Easy Japanese news in translation: 101-year-old locomotive retires in Kumamoto Prefecture

JR Kyushu’s sightseeing train “SL Hitoyoshi” retired on March 24. The steam locomotive was 101 years old. It was the oldest operating steam locomotive in Japan. About 600 fans and others gathered to say, “Thank you for your hard work” at Yatsushiro Station in Kumamoto Prefecture, where a farewell ceremony was held.

Note: In Japan, the letters SL mean “steam locomotive.”

Japanese original

The easy Japanese news is taken from the Mainichi Shogakusei Shimbun, a newspaper for children. This is perfect material for anyone studying Japanese who has learned hiragana and katakana. We encourage beginners to read the article in English followed by Japanese, or vice versa, to test their comprehension.

A fresh set will be published every Monday to Friday at 4 p.m., Japan time. Click/tap here for past installments.

Intermediate learners who do not need English assistance can directly access the Mainichi Shogakusei Shimbun site here . Furigana (hiragana) is added to all kanji in the text.