Japan's Kishi Station has a unique tradition of feline stationmasters, with the latest addition being Yontama. This is the story of how these cats have become an integral part of Japan's transit system, and why the United States could benefit from adopting this quirky approach to station management.
Kishi Station, located in the southern Japanese mainland, has a rich history with its station cats. The station was on the brink of closure in the mid-2000s due to low ridership, but the arrival of Tama, a calico cat, changed everything. Tama's popularity brought the station back to life, leading to its complete demolition and redesign in 2010, all in her honor. When Tama passed away in 2015, she was promoted to a local Shinto god, and her successor, Nitama, took over. However, the station's love for its feline leaders continued with the introduction of Sun-tama-tama, who was sent to Okayama for 'training' and then returned to Kishi, where she was adored.
Yontama, the latest stationmaster, was promoted to the top job, and her juniors, Gotama and Rokutama, also work at Idakiso Station. These cats have become an iconic part of Japan's transit culture, and their presence has contributed to the success of stations like Kishi. The United States, with its Amtrak, could benefit from adopting this unique approach to station management, as it would bring a touch of whimsy and efficiency to the transit system. Imagine the lives improved if high-speed rail were available in the States, with cats running the stations!
