This Japanese train station lost its mascot
Tama had been a stray cat who showed up at the Kishi train station and soon won the hearts of the employees. After being named the official stationmaster, she could be found decked out in a specially made stationmaster cap and cape, greeting passengers at the door.
The financially struggling train line saw a huge surge in traffic after the word got out about Tama's appointment. The railway station, which previously had been forced to lay off employees due to financial hardship, found its situation turned around thanks to this friendly little calico. Experts estimate that Tama helped boost the local economy by an extra $8.9 million.
Tama passed away at the age of 16, and during the Shinto-style ceremony to mark her passing, she was elevated to a goddess. She was also awarded a posthumous title by the railway station: Honorable Eternal Stationmaster.
The station has found a replacement for Tama, another calico named "Tama II." Here's wishing Tama II as successful a reign as her predecessor.