Gautama joins Wakayama Railway’s feline stationmaster legacy

Wakayama Electric Railway’s beloved feline stationmaster tradition has a new face: Gotama, a charming calico cat born in 2021. She officially joined the team on January 7, 2025 and became the stationmaster of the Fukuchigawa Line. Her appointment ceremony at Shore Station attracted a large crowd of fans to catch a glimpse of the latest addition to the railway’s feline heritage.

New feline webmaster

Accompanied by Wakayama Electric Railway President Kojima Mitsunobu, Qiao Yu made her debut at the official appointment ceremony and was symbolically appointed to her new role. Known for his unique tendencies”kaji “Tail” – considered a symbol of good luck in Japanese culture – Gautama greeted fans with her calm and friendly demeanor. Her first duty is to distribute Fu Line Lucky coin. She also posed for photos.

Gotama will work part-time alongside her predecessors Nitama and Yontama, who currently share webmaster duties. She will greet passengers at Kishore Station on Wednesdays and Thursdays and at Idaso Station on Mondays and Fridays. If you’re keen to visit the new feline webmaster, you can check out her full shift schedule at Wakayama Electric Railway website.

Feline Webmaster’s Legacy

The tradition of cat webmasters began in 2007 with the first feline, Tama. Tama’s charm not only attracted locals but also attracted international attention, turning the struggling railroad into a tourist attraction and revitalizing the local economy along the Kishi River line. Tama’s popularity also inspired her to launch her own line of themed trains, which features whimsical cat-inspired designs.

After Kodama’s death in 2015, she was enshrined at Tama Shrine near Kishi Station, and her successors Shintama (Kodama II) and later Shitama (Kodama IV) continued her legacy. Gautama now joins this legendary lineage and continues its mission of bringing joy to passengers and prosperity to the region.

Inside the Tama Railway Museum

Ride the Tama Train and meet cats

Visitors to Wakayama can take the Tama Train on the Kishikawa Line, which runs between Wakayama City and Wakishi Station. You can also visit the cat-themed Tama Train Museum, which is located inside a train carriage. examine Timetable here Plan your visit and say hello to Qiaoyu, Nitama and Yotama during their shifts at Kishi Station and Dateso Station.

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