Rescue cat
A rescue cat in Japan—learn about this wonderful pet in our article. A 30-minute drive from the city of Wakayama in southeastern Japan lies the cozy town of Kinokawa. It boasts a leisurely rural life, women wear traditional kimonos, and large shopping malls haven't been able to swallow up the small family-run shops that have been handed down from one generation to the next.
Despite the lack of architectural monuments or museums, numerous tourists regularly arrive here, and, most interestingly, they are in no hurry to leave the station. Their goal is to meet Tama the cat.
She's a full-time employee of Japan Railways and works as a station attendant at Kishi Station. They even gave her a branded cap to ensure no one doubted her feline credentials.
About what happened
The station director's workday is extremely stressful. Tama sleeps in the ticket office, which has been converted into her personal office, wanders along the platform, and takes photos with tourists, causing incredible delight. Her salary is an unlimited supply of food.
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The cat effectively saved the station from ruin. If not for this fluffy, clawed beauty, Kinokawa would have lost the station, and with it, its connection to the outside world. The lack of rail service would have led to the city's extinction.
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This route was never popular. In 2004, Nankai Electric Railways, which operated this section of the railway, closed the station due to financial difficulties.
Another player in the market, Wakayama Electric Railways, bought the loss-making company and the section of track with it, and in 2007 the new owner appointed Tama as station manager.
The cat began her career in a shop near the train station. Her rise from humble pet to top executive is thanks to the enterprising marketers of the railway company, who capitalized on the Japanese people's love of cats, the cat's owner's accommodating nature, and the shop's proximity to the station.
The decision proved successful; the Kishi station emerged from the crisis within two years and is now generating impressive profits.
The number of jobs increased, and Tama became a mascot and a true brand. Her image is printed on souvenirs, calendars, and mugs.
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The themed cafe is particularly popular. Chair backs shaped like cat faces, tableware featuring tails and ears, and the names of dishes and drinks are also in keeping with the theme.
But the central theme of the concept is the trains—the strawberry train, the toy train, and the Tama train. They're used for entertainment, a kind of attraction that helps attract tourists and generate revenue.
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