stationmaster-cat

Above is my new favorite picture. Below is video of a Japanese news report about Tama, a cat who serves as stationmaster of an otherwise unmanned railroad station in the Wakayama Prefecture. Tama has attracted tourists and been the focus of news stories for three years now, which helps explain why she was promoted:

The train operator has promoted 10-year-old female cat Tama, currently a stationmaster of Kishi Station on the Kishikawa Line, to the post of operating officer in recognition of her contribution to expanding the customer base.

This is the first time in the world for a cat to become an executive of a railroad corporation, a company official said. [MDN via JapanProbe and dlisted]

Gosh, really? The FIRST time a cat has become a railroad executive? I blame this on George Pullman’s pro-dog bias! Still, what an accomplishment for cats the world over. Finally the glass ceiling has been broken, and cats can rightfully pursue their dreams of corporate leadership. Thanks, Japan!

(The video below really is something special. A costumed cat meowing into a microphone in front of an adoring crowd of people is all I ask for every day.)