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Nestled amidst the expansive plains of Hokkaido, where the horizon stretches endlessly under a vast cerulean sky, lies a quaint wooden station house that whispers tales of joy and serendipity. This is Kōfuku Station, whose very name—meaning "happiness" in Japanese—evokes a sense of warmth and contentment in the hearts of those who visit.
The station's origins trace back to 1956, when it was established as part of the now-defunct Hiroo Line. For decades, it served as a humble stop amidst the rolling fields and distant mountains, a quiet witness to the daily rhythms of rural life. However, it was in the early 1970s that Kōfuku Station transcended its modest beginnings to become a beacon of hope and romance.
In March 1973, the station was featured in NHK's travel program "A Travel Journal of New Japan," in a segment titled "The Journey to Happiness—Obihiro." This broadcast illuminated the station's charming name and picturesque setting, capturing the imagination of viewers across the nation. The allure of traveling from "Aikoku" (meaning "Love Country") Station to "Kōfuku" (Happiness) Station became a symbol of a journey from love to happiness, resonating deeply with the public. (city.obihiro.hokkaido.jp)
The response was nothing short of phenomenal. The "From Aikoku to Kōfuku" tickets, adorned with the poetic phrase "Happiness from the Country of Love," became coveted keepsakes. Over a span of four years, an astonishing ten million of these tickets were sold, as people from all walks of life sought a tangible piece of joy. (city.obihiro.hokkaido.jp)
Even after the Hiroo Line ceased operations in 1987, the spirit of Kōfuku Station endured. Recognizing its cultural significance and the affection it inspired, the local community preserved the station as a cherished landmark. In 2013, the station underwent a thoughtful renovation under the concept of "Old but New," ensuring its legacy would continue to inspire future generations. (city.obihiro.hokkaido.jp)
Today, visitors are greeted by the lovingly restored wooden station building, its walls adorned with countless messages and tokens left by those who have passed through. The platform, with its weathered planks, leads to two vintage diesel cars, standing as silent sentinels of a bygone era. Nearby, the "Happiness Bell" invites couples and dreamers to ring in their hopes for the future, its chime resonating across the tranquil landscape.
The station's charm has also fostered international bonds. In 2016, Kōfuku Station formed a friendship agreement with Taiwan's Neiwan Line's Goko Station, affectionately known as the "Romance Station." This partnership celebrates the universal desire for love and happiness, bridging cultures and hearts across the sea. (city.obihiro.hokkaido.jp)
As the sun sets over the fields, casting a golden glow upon the station, one can't help but feel the magic that lingers in the air. Kōfuku Station stands not merely as a relic of the past, but as a living testament to the enduring human pursuit of happiness—a place where the journey itself becomes a destination, and every visitor leaves with a heart a little lighter, a spirit a little brighter.