A funeral service was held at a railway station in Wakayama Prefecture for the late stationmaster — a cat named Tama.
Fans placed flowers, cat food and treats on a table outside Kishi Station. Railway officials say that about 3,000 Tama fans from across Japan and even from abroad gathered for the ceremony.
Eight years ago, the calico cat was appointed stationmaster of Kishi Station, which is on a regional line operated by Wakayama Electric Railway. The popular cat attracted people from across Japan, contributing to the struggling local railway and community. Before Tama's appointment, the local Kishigawa Line was nearly bankrupt. Tama died on June 22nd at the age of 16.
(Mitsunobu Kojima / President, Wakayama Electric Railway)
"One of Tama's achievements was saving the local railway financially."
(Tourist from U.S.)
"I think she has done a wonderful thing for Japan."
(Participant)
"Tama did a great job as stationmaster, so I wanted to bid her a fond farewell."
The railway president appointed the cat to the post of honorable eternal stationmaster.
◆treat 特別なごちそう
◆calico cat みけ猫
◆bid 述べる
◆fond farewell 心のこもった別れ
