Tokyo Railway Station Employs Goats for Eco-Friendly Maintenance
JR East has introduced two goats to Yotsuya Station in Tokyo to manage overgrown grass as part of an environmentally friendly maintenance initiative.
East Japan Railway Company (JR East) has launched a unique, eco-friendly initiative at Yotsuya Station in Tokyo’s Shinjuku district. According to reports from Khaosod Online, the railway operator has deployed two goats, named Nagi and Pokke, to clear overgrown grass around the station premises.
Nagi, a one-year-old male, and Pokke, a two-year-old female, officially began their duties on October 9, 2026. This pilot program serves as a sustainable alternative to traditional mechanical or chemical weeding methods, aiming to maintain the station's grounds while reducing the environmental impact of maintenance operations.
For residents and travelers passing through Yotsuya Station, this initiative offers a charming and unusual sight. While the goats are currently performing their duties, the long-term viability of using livestock for station maintenance remains to be confirmed. JR East has encouraged the public to observe the animals kindly if they happen to see them during their commute. As this is a trial project, it is unclear whether the railway company plans to expand this goat-based maintenance program to other stations across the Tokyo network in the future.
