Having a cat in an “official” job might sound unbelievable to most people but in Japan, it’s very real.
Since 2007, a small rural railway has been appointing cats as station staff, and somehow, it works. The feline presence helped turn an almost-forgotten train line into a tourist favourite, with visitors travelling just to meet the cats.
Meet the new boss: Yontama
On Jan 7, a calico cat named Yontama was officially appointed stationmaster at Kishi Station.
The ceremony was simple but wholesome, attended by railway staff and fans, with a medal placed around her neck to mark the promotion. Naturally, the internet approved.
Intern energy: Say hello to Rokutama
Yontama wasn’t promoted alone. The railway also introduced Rokutama, a wide-eyed newcomer joining as a stationmaster candidate. Think intern vibes, still learning the job, still figuring things out, and still very committed to napping on duty.
Why all the cats are named “Tama”
All the station cats follow a naming system inspired by Tama, the very first cat stationmaster appointed back in 2007.
Each new cat gets a number, making Yontama the fourth and Rokutama the sixth in line. Cute, organised, and honestly more structured than some workplaces.
A legacy that saved a railway
The ceremony also honoured Nitama, a former stationmaster who passed away last year and has since been named honorary stationmaster.
Tama herself remains legendary, widely credited with helping save the struggling railway and inspiring other train lines to put animals “in charge”.
Wholesome? Yes. Slightly unbelievable? Also yes. But if a cat can revive a railway, maybe there’s hope for everything else too.
