Japan Railfan Club - is anyone a member?

[miyakoji]

In gmat's thread about railway-themed bars and cafes in Tokyo (http://www.jnsforum.com/community/topic/7044-jt-article-about-train-themed-bars-and-cafes-in-tokyo/) I mentioned the Japan Railfan Club. Is anyone here a member? The club will be 60 years old at the end of this year, they have about 3300 members, and many organizations provide support including the JR Group companies. They award the Blue Ribbon and Laurel prizes for rolling stock, and the Shima Hideo Prize for railway-related literature (Shima was the man behind lots of things you've heard of including the shinkansen and the D51).

 

Japanese: http://www.jrc.gr.jp/

English: http://www.jrc.gr.jp/e/

[bikkuri bahn]

3300 members seems small for a nation with an estimated 1 million railfans, though many would likely be of the more "casual" type. I would consider joining if they organized tours of railway workshops or control centers.

[ToniBabelony]

Hmmm... When I get a job, I'll probably get a membership.For only ¥6,400 and a ¥1,000 registration fee. This is a good price I think, since they also do a monthly magazine, and organise other stuff: http://www.jrc.gr.jp/e/aboutushttp://www.jrc.gr.jp/e/aboutus I think it isn't only great to receive the magazine, but also to attend the events they organise and/or announce and meet other railway fans (who are a bit more social than most fans).