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Manila Bulletin devider Lifestyle devider Travel devider Yontama becomes new stationmaster cat at Kishi Station

Yontama becomes new stationmaster cat at Kishi Station

How this Japanese railway surged in popularity due to a stray feline

Published Jan 17, 2026 10:20 am
MOVING UP THE RANKS Yontama takes over after Nitama and is the third stationmaster of Kishi Line. (Photo Wakayama Electric Railway Company)
MOVING UP THE RANKS Yontama takes over after Nitama and is the third stationmaster of Kishi Line. (Photo Wakayama Electric Railway Company)
Wakayama Electric Railway’s Kishigawa Line has appointed its latest cat stationmaster, Yontama.
Yontama is the third cat stationmaster, taking over after Nitama passed away in November. She was officially installed in the highly acclaimed position during a special ceremony held last Jan. 7. Her sole duty as the feline stationmaster is to greet travelers upon their entry to Kishi Station along the Kishigawa Line in Kinokawa, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan.
READY FOR DUTY Wakayama Electric Railway Co. president Mitsunobu Kojima presents the newly appointed cat stationmaster Yontama. (Photo Wakayama Electric Railway Company)
READY FOR DUTY Wakayama Electric Railway Co. president Mitsunobu Kojima presents the newly appointed cat stationmaster Yontama. (Photo Wakayama Electric Railway Company)
How the Kishigawa Line rose to fame
Kishigawa Line owes its popularity to its first cat stationmaster, Tama. Tama was a stray cat who was appointed as a stationmaster when the rail line was facing impending closure in 2007. After Tama's appointment, tourists started visiting Kishi Station just to meet Tama. There was a 17 percent increase in passengers a month after Tama took the role. Tama led the role until her passing in 2015. She was succeeded by Tama II, more commonly referred to as Nitama. Yontama was one of three possible successors to the role, with Sun-tama-tama and Gotama being the other candidates. Sun-tama-tama currently serves as a stationmaster in Naka-ku, Okayama. Meanwhile, Gontama has the distinguished title of Fuku Stationmaster. A recent recruit, Rokutama, was also introduced during Yontama's ceremony. Rokutama was a rescued kitten selected by the Wakayama Electric Railway Company last spring after consulting with animal welfare groups. Rokutama is set to take over the role on days when her superiors are taking a rest. 

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