The Second-Generation Cat Station Master "Nyariko" Takes Office in Wakayama

By / MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Department Compilation Report
 

Japan’s beloved cat station master "Tama" from Wakayama Electric Railway passed away in June after falling ill, leaving many fans heartbroken. Now, her former subordinate "Nyariko" has officially taken over the role of station master. The appointment ceremony was held on the 11th in front of Tama’s bronze statue.

In 2007, the calm and composed Tama officially took on the role of cat station master, guarding an unmanned station. Soon, this charming news spread by word of mouth, and after being featured on TV programs, it attracted a large number of domestic and international tourists. Tama became a true "money-cat," boosting local tourism. In 2009, Wakayama Electric Railway even launched a train themed around Tama, sparking fresh interest in railway travel.

After Tama passed away in May of this year, the five-year-old female cat Nyariko has now officially taken over as the station master of Kishi Station. On the 11th, she was carried in by the president of Wakayama Electric Railway for the inauguration ceremony, which attracted nearly 500 attendees. To commemorate Tama’s contributions to Kishi Station during her lifetime, the railway company specially built a shrine dedicated to Tama at Kishi Station. The opening ceremony of the shrine and Nyariko’s appointment ceremony were held on the same day. Nyariko received her appointment in front of Tama’s statue and will report her work in the future to Tama, who has become a deity.