Tsunami Survivor!

Tsunami Survivor: Harley-Davidson Night Train's Miraculous 3,720 mile Journey from Japan to Canada

In the wake of the catastrophic tsunami that struck Japan in March 2011, countless items were swept out to sea, carried away by the powerful surge of water. Among these was a 2004 Harley-Davidson Night Train motorcycle, owned by Ikuo Yokoyama, who resided in the Miyagi Prefecture, one of the regions hardest hit by the disaster. The tsunami not only devastated Yokoyama's community but also claimed the lives of his three family members, leaving behind a trail of destruction and loss.

Astonishingly, Yokoyama's motorcycle embarked on an extraordinary journey across the Pacific Ocean. Encased in a large white storage container, the bike managed to float and navigate through the vast expanse of the ocean for over a year. In April 2012, the motorcycle was discovered by Peter Mark on the remote shores of British Columbia, Canada, amidst a collection of debris. The container had protected the motorcycle from the harsh elements of the ocean, though it had suffered considerable rust and damage from its lengthy voyage.

The discovery of the Night Train in such an unexpected location captured international attention, serving as a symbol of the far-reaching impacts of the tsunami. Harley-Davidson, moved by the story, reached out to Ikuo Yokoyama, offering to restore the motorcycle and ship it back to Japan. However, Yokoyama, who had endured immense personal loss and hardship, made a profound request. He asked that the motorcycle be preserved in its found state and displayed as a memorial to the tragedy and a testament to the resilience of those affected.

Honoring his wishes, Harley-Davidson arranged for the bike to be transported to their museum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. There, it remains on display, enshrined as a powerful reminder of the tsunami's impact and the remarkable journey of survival against the odds. The story of Ikuo Yokoyama's Harley-Davidson Night Train continues to resonate with visitors, symbolizing hope, endurance, and the enduring human spirit in the face of overwhelming adversity.