The Cat Who Became a Japanese Stationmaster — and Was Paid in Cat Food
A calico cat named Tama became one of Japan’s most unusual railway employees after she was officially appointed stationmaster of Kishi Station in Wakayama Prefecture in 2007.
What began as an unusual appointment eventually turned Tama into a major tourism attraction and an enduring symbol of the local railway.
From Station Cat to Stationmaster
Tama was a stray cat who lived around Kishi Station and was cared for by people in the area. When the station became unmanned in 2006 as the railway company attempted to reduce costs, Tama remained around the station.
On January 5, 2007, Wakayama Electric Railway officially appointed her as the stationmaster of Kishi Station.
Her primary job was not exactly the same as that of a human stationmaster. Tama's most important role was to welcome passengers and attract visitors to the station.
She even received her own stationmaster's hat and a gold name tag. Instead of a conventional salary, the railway provided her with cat food. (Wikipedia)
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| Tama at Kishi Station Source: Wakayama Electric Railway — Cat Stationmaster official page |
Tama Helped Put Kishi Station on the Map
The appointment generated enormous publicity.
Visitors began traveling to the small station specifically to see Tama, take photographs and buy Tama-themed souvenirs. According to reports at the time, passenger numbers increased 17% in the month following her appointment, while ridership for the year ending March 2007 was about 10% higher than the previous year. (WIRED)
Wakayama Electric Railway itself says Tama made a major contribution to the revival and continued existence of the Kishigawa Line, while an economic estimate placed her 2007 economic impact at approximately ¥1.1 billion. (和歌山電鐵)
That is why Tama is often described as the cat who “saved” the railway. More precisely, however, she became a powerful tourism and publicity symbol that helped bring passengers and economic activity to the area.
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| Tama-themed train Source: Wakayama Electric Railway — Tama Train official information |
She Kept Getting Promoted
Tama's unusual career did not stop at stationmaster.
She was promoted to “Super Stationmaster” in 2008 and later received an executive position within the railway company. The company even created a special office for her out of a former ticket booth. (和歌山電鐵)
Her fame also inspired the Tama Train, a railway carriage decorated with images of the beloved stationmaster. (和歌山電鐵)
Thousands Mourned Her Death
Tama died on June 22, 2015, at the age of 16. Her death prompted an extraordinary public response.
An estimated 3,000 people attended her funeral, including railway officials and members of the public who had traveled to pay their respects. (The Guardian)
After her death, Tama was honored at Tama Jinja, a shrine at Kishi Station, where she was enshrined as Tama Daimyojin. Wakayama Electric Railway continues to commemorate her legacy today. (和歌山電鐵)
Her successor, Nitama, continued the tradition of having a cat serve as a stationmaster, and the railway still maintains cat stationmaster positions today. (和歌山電鐵)
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| Tama Passing Away |
Was the Viral Story Legit?
Yes — the core story is legitimate.
Tama really was appointed stationmaster, really received cat food in lieu of a salary, attracted tourists to Kishi Station, and really had thousands of people attend her funeral.
However, saying that “the cat single-handedly saved a failing railway” is an oversimplification. The railway was already facing serious financial difficulties, and Tama's contribution was primarily through publicity, tourism and increased passenger interest.
Tama's story remains one of the most remarkable examples of how an unlikely local attraction can transform the fortunes and identity of a community.
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