SAITAMA -- A beloved "rabbit stationmaster" at a station in this city north of Tokyo will retire on Dec. 18 due to her advancing years, and will be kept by human station staff following the end of her service.

       Rabitama the rabbit was serving as manager at Saitama Railway Corp.'s Urawamisono Station in the city of Saitama's Midori Ward. The rabbit is about 8 years old -- over 70 in human years.

       Born at Saitama Children's Zoo Park in the city of Higashimatsuyama, Saitama Prefecture, she was adopted by the railway company from the park's petting zoo section and appointed stationmaster in June 2015. She worked at the station's concourse three days a week, and is beloved by the station's passengers.

       Saitama Railway will hold her retirement ceremony between 10 a.m. and noon on Dec. 18 on the Urawamisono Station concourse outside the ticket gate. Photos of Rabitama will be displayed, and her memorial badges distributed, among other proceedings during the event.

       (Japanese original by Reiko Oka, Saitama Bureau)

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