The Class C59 is a type of 4-6-2 steam locomotive designed by Hideo Shima and built by Japanese National Railways.

World War II limited their use as express trains, a function for which they were designed.

C59s were transferred to Kyushu after electrification of the trunk lines after the war.

C59 1 is preserved at the Kyushu Railway History Museum on display.

The remaining 126 C59 Pacific’s remained in service until 1970 when they were all scrapped except for 3 surviving C59’s that are preserved in Japan Post WWII.