How Cats Saved a Family Cafe in Japan

Discovering Simba

In 2020, many small businesses faced tough times, and the Diorama Restaurant in Japan was no exception. This charming train-themed eatery, complete with model trains, was struggling to stay open. But then, something unexpected happened. On June 10th, the restaurant owner, Naoki, found a tiny week-old kitten outside his cafe. He decided to adopt him and named him Simba.

A Furry Family Arrives

Just a day after Simba’s discovery, his mother showed up at the restaurant's entrance. Naoki couldn’t resist helping her too, so he started feeding her, allowing her to come and go as she wished. Then, on a rainy day, Simba's mom brought along her other kittens. Together, they found shelter at the restaurant.

Challenges and Choices

Naoki was already grappling with keeping his business afloat, and taking care of more animals meant extra expenses. Despite this, he felt a special bond with Simba and his family. He realized that Simba's mom trusted him, so he decided to adopt all the kittens.

Internet Fame: The Railway Cats

Naoki began sharing pictures and videos of the cats climbing over and playing around the model trains on social media. Surprisingly, these posts became incredibly popular! The cute antics of the railway cats caught the attention of people everywhere and brought many new visitors to the cafe.

A New Adventure for the Cafe

Thanks to the newfound fame of the railway cats, the Diorama Restaurant was able to survive and thrive. Grateful for the support of the cat community, Naoki expanded his efforts to help animals. He transformed the top floor of the restaurant into a cat hotel and shelter. Now, visitors can enjoy tea alongside adoptable rescue cats and maybe even decide to take one home!