Nakano-san, Choshi Electric Railway’s cat stationmaster, poses with her birthday cake at a celebration in Choshi, Chiba Prefecture. (©Sankei/Shuji Ozaki)
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A "cat stationmaster" at Choshi Electric Railway celebrated her first birthday on July 3, drawing television coverage and a crowd of fans eager to meet her.
The cat, tentatively named Nakano-san, was rescued last October in front of Nakanocho Station in Choshi, Chiba Prefecture. She was appointed the railway's stationmaster cat in May after completing a "probationary period." Since then, she has become a popular attraction for tourists, railway enthusiasts, and cat lovers.
At the birthday event, Nakano-san charmed visitors with a mix of fan service and occasional aloofness, displaying the classic feline personality. Her unpredictable yet endearing behavior has helped create a relaxed atmosphere inside the station.
From Stray Kitten to Local Celebrity
Nakano-san "commutes" mainly on weekends from the home of a community revitalization support worker who cares for her. Her activities are shared on Choshi Electric Railway's social media, where her work as stationmaster continues to attract fans.
Her name was suggested by train conductor Remi Magami as a reference to Nakanocho Station, but it has not been finalized.
Choshi Electric Railway's new company president, Itsuki Nishiue, who took office following last month's shareholders meeting and board meeting, also shared a message expressing his hopes for the feline employee: "As I move forward as the company's new president, I hope Nakano-san will continue to lend me a paw."
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Author: Shuji Ozaki, The Sankei Shimbun
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