Ever heard of a cat for a stationmaster? Well, one of Japan's rail line got lucky to have one. 'Tama' was a calico cat born on April 29, 1999, near Kinokawa in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan. She started her life as a stray, living around Kishi Station on the Kishigawa Line. The station, run by Wakayama Electric Railway, was struggling financially and close to shutting down. Amidst this, The station manager, Toshiko Koyama adopted her in 2004. Employees and local people fed and cared for Tama, and she soon became a familiar face at the station.
From stray to station master
In 2007, Tama was officially named the 'Station Master' of Kishi Station. Her main job? To greet passengers. She wore a tiny station master’s hat that was custom made for her and had a small office - a converted ticket booth. Her appointment wasn't just cute- it was strategic. Instead of a salary, she was rewarded with cat food and a comfy place to live.
Tama’s charm worked wonders. Passenger numbers jumped by 17% in the first month after her appointment. Tourists flocked to Kishi Station just to see her, bringing much-needed business to the railway and the town.
A symbol of good luck
In Japan, calico cats are often considered lucky, and Tama became a symbol of hope and prosperity. She was promoted several times, eventually receiving the title of 'Super Station Master' and later 'Honorary Eternal Station Master.' She even received a custom-made station master’s uniform and was given full 'corporate officer' status - a rare honor for a feline.
Tama’s success inspired many 'animal station masters' across Japan, but none matched her fame. Merchandise featuring Tama, from keychains to plush toys became a huge hit.
Tama’s legacy
Tama passed away on June 22, 2015, at the age of 16. Over 3,000 people attended her funeral at Kishi Station. She was honored with a Shinto-style shrine called 'Tama Jinja' nearby, where fans still visit to pay their respects.
Following her death, another cat named Nitama ('Second Tama') took over as the new station master, continuing Tama’s legacy of spreading joy and supporting the local community.
Today, Tama remains a beloved icon, remembered not just in Wakayama but throughout Japan and the world.
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