Official Appointment at a Historic Train Station
In a small train station in the Kyoto area, Japan, a black-and-white furred cat named Tora has been officially appointed as the 'Mini Train Station Manager' since April 2024. This appointment is not just a promotion—it is confirmed through a signed certificate by the station manager and displayed on the main information board. Tora even has a plastic ID card with a ribbon around its neck, inscribed with its name and position in kanji characters.Serious Daily Schedule & Monthly Payment
Tora follows a daily work schedule from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM—although it is free to rest anywhere in the waiting area. Every day, station staff record Tora's 'attendance' in a special logbook. As a substitute for 'moral supervision' and attracting tourists, Tora receives a 'monthly salary' of 1.2 kg of dried fish called *katsuobushi*, symbolically delivered in a decorated wooden box with the station's emblem.Positive Phenomenon Without Hidden Agendas
There is no direct commercial element—no branded products, no advertisements, and no company promotions. This initiative originated from the voluntary efforts of station staff who wanted to revive an almost-abandoned old station. The presence of Tora has increased the daily number of visitors by 300% in six months, as well as attracted the interest of amateur photographers and anthropology student groups from local universities.