SHOWA SNAP: Akita Prefecture, circa 1965

Akita Prefecture, where Japan’s bear-hunting dogs get their namesake, once boasted the northernmost tram on Honshu, Japan’s main island. In this cool shot, all the greats of the early Sixties are seen. A Toyopet Crown waits for pedestrians in the foreground, a 410 Bluebird taxi headed in the opposite direction makes a right. The Esso station in the background hosts an Isuzu Bellett 1500, 210-series Datsun, and even a couple of Mitsubishi 500s, while the shop truck appears to be a Mazda B360. Finally, there’s the little Subaru 360 scooting behind the tram, just as happy as can be. These days, there aren’t many streetcars left in Japan; the Akita Tramway ceased operations on December 31, 1965.

Image: jyutakujiban

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4 Responses to SHOWA SNAP: Akita Prefecture, circa 1965

  1. Nigel says:

    Awesome picture !!

  2. Toyotageek says:

    Super cool picture.
    This photo gets the TG seal of approval.

    For more Showa Snap on video with crazy kaiju and pre-Power Ranger heroes, check out the new ULTRAQ and ULTRAMAN blu-ray sets that came out last month.

  3. David says:

    I lived in Iwate Prefecture for 3 years and visited Akita Prefecture 3-4 times a month. Is this from Akita City?

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