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Manila Bulletin devider Lifestyle devider Arts and Culture devider Japanese cat stationmaster passes away at 15

Japanese cat stationmaster passes away at 15

Remembering the legacy of Nitama

Published Nov 25, 2025 08:20 am
RUN FREE, NITAMA Kishi Line stationmaster Nitama had served the company since her predecessor Tama's passing in 2015
RUN FREE, NITAMA Kishi Line stationmaster Nitama had served the company since her predecessor Tama's passing in 2015
Nitama was only a kitten when she was first rescued under a train car and adopted by Okayama Electric Tramway.
After her appetite greatly declined in October, the stationmaster crossed the rainbow bridge on Thursday, Nov. 20, at the age of 15. She had taken a leave from her duties last Nov. 4 to recover, according to Wakayama Electric Railway. As stationmaster of Kishi Station along the Kishigawa Line in Kinokawa, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, Nitama's sole job was to greet customers as they entered the station. 
Also referred to as Tama II, Nitama has had the role of stationmaster since 2015. Before being assigned to Kishi Station, she spent a few months training at Idakiso Station. It was in 2012 when she was announced as the apprentice of Tama. Tama had served as the stationmaster for Kishi Station from 2007 until her passing in 2015. Her presence brought new life to the nearly shut-down station after tourists started visiting Kishi Station just to meet Tama. There was a 17 percent increase in passengers a month after Tama took the role. 
A company funeral is expected to take place on Dec. 13 to pay respects to Nitama. It is unclear yet who will take over Nitama's position. Currently, there are three likely successors: Sun-tama-tama, Yontama, and Gotama. Sun-tama-tama is presently serving as the stationmaster in Naka-ku, Okayama. Meanwhile, Yontama and Gotama served as subordinates to Nitama and would often take her place on her days off. 

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