In a remarkable achievement, workers in rural Japan constructed an entirely new train station within six hours, between the last train of the night and the first train of the morning. This new station will replace a larger wooden structure that has served commuters for over 75 years.
The components of the new station were 3D-printed at a different location and assembled on-site last month, marking what the railway's operators claim to be a world first. Although it resembles a shelter more than a traditional station, the innovative construction method significantly reduced both the time and cost of building, as traditional methods would have taken over two months and cost double.
As Japan faces an aging population and a shrinking workforce, maintaining railway infrastructure, particularly in rural areas with declining ridership, has become increasingly challenging for operators. The Hatsushima station is located in a quiet seaside town within Arida, a city in Wakayama Prefecture with a population of 25,000, near popular tourist destinations in Osaka and Nara. The station, served by a single line, accommodates approximately 530 riders daily.
Local commuter Yui Nishino, 19, expressed her surprise upon learning that the world’s first 3D-printed station was being built in her area. She noted the rapid progress of the construction compared to traditional methods and expressed hope for the expansion of 3D-printing technology in future building projects.
Serendix, the construction firm collaborating with West Japan Railway, reported that the printing of the station parts and their reinforcement with concrete took seven days. The parts were manufactured in a factory located in Kumamoto Prefecture and transported approximately 500 miles to Hatsushima Station.
According to Kunihiro Handa, co-founder of Serendix, typical construction timelines span several months, requiring nighttime work to avoid disrupting train schedules. On a Tuesday night in late March, local residents gathered to witness the unique project as it commenced after the last train departed at 11:57 p.m.
In under six hours, workers assembled the preprinted parts made of special mortar, using a large crane to lift each piece into place near the old station. The new building, covering just over 100 square feet, was completed by the time the first train arrived at 5:45 a.m. It features minimalistic white designs that incorporate local specialties, such as a mandarin orange and a scabbardfish.
Although the new station is not yet fully equipped with necessary interior features like ticket machines, it is expected to open for public use in July. Railway officials believe this project exemplifies how service can be maintained in remote areas through new technology and a reduced workforce.
Ryo Kawamoto, president of JR West Innovations, highlighted the project's significance in minimizing the number of personnel required for station operations. The wooden structure being replaced was built in 1948 and had been automated since 2018.
Toshifumi Norimatsu, 56, who manages a nearby post office, expressed mixed feelings about the transition. While he felt a sense of sadness about the old station's demolition, he also hoped that the new station could serve as a model for future projects.