The JNR Class C56 149 steam locomotive is a historic engine (known as Highland Pony) built in 1938. It is currently preserved as a static exhibit directly in front of JR Kiyosato Station in the city of Hokuto, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan. It celebrated its 88th birthday with community festivals and special exhibits on June 28, 2026. In Japanese culture, the 88th birthday is celebrated as Beiju. The name is a play on words derived from the kanji for rice, which can be disassembled into the characters for eighty-eight symbolizing purity, wholesomeness, and sustenance, making the Beiju a joyous milestone of longevity.
Manufacture: Built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in June 1938.
Operational Era: Spent the majority of its active working life operating on the JR Koumi Line.
Restoration: After being retired in 1973 and weathering heavy deterioration, a community effort known as the “C56 Makeup Project” helped restore and safely relocate it to the station plaza.
C56 149: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Japanese-national-railways-C56-149-20110804.jpg: https://www.steamlocomotivejapan.com/c56-149
A static exhibit of C56 149, proudly displayed a special 88th birthday headmark (Beiju) and celebration flags, Kiyosato Station, Takane-cho, Hokuto-city, Yamanashi, 6/28/2026
JNR Class C56: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JNR_Class_C56; Kiyosato Station C56 Makeup Project: (In Japanese) https://kiyosato.gr.jp/c56-mup/
Virginia spiderwort (Tradescantia virginiana): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tradescantia_virginiana; https://mikawanoyasou.org/data/oomurasakituyukusa.htm
Virginia spiderwort growing near Kiyosato Station
Takane-cho, Hokuto-city, Yamanashi, 6/28/2026
Golden marguerite (Anthemis tinctoria): https://www.gardenia.net/plant/anthemis-tinctoria-kelwayii-golden-marguerite; https://www.uaex.uada.edu/yard-garden/resource-library/plant-week/marguerite-golden-8-19-11.aspx
Golden marguerite growing near Kiyosato Station, Takane-cho, Hokuto-city, Yamanashi, 6/28/2026