Railway Worker at a Railroad Crossing

NCL Special Collection / Zhu Cheng-yuan / Japanese Colonial Period (1895-1945) / 9.3×7.3cm / 《Visual Feast》

Those who have seen the Japanese movie “Poppoya” will feel a great deal of respect for railway workers. In the picture this railway worker standing at attention next to a railroad crossing is actually just responsible for operating the boom barrier. However, his sharp uniform and upright posture seem to suggest he takes pride in his work.
The wooden guard hut behind the railroad worker is a mix of Japanese and Western features, giving it a unique and enchanting style. The boom barrier is made from a long wooden beam.