Popular Cat Stationmaster Tama: A Stray Cat Changes the Fate of Japanese Railway Lines

Do you know about the cat stationmaster in Japan? Kishi Station on the Japanese railway is famous because of this amazing cat—Tama. She saved an entire railway company with her legendary life.

1. The Kitten Born at the Train Station

Tama was a kitten born at a train station. Her mother was a stray cat, but luckily, she was taken in by a

cleaning man at the station and later given to a woman at the convenience store. Tama's mother gave birth to a litter of adorable kittens, all of whom found new homes. Only the thin, tangled-fur Tama was unwanted, but because of this, she was able to stay with her mother and continue living at the convenience store.

2. The Station About to Disappear

Tama lived at Kishi Station in Kinokawa City, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan. Kishi Station was the terminus of the Kishigawa Line, a rural railway that, due to low passenger numbers, ultimately incurred a loss of 500 million yen and faced closure. Later, a railway company in Okayama agreed to take over the Kishigawa Line, but Tama faced new problems.

3. A Turning Point in Fate

When the Kishigawa Line was rebuilt, Tama's cat house was ordered to be demolished. Koyama (the owner of the convenience store), who adopted Tama, approached Kojima, the president of the new railway company, asking if he could keep the cats. President Kojima believed that private pets were not allowed at the station, but station employees could live there. Therefore, Tama and the others could simply become station employees, with their wages consisting of a year's worth of cat food.

4. Becoming a Cat Stationmaster

In January 2007, Tama officially became the first "cat stationmaster" of a privately-owned railway in Japan. She performed her duties with great professionalism, wearing a uniform and appropriate attire. President Kojima even held a "World Guardian Cat Stationmaster" inauguration ceremony for Tama, attracting numerous media representatives from all over Japan to interview her.

5. Gradually Becoming a Popular Figure

After becoming a stationmaster, Tama's life became less leisurely. She worked from 9 am to 4 pm every day. Her main job was greeting passengers (but in reality, she spent most of her time sleeping in her glass office). After news of her being a "cat stationmaster" spread, more and more people wanted to see what kind of cat she was. Every year, over 50,000 tourists from China alone traveled specifically to see Tama. The railway company also took the opportunity to completely renovate the entire station, designing its exterior in the shape of a cute cat's head and even creating a special "Tama Cat Train."

6. Tama's Spirit Lives On

In 2014, Tama, who had served as stationmaster for seven years, announced her retirement due to her advanced age. The younger Tama took over the position. Until her death, Tama remained active at Kishi Station as both honorary stationmaster and mascot. On June 22, 2015, Tama, the super-popular Japanese calico cat who had just celebrated her 16th birthday, passed away. Converted to human age, this is approximately 80 years old, meaning she died a natural death.

Tama is a legendary cat whose appearance made the once dilapidated and impoverished railway famous throughout Japan and even the world. She saved a local railway from closure, spurred economic development, and diligently performed her duties for many years (though she spent most of her time sleeping). This little cat brought so many touching moments and memories to Kishi Station and its passengers, and deserves to be remembered forever.