Steam locomotive engineers, a rare commodity in modern Japan, are currently gearing up for the summer by putting the finishing touches on their training.

Japan Railway group carriers, riding the newfound popularity of steam locomotives — thanks to the acclaimed film "Poppoya" and the NHK drama "Suzuran" — plan to make them a centerpiece for sightseeing in more than 10 areas across the country this summer.

However, because qualified engineers have become scarce since steam locomotives were phased out in 1975, the JR companies have begun training novices.