Japan has officially appointed a new cat stationmaster at Kishi Station on the Wakayama Electric Railway’s Kishigawa Line.
A calico cat named Yontama is now the third feline to take on the role, following a long-standing tradition that began nearly 20 years ago.
At a ceremony in Kinokawa, the railway’s president placed a special medal around Yontama’s neck to mark the occasion. The company also introduced Rokutama, a new feline apprentice.
The tradition started in 2007, when a cat named Tama became the first official stationmaster. Her appointment helped boost tourism and saved the local railway, which was struggling financially.
After Tama’s death, Nitama took over. Nitama passed away in November 2025 and has since been named honorary stationmaster.
Now Yontama will continue the work, bringing smiles to visitors and helping keep the small railway line alive.
This cat stationmaster tradition has inspired other railways in Japan to appoint animals like cats, dogs, and even rabbits as symbolic leaders.
The company hopes Yontama’s presence will support the railway during a difficult time for local transport systems in Japan.
