A Japanese local railway operator has seized on its financial difficulties as a public relations opportunity by using self-deprecating humor to attract more tourists to the area.

Choshi Electric Railway, based in the city of Choshi in Chiba Prefecture, operates just one train line, which has experienced persistent deficits.

After regaining profitability for a time, the company registered its first red ink in four years in the business year that ended in March due to rising prices.