Seibu Ikebukuro Line Opening

On June 2, 1913, Seibu Railway inaugurated the Ikebukuro Line connecting central Tokyo with suburban communities to the northwest. This private railway venture helped fuel residential development along its corridor and competed effectively with government lines. Early trains used steam locomotives before rapid electrification. The line played a key role in Tokyo's suburban expansion and remains a vital commuter artery today, carrying millions of passengers annually with modern rolling stock.