In 2005, Yamagata Railway was in danger of having to shut down due to low patronage, leaving many residents, especially the young and old, without a mode of transportation from their farms.
Pda tahun 2005, Kereta Api Yamagata di ambang ditutup karena rendahnya jumlah penumpang, meninggalkan banyak pengguna, terutapa kalangan lanjut usia dan muda, tanpa moda transportasi dari pertanian mereka.