How 'Tama' The Cat Saved Japan's Rail Line From Bankruptcy? Became Station Master & Her Legacy Goes On Even Today

Ever heard of a cat for a stationmaster? Well, one of Japan's rail line got lucky to have one. 'Tama' was a calico cat born on April 29, 1999, near Kinokawa in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan. She started her life as a stray, living around Kishi Station on the Kishigawa Line. The station, run by Wakayama Electric Railway, was struggling financially and close to shutting down. Amidst this, The station manager, Toshiko Koyama adopted her in 2004. Employees and local people fed and cared for Tama, and she soon became a familiar face at the station.

When declining use threatened a Japanese railway with enclosure, the president of the company made a cat named Tama the official stationmaster. For her services in saving the railway, she was given a blue ceremonial gown and a knighthood. pic.twitter.com/R6ldWAB5Ij

— Boze the Library Owl ‍♀️ (@SketchesbyBoze) October 28, 2024

From stray to station master

In 2007, Tama was officially named the 'Station Master' of Kishi Station. Her main job? To greet passengers. She wore a tiny station master’s hat that was custom made for her and had a small office - a converted ticket booth. Her appointment wasn't just cute- it was strategic. Instead of a salary, she was rewarded with cat food and a comfy place to live.

Tama’s charm worked wonders. Passenger numbers jumped by 17% in the first month after her appointment. Tourists flocked to Kishi Station just to see her, bringing much-needed business to the railway and the town.

She saved an entire railway from bankruptcy, and her legacy carries on. ‍⬛ In 2006, Tama went from stray to Japan’s first feline Stationmaster, boosting ridership by 17% in her first month. When she passed in 2015, she was enshrined as a Shinto deity at the station she pic.twitter.com/ed4ihm9bA3

— thatgoodnewsgirl (@thatgoodnewsgrl) April 9, 2025

"Tama (1999 – 2015) was a calico cat who gained fame for being a station master and operating officer at Kishi Station on the Kishigawa Line in Kinokawa, Japan." https://t.co/eUGcAFuiQl pic.twitter.com/WweFzH66vs

— cats with jobs (@CatWorkers) November 14, 2021

A symbol of good luck

In Japan, calico cats are often considered lucky, and Tama became a symbol of hope and prosperity. She was promoted several times, eventually receiving the title of 'Super Station Master' and later 'Honorary Eternal Station Master.' She even received a custom-made station master’s uniform and was given full 'corporate officer' status - a rare honor for a feline.

Tama’s success inspired many 'animal station masters' across Japan, but none matched her fame. Merchandise featuring Tama, from keychains to plush toys became a huge hit.

In Japan, tortoiseshell cats are said to bring good luck, especially tortoiseshell tomcats which are very rare (1-3000). They are said to bring luck for sailors hoping for good weather. #FolkloreThursday

Station Master Tama and her successor Nitama. pic.twitter.com/bHh9DLGw3L

— Darren Butler (@DarrenB502) February 20, 2020

Tama’s legacy

Tama passed away on June 22, 2015, at the age of 16. Over 3,000 people attended her funeral at Kishi Station. She was honored with a Shinto-style shrine called 'Tama Jinja' nearby, where fans still visit to pay their respects.

Following her death, another cat named Nitama ('Second Tama') took over as the new station master, continuing Tama’s legacy of spreading joy and supporting the local community.

Today, Tama remains a beloved icon, remembered not just in Wakayama but throughout Japan and the world.

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