Cat Stationmaster: How a Stray Became a Railway Hero

In October 2023, workers at Choshi Electric Railway Co. found a thin, sick stray cat on the platform of Nakanocho Station. The station is in the port town of Choshi, which lies near Tokyo. The platform staff took the cat home and gave it food, water, and a warm place to rest. They watched the cat slowly get stronger.

By January 2024, the cat was healthy enough to be officially registered as an “apprentice” with the railway company. The staff gave the cat a name: Nakano‑san. The name is a polite way to address a cat in Japanese, similar to “Mr.” or “Ms.”

In July 2024, the railway promoted Nakano‑san to the rank of stationmaster. The promotion was a surprise to many. Nakano‑san received a small cap that looks like a train conductor’s hat and a medallion that hangs from a collar. The medallion has the station’s logo on it.

Nakano‑san’s résumé is written in a playful style. It lists “pushing computer mice off the desks” and “sleeping on paperwork” as key skills. The cat’s résumé is posted on the station’s website and in the company’s public‑relations materials. The July debut attracted reporters from several local newspapers.

Choshi Railway wanted to bring more visitors to the town’s historic temples, lighthouses, and waterfront area. The idea of a four‑legged stationmaster was a creative way to draw attention. The cat’s presence made the station feel friendly and unique. Tourists who saw Nakano‑san on the platform often took photos and shared them on social media.