Hiro is one of the most famous engines on the Island of Sodor. He was one of the first engines on Sodor's rails, traveling very far from his home in Japan. Back then, Hiro was the strongest engine around and they called him the Master of the Railway.

When Hiro first broke down, he had to wait for new parts from Japan. He waited so long that everyone forgot he was there. Not long ago, Thomas rediscovered Hiro quite by accident and with everyone's help, Hiro was fully repaired. Hiro loved being useful again, but he missed his old home, and the Fat Controller was happy to send him back to Japan.

Soon after, the North Western Railway needed another engine to help with the extra passengers during the summer. There were no engines available on the Mainland, so the Fat Controller had to look elsewhere. When Hiro found out, he was happy to help, and he left for Sodor immediately. Hiro stayed on Sodor for a long time after that and was kept very busy. He was very happy to help all of his new friends, but there were some days where he still missed his old home in Japan.

One morning, Hiro was at Knapford Sheds when the Fat Controller arrived. "Good morning, Sir," said the old engine kindly.

"Good morning," smiled the Fat Controller. "I have some exciting news to share with you all. As you know, we have had more passengers traveling to Sodor ever since the reopening of Ulfstead Castle. However, goods must travel to and from the Mainland as well.

"Connor and Caitlin are busy already and there are no other engines available, so I have made arrangements with the Mainland Controller for us to carry the heavy goods while Connor and Caitlin handle the passengers. Hiro, as you, Murdoch and Hank are some of our strongest engines, you three are to be in charge of the work and Henry shall help too."

"Yes, Sir," said Murdoch.

"Of course, Sir," agreed Hiro and so, it was arranged.

Henry, Murdoch, Hank and Hiro were all kept very busy as they hauled their heavy trucks from Sodor to the Mainland and back again. They were happy to be useful, but some nights, they were so tired that they chose to stay in Vicarstown for the night. Henry sometimes slept there after pulling the Flying Kipper and he was happy with the other engines keeping him company.

The years passed and Murdoch, Hank and Hiro found themselves sleeping at Vicarstown more often. Eventually, they decided it would be best to sleep there all the time and they hoped the Fat Controller would agree, as indeed he did. Not long afterwards, Henry decided to do the same and it made his work much easier.

During that time, Vicarstown became busier, and the Fat Controller knew an engine would be needed to shunt there often. Gradually, he chose Rosie, and the other engines made her very welcome indeed.

Then, the day came when the Technology Fair was held at Ulfstead Castle. "Isn't this exciting, Hiro?!" wheeshed Caitlin. "Inventors will be coming from all over the world!"

"Yes, Caitlin," chuckled Hiro, "it is very exciting."

Hiro was right. Not only were there inventors from all over the world, but many visitors too. They came from the Mainland, China, Germany, France, Italy and even Japan. Hiro was too busy with Hank and Murdoch to visit the Fair, but he was happy to see the visitors at Vicarstown Station.

But one night, when Rosie returned to the Sheds, she noticed Hiro looking a little sad. "What's the matter, Hiro?" she asked.

"Nothing really, Rosie," replied Hiro, "but…I think I'm getting homesick. So many people have come from all over the world for the Technology Fair. Some of them even came from Japan. After talking to them, I realized how much I miss my old home. I felt the same way when the Great Railway Show was happening and then when Thomas left to travel around the world."

Rosie was thoughtful. "Why didn't you tell the Fat Controller?"

"Because there was so much work to do, and we were so busy. Besides, I felt better after a while, especially when I was talking with my friends."

"Well…you're not as busy now. Work has been easier for all of you since Henry moved here and Rebecca has been helping with bigger jobs too. Maybe now is the time to tell the Fat Controller how you feel. I'm sure he'll understand."

Hiro smiled. "Thank you, Rosie."

The next morning, when Hiro arrived at Knapford Station, he saw the Fat Controller on the platform. "Excuse me, Sir, can I ask you something?"

"Of course, Hiro. What is it?" The Fat Controller listened as Hiro explained everything. "I see," he said at last. "…Well, I suppose that would be alright."

Hiro smiled brightly. "Do you really mean it, Sir?"

"Yes, Hiro, I do. I know what it's like to be away from home too long and so does Thomas. Actually, you're in luck. We had a visitor come for the Technology Fair and he's leaving on a ship bound for Japan tomorrow morning. I'll make the arrangements at once."

Hiro was happier than he had been in a long time and as he went about his work that day, he told everyone he met that he was leaving soon. The other engines were sad to say 'goodbye,' but they were happy for their friend.

Hiro traveled far and wide, but no matter where he went, he couldn't find his best friend, Thomas. His's last delivery was at Brendam Docks, and he decided to stay there for the night so he would be ready when the ship came in, but because he was already asleep, he didn't notice a little blue tank engine arrive.

The next morning, Hiro was up bright at early when he heard a loud horn. Sure enough, it was the ship and watching it come in…was just the engine he wanted to see. "Kon'nichiwa, Thomas!" he called. He knew Thomas hadn't been to Japan and decided to have a little fun.

Thomas whistled back, but then he sighed. "Oh, I thought you were my new friend, Kenji. I can't find him, and he's supposed to be going home on that ship to Japan."

Hiro was surprised and what Thomas said sounded familiar. "Oh, another engine from Japan, like me? Well, I remember when I broke down in the Whistling Woods. It took a looong time for anyone to find me."

"The Whistling Woods!" exclaimed Thomas. "I haven't looked there!"

"Then, we should look their next."

Thomas was glad of the help. "Thanks, Hiro," he chuckled.

Luckily for them, the Whistling Woods was exactly where Kenji was hiding, and he admitted that he was scared about traveling back to Japan alone. Then, Hiro explained how he was going home too. Thomas hated saying 'goodbye' to Hiro so soon, but when they arrived at the Docks, there was trouble.

"Engine problems," said the Captain. "You two won't be going anywhere for a while, but you should wait here until we are ready."

"This means we don't have to say 'goodbye' yet!" said Thomas happily.

Hiro chuckled. "Yes, it seems we still have a little time together."

Thomas and Hiro helped Salty and Porter shunt their trucks. Kenji wasn't built for shunting, so he couldn't do much, but he still enjoyed talking and sharing stories with his friends. At last, evening came, and the ship's horn sounded.

"That it!" called the Captain. "We're ready to ship out!"

Thomas felt sad again. "It's alright to feel sad, Thomas," said Hiro kindly. "I will miss you too, but as I said before, I will never forget you and no matter where we are, we will always be friends and you, Thomas, are my best friend."

Thomas smiled. "Goodbye, Hiro. I will miss you. We all will."

"So will I."

"Goodbye, Kenji. It was great meeting you."

"Sayōnara, Thomas," smiled Kenji. "It was an honour meeting you too."

With that, Hiro and Kenji rolled onto the ship. Its horn sounded again as it floated away from the quay.

Thomas stayed to see his friends off. "Have a great trip, Kenji! Farewell, Hiro!"

"Thanks, Thomas!" Kenji called back.

"Promise me, Thomas, you'll come to Japan one day!" bellowed Hiro.

"I'd really like that!" chuckled Thomas. He whistled 'goodbye' once more and watched until the ship was out of sight.