Cat stationmasters become Hiroshima tourism ambassadors - NHKニュース

A pair of sibling cats serving as stationmaster and deputy of a train station have been appointed tourism ambassadors for Hiroshima Prefecture in western Japan. Their role is to promote the railway line and the local area.

A ceremony to mark their new posts was held outside Shiwaguchi Station on the JR Geibi Line in a mountainous area of Hiroshima City on Sunday.

About 100 people, including tourists and local residents, gathered to fete Yamato, the station master, and his deputy Chidori. Yamato is known for being naughty and full of curiosity, while Chidori is said to be gentle and shy.

The two cats made an appearance at the ceremony, but went into hiding after seeing the many people who gathered.

Two staff members, wearing headbands with cat ears, received appointment letters in their place.

The Hiroshima Tourism Association says anyone who loves the prefecture can become a HIT Hiroshima Tourism Ambassador, but that the felines are the first well-known animals to assume the role.

The head of the facility where the cats live, Nakahara Hideki, says he was moved that his dream of making them ambassadors came true.

He says he has high hopes that the brothers will help enliven the community and promote use of the Geibi Line trains.