Do you remember my post about “yamitetsu” last month? Today, I’d like to share an update on my activities.
Let’s start with a quick overview. Yamitetsu refers to a railfan who loves photographing trains in the dark. The word is a blend of “yami” (meaning “darkness”) and “tetsu” (meaning “iron”). In Japanese, we call a railway "tetsudō", which literally means “iron road". Without realizing it, I’ve long enjoyed taking photos at underground stations, at night on the surface, and in other low-light settings. Still, I think of myself as just a beginner yamitetsu.
Now, let’s move on to the main topic. I recently stopped by Tokyo Metro’s Shinkiba Railyard on the Yurakucho Line for a yamitetsu outing. I chose this spot because there’s a pedestrian bridge crossing the yard. On the bridge, a pleasant evening breeze made the air feel refreshing. Below, I saw many trains being readied for service. Under the yard lights, they gleamed beautifully—the Tokyo Metro 10000 and 17000 series EMUs, as well as the Seibu 40000 series, which directly operates onto the Seibu-Ikebukuro Line.
And one more… Set 6102 of the Tokyo Metro 6000 series! As you know, all 6000 series EMUs have already disappeared from Japanese tracks, but Set 6102 is still preserved here at the yard. Its interior lights were off, but its aluminum alloy body shone faintly under the floodlights. Set 6102, it’s been a while! How have you been?
