Train station dog Wasao who stole Japan’s heart with his ‘cute and ugly’ looks has been rehired to welcome tourists
Wasao has held the post of tourism train stationmaster since 2011. In the same year, he was appointed as a special ambassador for World Heritage-related activities
Fans of a dog called Wasao will be in for a treat for another year as the canine, who has gained fame in Japan with his unique looks, was reappointed as a “tourism stationmaster”.
The big white furry with squint eyes is widely known as busa kawaii, a combination of two Japanese words – busaiku, which means “ugly” and kawaii meaning “cute”.
The canine became an online sensation through blog articles and eventually rose to TV stardom.
Wasao will be working again through March 31 next year at JR Ajigasawa Station in the town of Ajigasawa, Aomori Prefecture.
In promoting the town, Wasao will be joined by his female mate Tsubaki, serving as the deputy stationmaster, while daughter Chome will be a trainee.
Wasao has held the post of tourism train stationmaster since 2011. In the same year, he was appointed as a special ambassador for World Heritage-related activities.
The popular canine, estimated to be about 11, also has a movie titled after him.