9か月で1万杯以上売れた！北海道最小の村の「黒い駅そば」が通年で完全復活した理由　廃線危機のマチの未来つなぐ希望の一杯

The famous "Black Station Soba" from Otoineppu Village, Hokkaido, was revived in 2025 for a limited time. Due to its unexpectedly overwhelming popularity, it has been decided to reopen year-round, with its first day of business on the 17th. The "Black Station Soba," with its history of over 90 years at JR Otoineppu Station, has been revived year-round and began operations on the 17th. Customer: "It's delicious. I was looking forward to this. I like the black color and the strong flavor of the soba." Customer: "It's my favorite taste. It hasn't changed since the old days." When it was revived in 2025 after a four-year hiatus, it was only for a limited time, operating in a space borrowed from the village. However, the revival of the specialty caused a huge sensation both within and outside Hokkaido, and thanks to the popularity of the original new menu items, it sold 11,700 bowls in nine months. Shop owner, Osamu Takemoto: "I'm extremely happy with the overwhelming response. It's rare for so many people to visit the village, so I want to make this a place where customers can enjoy themselves and feel glad they came." Moved by the passionate desire of fans to continue the local specialty and the shop owner's enthusiasm, the village readily agreed to its revival. This time, it's not a limited-time event, but year-round operation. Behind this lies the harsh reality faced by the small village and the hope that "station soba" can help overcome it. Yamano, Reporter: "The station soba is bustling with many people. However, only one train passes through during business hours." The JR Soya Main Line, which passes through Otoineppu Station, is facing significant deficits, and tough discussions between JR and the local government are looming regarding its continued operation. For Hokkaido's smallest village, with a population of 535, to maintain its station, it needs a local specialty that will give people a reason to visit. Shop owner Osamu Takemoto: "It's difficult for the railway to last forever due to the changing times, but I hope it doesn't disappear during my lifetime. If you get off at Otoineppu, you can enjoy the soba noodles, the scenery, the atmosphere, and everything else Otoineppu has to offer, so I hope you'll create lasting travel memories." The "black station soba" at Otoineppu Station is beloved by travelers nationwide. This traditional flavor connects the village to its future.