"RAIL Product" Paperweight Made from Reclaimed Rail Goes on Sale

Sumida City, Tobu Railway, and the Sumida City Tourism Association have produced a limited run of 591 "RAIL Product (Paperweight)" pieces, made from rails that supported train operations for over 130 years.

Project Background

The material is the original railway rail used since Tobu Railway began operations in 1899. It served out its life when the old platform was demolished as part of the continuous grade separation project on the Tobu Isesaki Line (near Tokyo Skytree Station). Known as the "1897 Carnegie Steel Company Rail Utilization Project," this sustainable initiative aims to promote the area's appeal, boost tourism, and make effective use of resources. It was reborn by bringing together the manufacturing culture and technology of the ward.

Product Overview

• Release date: Monday, November 30, 2026
• Price: 15,000 yen (tax included)
• Where to buy: Connect Sumida [Machi-dokoro] (1-23-9 Mukojima, Sumida-ku, Tokyo) (planned)
• Size: approx. 105 mm tall, 109 mm wide, 8 mm thick; weight approx. 250 g
• Material: 30 kg rail made at Carnegie Steel Company's Edgar Thomson Works No. 1 plant in 1897

It is also scheduled to be offered as a return gift for the "Sumida City Hokusai Furusato Nozei" hometown tax donation program. Due to the manufacturing process, each piece differs slightly, and some have rust on them. Keep rails with a history stretching back to the former Azumabashi Station and Narihirabashi Station eras close at hand and feel history up close.