrentlyHannah]

Thank you 🤩 Had so much fun learning about it!

[@Itami95]

Well done Hannah, great video.

[@GoTroppo69]

Welcome to the world of rainfanning Hannah & Chris. The bad vibe towards us is certainly not unique to Japan - in Australia you'll hear pejorative terms like foamers and gunzels to describe us (unfortunately for some, that may be apt) - the practice is more formally known as ferroequinology, but I prefer rainfanning. I have to admit, much like Switzerland, you're spoilt for choice in Japan - in Australia we're limited in our options, but sometimes the variety of landscapes can make up for it. But if you're enjoying the scene in Japan, I would highly recommend making the trip to Switzerland because what they've done with trains is beyond exceptional. Thanks again for an amazing video. I hope to travel to Japan soon and will certainly be taking a copy of your guide.

[@CurrentlyHannah]

Oh that’s interesting to hear that Australian railfanners also receive bad vibes 😞 I recon it also must have something to do with not understanding the passion therefore dismissing the group entirely (tall poppy and all that) but that’s just a personal theory!

[@GoTroppo69]

@@CurrentlyHannah unfortunateky the enthusiasm of some can be a bit over the top - but somehow, if you swap railways for car, motorbike or truck, suddenly rabid enthusiasm is met with respect. I think the comment made by the American couple resonated - the railways appears more to geek culture because it entwines logic (signalling) & mathematics (queuing theory & game theory is used a lot in scheduling) with design (particularly in terms of both rollingstock and architechure). Anyhow, I'm incredibly envious that you'll be able to chase some of you new favourites down in Japan - I hope were lucky enough to share those experiences with you!

[@CurrentlyHannah]

@@GoTroppo69 Yes I tend to agree. Car and motorbike fans are seen just a boy-ish hobby or traditionally masculine thing to be into but trains somehow get lumped into the geeky category, probably for the reasons you mentioned. The things that make trains cool are the things you won't know until you've already researched them hahaha!

[@JBF-GST-Tanda]

The number one self-evident golden rule for any type of enthusiast or fan is NEVER EVER do anything that could result in damage to the field (or cause or industry etc.) you love. Trainspotters love trains, so why breaking the rules and exerting a negative impact on the normal operation of railway transportation?

[@panchert5732]

That's how childishly stupid they are.

[@flipcats]

Your content is as always on point and so unique I enjoyed every minute of it.

[@ragechibi]

ahh finally got around to watching this one!! this was so fun! thanks for the deep dives, these are really interesting :D i live in hokkaido so i wanna see the snow plow one now too!!

[@tsietsiramakatsa7429]

I'm not a train fan, but I'm definitely going to try and see Doctor Yellow when I visit.

[@mechanicalmidnight]

Thanks! This is interesting and enjoyable to watch, subscribed and liked!

[@glitterypigeons]

I absolutely love the shonan monoraio lol

[@flushfpv]

Wow! Now I want to go to Japan. I always loved trians. I have a bunch of model railroad trials. And this vidio was awesome!. Thanks Hanna. Looking forward to the next one

[@thecleeze6359]

I live in Japan for now, and I can't drive here yet here, so the trains kind of became my only means for really traveling reliably (busses, sure they exist, but I'm in Iwate and trains here are expensive and a little tricky to navigate). Iwate can also be a little odd to try to experience nightlife... I would say that in short they don't really have the casual night life I'm used to, and the 'snack' and hostess stuff I don't really care for. The platform ticket, 150 yen as you said. It gave me a comfortable place to have a drink, see people, and it's pretty neat to see shinkansen trains blast through the station. It's not a social place. People arrive, leave. One Friday though, I saw the Alfa-X. I got my platform ticket to go up to the shinkansen platform and think, and I saw some dude with a really big camera. Sometimes, I go to the shinkansen platform to just sit and think. I don't think I'm autistic. I like to hear and see the sounds of that place, because uh, some reason I can't explain. Music, and "mamonaku". The smell of escalator grease. I like it. Anyway, I thought to myself, "Why is there some dude with a huge camera?" So, I waited, and the Alfa-X came, and I didn't know what that was. I looked it up, and it's a next generation shinkansen train. Cool specs, but I mean, you can't ride it yet. I saw Dr. Yellow once from Shimbashi Station, and it literally had sparks shooting off of it. I've never been east of Tokyo.

[@itisriley]

Very well done, I think you might also find Japan's ferry scene interesting

[@filipinastuazon3593]

Whenever I watched your blog I feel I really really wanted to go back to Japan