Before you are fully able to understand 'Take the X Train', first, you'll need a little history lesson. In 1934, the great Miyazaki Kenji penned the story "Night on the Galactic Railroad". A story about two young boys who board a mysterious train that takes them on a journey across the Milky Way. Although it was left unfinished, the story was published after Miyazaki's death. However, the impact this novel would have on Japanese storytelling cannot be understated. Becoming by far his most famous and influential work. It's lighter take on themes of mortality and sacrifice, combined with it's use of relatable anthropomorphic characters, made ita key part of children's literature studies throughout Japan. That, and the fact that taking the train by yourself is a common way to teach kids about responsibility. Making the story even more relatable and poignant as a fairy-tale.

Many years later, the book would receive two major anime adaptations: A much looser, yet equally iconic and beloved Galaxy Express 999 and the much more faithful 1985 film adaptation. Both of which have since became classics in their own right.

Since then, young protagonists taking the train on their own has become a staple of symbolism in anime and Japanese fiction. The most iconic example probably being Chihiro and the No Face riding the train together in Spirited Away.

Now, you're probably wondering: "That's all well and good for a bunch of snot-nosed brats. But what about ME!?"

Well, this is something that I believe has multiple answers/interpretations. But here's what I personally believe.

Something that Toru's boss mentions moments later, is that today's "me generation" craves calmness. To reject the busy, chaotic ways of modern life and to embrace the romanticised idea of the past. This contrasts with not only Duke Ellington's sporadic, golden age jazz percussions, but also Toru's own life. We frequently cut to him throughout his boss's ramblings. Desperately trying to keep things organised on the phone. Sweat pouring down his head while he works in the cramped, humid office. And for what? To do the unwanted busy work for his employers while they show no acknowledgement of his hard work.

Even if it's obvious that he doesn't care at all about trains, Toru still represents that sentiment. The modern everyman who longs for a freer, simpler time of the bygone era. The ghost train itself, the EF 5681, is nothing more than a forgotten piece of scrap metal. But bursts of spitting electricity connect Toru to this mysterious ghost train. When the train first appears, we see an image of a tiger behind Toru. Perhaps yet another piece of symbolism towards his hidden desire for something more freer, more animalistic.

Of course, Toru immediately embraces this bit of excitement. A change from his normal routine as he enthusiastically recounts and brags about the tale of him witnessing the ghost train to all that will listen. However, this very quickly leads to the government kidnapping him. Once again trapping him within the technological, authoritarian confines of modern day society. It's no wonder why Toru desperately tries to escape.

30 minutes into this 50 minute OVA. And not once has Toru run away from the supernatural horror that is the X train. But the ideologues of modern life. Despite these fears, resentments and repression. Toru/The X train do not hold a grudge towards the future. A moment where we see the x train hurdling towards an absentminded kid who wanders onto the train track. The X train holts. Refusing to cause harm to the innocent youth.

Even still, Toru and the behest of the government, is forced to confront the X train. Spurred on by the ideas of "needing" to overcome and control it. To manifest his "destiny" and become a hero. Toru instead rejects these ideas. Crudely pissing into the open fields as he laughs at the notion of it all. Even if the authorities chide and threaten him to return to the tracks. Hypocritical, as they cause more danger to keep him in line than the stories own ghost train. Violently forcing him to confront the train, which only causes him greater agony. During the chase, the words "The world is family. Human beings are brothers" are printed out across multiple billboards. Cynically contrasting with Toru's man made torment.

It all culminates in one last final confrontation between Toru and the X train. Where Toru madly runs head first into the train. Not defeating it. But rather, merging with it. His bones crack and blood gushes out as he is torn apart. A horrific and brutal embrace with all that the train represents. The train, and Toru, disappear. A faint smile on his face as he escapes from the modern world through death.

The X train doesn't just represent the past. But also a part of Toru's, the everyman's, subconscious desires. Both chaotic and tranquil. Technological and natural. Repressed and unsatisfied. Even if the trains, remnants of the past, have long since vanished, those tracks still remain.