Cat promoted to executive rail position
Have you heared about Tama the station master cat? I love this story – it’s so Japanese.
Tama was adopted by the real station master of Kishi Station ,Toshiko Koyama, in Kinokawa, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan. Koyama would feed Tama and other strays at the station.
In 2007, the railway officials for whatever reason (though I suspect the decision was astutely deliberate), officially named Tama as the new station master. The position comes with a smart hat and her duties include greeting passengers.
I’ve heard that Tama used to sit on top of one of the gates leading onto the platform because it is always warm. Locals regarded her presence with great affection and, presumably, railway officials saw an opportunity to bring a little more attention (and business) to the station. In fact, in the month following the announcement, profits for the station rose by 17%. Publicity resulting in tourists travelling from all over Japan to see Tama has also significantly boosted local economy, too.
Well, now the Wakayama Electric Railway Co. has announced that the 10-year old feline has been promoted to an Excecutive position within the company – the first time a cat has held such a senior position in a rail company.
Is this also the first time a female has held such a senior ralway position in Japan? Anyway, I’m planning to visit Tama this summer as part of my Japanese tour. Will post photos if I make it.
Full story about Tama’s promotion HERE
08/01/2010 11:51 
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