ALONG THE HAKODATE MAIN LINE: RIDING THE H100

Traveling to Yoichi from Kutchan Station on the JR Hakodate Main line riding the H100 series—a brand-new diesel-electric multiple unit introduced this year and nicknamed "DECMO (Diesel Electric Car with Motors)". The Otaru-bound train, operated only by the driver, effortlessly goes up and down the mountain paths which were challenging for steam locomotive operators back then.

倶知安駅から余市までJR函館本線の列車で出かける。乗ったのはDECMO（Diesel Electric Car with Motors）という愛称がついた、今年導入されたばかりの真新しい電気式気動車、H100形。小樽へ向かうこのワンマン気動車は、かつて蒸気機関車にとって難所だった峠を軽々と走り抜けていく。