2026 Volume 23 Pages 69-84
Examples exist within organizations of utilizing “history” as a management resource. “History” differs from “what actually happened in the past (historical facts)” in that it incorporates the subjective view of the company utilizing it. The focus of this study was the utilization of history by Echizen Railway, local municipalities along its route, and residents’ organizations, with particular attention to the leveraging of “collective memory.” The Echizen Railway line was formerly operated by Keifuku Electric Railroad, which suffered two head-on collisions on the Echizen Main Line within just six months in 2000 and 2001. The collisions led to its withdrawal from railway operations in Fukui Prefecture. For approximately two years thereafter, replacement bus services were used, causing significant disruption for the local community. In response, Echizen Railway, a third-sector (public-private) company, was established. This study examines the impact of the two accidents—and of the replacement of rail with bus services for the next two years—on the local community. Further, the way Echizen Railway and the local community have utilized the collective memory of the bus service experience, consciously or unconsciously, is explored.
