A retirement ceremony for Chocolat, the feline stationmaster of JR Uzen-Komatsu Station in Kawanishi, Yamagata prefecture, was held at the station.
Many fans from both inside and outside the prefecture came to bid farewell.
Chocolat, a male mixed-breed cat, was first found in the station’s parking lot in May 2019 and rescued by the non-profit organisation that manages the station.
He became stationmaster in October of the same year, charming visitors with his adorable presence. However, due to his age, he retired at the end of July.
At the retirement ceremony on Sept 14, Kazuo Emoto, chairman of the non-profit organisation, presented Chocolat with a letter of appreciation and a commemorative gift of cat food.
Fans gathered around and enthusiastically snapped photos while expressing their gratitude to him.
A 42-year-old company employee from Kawamata, Fukushima Prefecture, who said he had visited Chocolat several times a year, said: “At first he seemed wary of his surroundings, but gradually he became comfortable, and it was so adorable. I hope he rests well.” — The Japan News/ANN
