A Farewell Fit for a Local Star
A crowd gathered on September 14 at JR Uzen-Komatsu Station in Kawanishi, Yamagata Prefecture, to mark the retirement of Chocolat, a mixed breed cat who charmed travelers as the stationmaster for nearly four years. Fans traveled from within Yamagata and from neighboring prefectures to say thank you, many carrying cameras and small gifts. Organizers kept the focus on the cat’s comfort, with a short ceremony, smiles, and plenty of space around him. The send-off highlighted how a gentle animal can become the heart of a small station and a familiar face for visitors.
Chocolat’s story began in May 2019, when he was found in the station parking area and rescued by the nonprofit organization that manages the station. Volunteers and staff cared for him and soon realized his easygoing personality could bring cheer to the platform. In October 2019 he was given the title of stationmaster, a ceremonial role that turned him into a local celebrity and a draw for families, rail fans, and cat lovers.
Who is Chocolat?
As stationmaster, Chocolat did not check tickets or signal departures. His job was to be present, to greet, and to embody the hospitality of this rural stop. He spent limited time in public view and had plenty of rest, yet even brief appearances brightened commutes. His photos and messages to passengers appeared on signs around the building, and children sought out his paw prints on souvenir boards.
Advancing age eventually made long days difficult. At the end of July, he stepped back from duties so he could rest more. The retirement ceremony in mid September gave the community a chance to gather, share stories, and celebrate a small figure who made a big difference.
The Ceremony and the Community
The ceremony took place on the concourse near the ticket gate, a familiar spot for those who had visited Chocolat over the years. Fans lined up to take pictures from a respectful distance, and volunteers guided the flow. Handheld signs thanked him for his service, and a display showed snapshots from his tenure, from his earliest wary days to calm naps in a sunny corner.
Kazuo Emoto, chairman of the nonprofit that manages the station, presented Chocolat with a letter of appreciation and a commemorative gift of cat food. The letter recognized the comfort and good cheer he brought to passengers and to the wider community.
Among the attendees was a 42 year old company employee from Kawamata in Fukushima Prefecture who had made several visits each year just to see the cat. The longtime fan described Chocolat’s change from shy to confident over time.
“At first he seemed wary of his surroundings, but gradually he became comfortable, and it was so adorable. I hope he rests well.”
That sentiment echoed across the crowd. Many visitors said they first came to meet the cat, then returned to enjoy local food and scenery around Kawanishi. The station benefited from that repeat traffic, and the town gained ambassadors who shared photos and memories on social media.
The Tradition of Cat Stationmasters
Chocolat’s role fits a tradition that has grown across Japan over the past two decades. The most famous example is Tama at Kishi Station in Wakayama Prefecture, a once stray calico who became stationmaster and helped revive a struggling local line. Tama’s friendly presence inspired themed trains, special merchandise, and steady media attention. Reported estimates credited her with an economic effect measured in the billions of yen. When she died in 2015 at age 16 from heart failure, the railway held a Shinto style funeral attended by company leaders and fans who left flowers, tuna, and other gifts.
Tama’s success encouraged rail operators and community groups to continue the practice. Her successor Nitama took up the stationmaster cap, and Yontama followed on a related route. Other cats around the country, such as Osamu in Ibaraki and Chocolat in Yamagata, greet guests and appear in local campaigns. The idea has even expanded beyond cats, with friendly dogs and a rabbit named Mochii greeting travelers at select rural stops.
Why Mascots Matter to Rural Railways
Small rail lines face a simple challenge. Fewer residents in the countryside mean fewer daily riders. Fare revenue alone can fall short of what it takes to maintain tracks and stations. Communities and nonprofit groups look for creative ways to attract visitors, and a resident animal with a recognizable name can turn a quiet platform into a gentle magnet for day trips.
The effect is practical. Visitors who come to meet a famous cat often buy lunch nearby, browse a souvenir rack, or book an overnight stay. Local taxi drivers and bus operators get more calls on weekends. Shopkeepers mount photo corners and stamp stations. Each of those small choices adds up to real support for the line and for the town.
Social media magnifies the reach. A single photo of a sleeping station cat can travel far beyond Yamagata or Wakayama. Families plan itineraries around a quick handshake greeting, a commemorative ticket, and a stop at a neighboring hot spring. Tourists often return with friends, and first time visitors become repeat customers.
Nekonomics in Practice
Japan has a word for this outlook, a blend of neko and economics. Nekonomics describes how a beloved cat can generate attention, trust, and spending with a light touch. Station staff invest in care, safety, and a few photo spots. In return, they often see more foot traffic, small sales of badges or postcards, and valuable media coverage that a tiny marketing budget could not buy.
Chocolat embodied that gentle approach. A relaxed photo by a window was enough to draw smiles. His name on a poster turned into a conversation starter for rail volunteers explaining schedules or seasonal attractions. The cat brought people together, then the place did the rest.
Animal Welfare Comes First
Animal care sits at the center of every successful station mascot program. Chocolat retired because age made regular public hours a strain. That decision underscores the simple rule that comfort and health come before crowds. Short appearances, quiet waiting rooms away from drafts, and freedom to retreat are standard ways to keep stress low.
Veterinary checkups and vaccination schedules are part of daily management. Volunteers help ensure that interactions stay calm, that no treats upset a pet’s diet, and that photo sessions remain brief. Stations also set clear boundaries about where animals can roam so they are always far from moving trains.
Fans play a role too. Respectful distance, clean hands, and following staff guidance help each visit go smoothly. The friend from Fukushima who kept returning over the years reflected a patient approach that let the cat gain confidence at his own pace.
What Comes Next for Uzen-Komatsu Station
There was no immediate announcement of a successor during the ceremony. Many stations choose to let a beloved cat’s memory settle before considering a new mascot. Displays and photo boards at Uzen-Komatsu are likely to remain, giving fans a place to stop and remember while they wait for their train.
Community groups in Kawanishi continue to welcome visitors with seasonal events and information about the surrounding hills and rivers. Travelers who discover the station because of Chocolat can still enjoy local noodles, fruit in season, and quiet walks near the platforms. The nonprofit that helped rescue and care for him remains a bridge between residents, the railway, and the travelers who pass through.
Highlights
- Chocolat, a mixed breed cat, retired from his stationmaster role at JR Uzen-Komatsu Station after nearly four years of service.
- A retirement ceremony on September 14 drew fans from inside and outside Yamagata Prefecture.
- He was rescued in May 2019 by the nonprofit that manages the station and became stationmaster in October 2019.
- Nonprofit chairman Kazuo Emoto presented a letter of appreciation and cat food as a commemorative gift.
- A longtime fan from Fukushima said the cat grew more comfortable over time and wished him a peaceful rest.
- Chocolat’s story continues a broader tradition of animal stationmasters in Japan, made famous by Tama of Kishi Station.
- These mascots support rural railways by attracting visitors, driving small purchases, and generating media attention.
- Animal welfare remains the top priority, with limited public hours, quiet rest spaces, and veterinary care.
- No successor was announced at the event, and station displays honoring Chocolat are expected to remain for visitors.
