Photo/Illutration Yasuhiko Okudaira, who has driven the EF63 electric locomotive 1,000 times, poses in Annaka, Gunma Prefecture. (Provided by the Usuitouge Railway Heritage Park)

ANNAKA, Gunma Prefecture--Yasuhiko Okudaira reached an “incredible” milestone in his hobby--operating his favorite train 1,000 times--after 20 years, hundreds of hours-long road trips and constant fee payments.

But that still hasn’t satisfied his desire.

On Oct. 8, the operator of the Usuitouge Railway Heritage Park here issued a letter of appreciation to Okudaira, 76, at a ceremony to commemorate his feat in operating the EF63 electric locomotive.

“I’ve loved vehicles since childhood, and railways are my favorite from my high school days,” Okudaira said. “I am happy after driving the locomotive 1,000 times, and I will continue to operate it from now.”

The park in Gunma Prefecture is the only facility in Japan that offers demonstration drives of the EF63.

That created a problem for Okudaira, who lives in Ayase, Kanagawa Prefecture, a five-hour car drive away.

Okudaira said he became fascinated with the EF63 after an unexpected encounter with the train on a trip. And despite the long distance from his home, he kept frequenting the park for a chance to drive the train.

“He visited here 50 times a year on average,” said Yoshihisa Nakajima, chairman of the park operator. “This is incredible and really helpful for our facility. We hope he will be able to continue enjoying the demonstration drives of the EF63.”

People who want to operate the EF63 must complete a one-day training program for 30,000 yen ($264) and pass an exam. The first 29 rides cost the driver 5,000 yen each, and 4,000 yen for every following session.

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