Japan’s adorable, goofy-looking celebrity dog “Wasao” and his wife appointed as tourism stationmasters

▲ Japan’s super-popular Akita dog – Wasao. (Photo / Reporter Yu Ruru)

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

Many train stations in Japan have attracted large numbers of tourists by appointing pet animals as stationmasters. Wasao, the ultra-popular celebrity dog from Aomori previously reported by ETtoday Eastday News, has recently been appointed once again as the tourism stationmaster of JR Kesennuma Station. This year, the lovable dog will serve alongside his wife, aiming to welcome more visitors to the local area together.

＞＞＞ Ugly-cute and abandoned, but raised by a grandmother — the heartwarming story of dog “Wasao” that moved all of Japan

▲ Wasao with his goofy smile. (Photo / Reporter Yu Ruru)

Wasao was originally a stray dog until he was taken in by Keiko Kikuyama, the owner of an octopus ball skewer shop who loves animals. He went from being distrustful of people to becoming close and comfortable. The heartwarming story of how Keiko cared for this dog “Wasao” was later made into a movie, which became an overnight sensation. He quickly rose to fame as a superstar dog known across Japan and also brought a tourism boom to the region.

Wasao has been appointed as the tourism stationmaster of JR Kesennuma Station starting today, serving until the end of March 2017. His duties include welcoming visitors at the station alongside his wife, as well as attending various tourism promotion events.

▲ Wasao and his wife appointed as the official tourism stationmaster and deputy stationmaster. (Photo / Screenshot from Kahoku Shimpo)