The deck of the Seikan Ferry, which had stopped sailing, had become old and unrepaired

Hokkaido is now accessible by train from Tokyo without having to change trains. However, until the Seikan Tunnel opened in 1988, there was no such thing as a direct train connection. Passengers who took the train to Aomori Station had to transfer to the Seikan ferry to cross the Tsugaru Strait and then take a train again from Hakodate. It is nearly impossible to believe now, but the Seikan Ferry was a major artery that supported Japan's rapid economic growth. At times, there were as many as 30 round trips a day. The Seikan Ferry was constantly coming and going between Aomori and Hakodate.

Although the Seikan Ferry is no longer in service, the Mashu Maru, which operated until its final day in 1988, is still moored at Hakodate Port and can be visited. Although the ship, which could carry up to 1,200 passengers, is much larger than expected, there are only a limited number of areas that can be visited. The wheelhouse and radio communication room, which are still intact, are accessible, but the vehicle deck, general control room, and main engine room are not. As I am not that interested in the ship itself, I was satisfied with just the wheelhouse and the deck. Walking around the deck, which was falling apart without being repaired, I felt a sense of the constant decay of things that had a form.

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