Station Master Tama: The Calico Who Saved a Railway

In Wakayama Prefecture runs the Kishigawa Line — one of Japan's slowest, shortest, and most unprofitable railways. By 2007, the line was on the verge of closure. Then Tama appeared. Once a stray calico living near a convenience store by the station, she was officially appointed Station Master of Kishi Station, complete with a custom cap and business card. The news drew visitors from across the country, all hoping to take a photo with her. After her passing, successors Nitama and Yontama kept the role alive. The Kishigawa Line still runs today, and the station master's little house stands on the platform. A small life saved an entire railway.