Source: ジオラマ食堂 diorama restaurant (@Caferest_bar_Fe) - image reproduced with permission

Viral image of “giant cat blocking railroad tracks” & other gems from Diorama Restaurant

The Tetsudoukan Dining Room (aka Diorama Restaurant) in Osaka was known among model train and diorama lovers for being a place where both children and adults could enjoy a meal or a drink and appreciate numerous N Gauge trains running through dioramas reproducing the beautiful scenic spots of Japan.

But then, in 2020, it also became a haven for abandoned cats. It all started when the owner picked up a cat who he found in a weakened state. This cat, Simba, was soon joined by siblings Leo, Lia and Nara, and Simba's mother, Sarah.

Since then, Diorama Restaurant has implemented a "cat first" policy, thanks to which they gained more attention and popularity as the cats' antics interacting with the model trains entertained and delighted both visitors and viewers on their YouTube channel and fans on their social media accounts.

Like many businesses during the current novel coronavirus pandemic, Diorama Restaurant is struggling, and currently operating under limited opening hours. Nevertheless, they are doing their utmost through social media and their YouTube channel to bring their wholesome and heartwarming world of model trains, dioramas, and rescued cats to people both in Japan and abroad. In a private message to grape Japan, the owner explained that he wanted as many people as possible to know about their situation, so we are happy to do our part.

Giants sleep among us

Most recently, this image of mother cat Sarah slumbering on the railroad tracks went viral, garnering over 61,000 likes and 20,000 retweets at the time of writing:

"Hello everyone! Today, since mother Sarah is sleeping, all train service is suspended. If you wish to get a refund for your express ticket, please be careful not to awaken the mother cat."

The image elicited numerous comments, both in Japanese and in English:

It looks like Sarah has a knack for blocking traffic, but what can you do? Those railroad structures are just too good for resting to pass up...

Moreover, some couldn't help but think of the world of Japanese tokusatsu films and TV shows where kaiju roam.

Nekojira wreaks havoc in the tunnel!

But there's also plenty of good vibes, love and happiness at Diorama Restaurant...

You can see more of their adorable antics and learn about the most recent happenings at Diorama Restaurant if you check out their YouTube Channel.

For example, look at these videos:

Diorama Restaurant links

Information

  • Address (JP): 大阪市天王寺区寺田町2-5-16グランコンフォート天王寺ビル1階
  • Address (EN): 1F Tennoji Bldg., 2−5−16 Teradachō, Tennoji Ward Osaka 543-0045
  • Hours: Mon-Sat 17:00 to 21:00, Sun. and holidays 12:00 to 21:00
  • Tel: 06-6776-2460
  • Note: Hours may vary during the pandemic, so please contact them at 06-6776-2460 to confirm before you visit.

By - Ben K.

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