Imagine a place where trams whisper apologies as they glide through the streets, leaving you curious and intrigued. Welcome to Japan, where even the transportation system has a unique charm!
In the charming town of Obiyacho, Kochi Prefecture, on the island of Shikoku, you'll find a streetcar with a special message. The destination display reads "ごめん" (Gomen), which translates to "Sorry" in English. It's a sight that stops you in your tracks, both literally and figuratively.
But here's the twist: the tram isn't apologizing for any wrongdoing. It's headed towards a station named Gomen, located in the nearby city of Nankoku. As you board the tram, you're treated to a delightful 30-minute journey, passing through Gomen Nishimachi, Gomen Nakamachi, and Gomen Higashimachi before reaching the final stop, Gomenmachi Station.
And this is the part most people miss: Gomenmachi Station isn't the only Gomen station in the area. There's another, simply named Gomen, which can be a bit confusing for visitors. But the locals have found a creative solution, a sign that reads "ありがとう駅" (Thank You Station). It's a warm and humorous way to address the confusion, and it leaves you with a heartwarming feeling.
The sign's message, penned by the renowned Japanese manga artist Takashi Yanase, has a poetic beauty. It plays with the words "Gomen" and "Arigatou", blurring the lines between place names and common parlance. Yanase, the creator of the beloved animated series Anpanman, was born and raised in Kochi Prefecture, and his affection for the station and its wordplay is evident.
Gomenmachi Station may not have the convenience of a bustling city, but it offers a peaceful escape with vast blue skies above quiet residential areas. Locals and visitors alike embrace the unique station name with love, even selling "Gomen"-branded souvenirs at the nearby Lawson convenience store. It's a great way to promote the region and bring a smile to your colleagues' faces.
But wait, there's more! The so-called Thank You Station is just the beginning. Head over to the Sorry Station, a seven-minute walk from the Gomennishimachi tram stop. This larger station, served by Japan Rail (JR) Shikoku and the Tosa Kuroshio Railway, adds to the charm with its prominent use of hiragana for the name. The word "sorry" in hiragana, "ごめん", instantly gives the station its nickname. Even the trams display "ごめん" on their destination markers, making it seem like they're apologizing too.
Delve deeper, and you'll find the kanji for "Gomen" written as "後免", an unusual character even for Japanese speakers. Its roots lie in "shoyaku gomen" (tax-exempt land), where "gomen" was written as "御免" (honourable exemption), referring to tax-exempt land during the Edo Period. Although the first kanji changed in 1889, the pronunciation remained the same.
The station building showcases the much simpler "ごめん" prominently, from the platform to the ticket gates. A sign, with a person prostrating themselves, apologizes for the need to purchase an admission ticket to access the platform, priced at 190 yen for adults and 90 yen for children. It's a unique way to say sorry!
Red-cheeked Anpanman and his friends from Yanase's beloved series make an appearance on garbage and recycling bins, adding a touch of familiarity and warmth.
So, the next time you're seeking a unique Japanese experience away from the crowds, Gomen Station and Gomenmachi Station are ready to greet you with their charming apologies and heartfelt thanks. And if Kochi is a bit too far, don't worry; you can always find adorable trams bringing joy to the streets of Tokyo and Kyoto.
Have you ever encountered a place with such a unique twist on apologies and gratitude? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
