With flashing red lights, ringing alarms, and barriers swinging down, a railroad crossing in action is an impactful experience. Found everywhere from quiet countryside villages to bustling city streets, these crossings are a common sight. Yet, they also hold a certain cinematic charm, often symbolizing boundaries or turning points in stories.

Cross the line with this collection of illustrations featuring railroad crossings.

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What do you think of when you see railroad tracks? Many suburban and rural towns in Japan have tracks that lead to bigger cities. For many youngsters, they can be seen as a symbol of what lies beyond their small towns — an unfamiliar and fast-paced world.

In many anime and manga, that symbolism carries over and characters are often seen standing on the edge of their next big adventure as the sound of a train rumbles in the distance.

Do any of the illustrations below take your heart on a journey?

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