YAMAGUCHI -- A bodybuilding contest was held onboard a "Muscle Train" on the JR Sanin Line in Yamaguchi Prefecture on Nov. 10, as 70 passengers roared with excitement.

The event was planned by a council to promote the use of the Sanin Line in anticipation of the end of restoration work along its entire route in fiscal 2025, which has been partially suspended due to a disaster. The council consists of local governments along the line and West Japan Railway Co. (JR West).

The event was made possible with the cooperation of the Japan Bodybuilding & Fitness Federation. The special train operated along the beautiful Sea of Japan coastline between Shimonoseki and Kogushi stations in the morning and between Nagatoshi and Masuda stations in the afternoon. On the latter run, five male and female bodybuilders showed off their poses and took part in commemorative photo shoots.

Tickets for 70 passengers, which came with a special bento box meal, sold out in just two days. The Nagato Municipal Government, the secretariat of the council, said, "Both the passengers and bodybuilders were delighted. We will continue to consider plans for revitalization."

(Japanese original by Keiichi Sugiyama, Yamaguchi Bureau)