Arab News Japan

(Via NHK)

“Koko” the cat was appointed as the police chief for one day by Japanese police after helping an elderly man who fell in a waterway in Toyama City. 

The cat was commended on the day of the spring national traffic safety campaign.

Last June, “Koko” helped rescue the elderly man by alerting passers-by with her gaze. 

Koko’s owner, 45-year-old Tomoko Nitta, and her 20-year-old and 18-year-old sons, were also made aware to the accident and went to the man’s rescue, thanks to the intuitive cat. 

Five people managed to lift the man out of the canal. He only suffered from skin abrasions.

“Koko” participated in a traffic safety class on April 14 in Toyama city. As police chief for the day, the cat, together with a class of children, witnessed safety rules such as looking left and right before crossing the road, and holding up one’s hand while crossing as an indication to incoming drivers.

Nitta said she wanted children to be careful when dealing with traffic. “Koko seemed nervous, and she often goes out of the house when the children go to school. If something goes wrong, I’d like Koko to alert me again.”

The cat was awarded with a certificate, declaring her commitment to the safety of her neighborhood.