[Testimony 2] A train operator, Mr. Yuta Matsumoto who will be carry on the future of the Sanriku Railway.

Mr. Matsumoto who is operating a train

The Sanriku Railway recovered for the local residents from the devastated disaster. I wondered if I also could help the local people along the rail lines as one of the victims of the disaster when I was in the 9th grade, so I started working at the railway company in 2016. In the time of the opening ceremony for the restored lines, many people were gatherd in front of the station to support and cheer it. When I saw them I felt that this railway is really loved by the local people. Even now, a passenger who came from somewhere far away cheered me, "keep it up", while I was operating a train. I think that the support will encourage my work and It makes me do my best.
Our company is facing financial difficulties, but as long as there are people who need us and support us, we would like to keep going for them. When I see the passengers are chatting and talking on the train, I feel that the train is a place for everybody to talk and bond with others.
Those experienses remind me and I feel rewarded doing this job because I have many people's lives in my hands at my age. I will continue to do my task for my professional growth, and I would like to reach the top of this field.
On a day off, I enjoy playing baseball in the Sanriku Railway baseball team which is able to accept any local people. The traditional performing arts of Toramai which is Tiger Dance is popular in the city of Kamaishi, where I came from. Even now I enjoy the dancing with other dancers in Kamaishi. I participate in the Tiger Dance and interact with the local people.