The Lifesaving Fuel Train

NHK WORLD PRIME • Season 5 • Episode 17

About this episode

The March 2011 earthquake and tsunami in northeastern Japan disrupted supplies of gasoline to many communities causing huge shortages of this vital fuel. A dedicated team of train engineers in Fukushima Prefecture stepped in to help out during the crisis. Some sections of track were unelectrified, so they decided to use old locomotives. The team was made up of engineers nearing retirement and relative beginners. But they came together to tackle a host of problems. This is a story about bravery and hope. (Originally broadcast as a standalone documentary under its own title on April 18, 2021)