The Maneki Neko (招き猫), or “beckoning cat,” is a popular symbol of good fortune and prosperity in Japan.
This charming feline figure, often seen in shops, restaurants, and businesses, is believed to bring luck to its owner. Its iconic gesture—one paw raised in a beckoning motion—invites customers, wealth, and success.
The origins of the Maneki Neko are shrouded in legend, with several stories offering explanations for its significance. One of the most famous tales involves a poor temple and a stray cat. According to the story, a wealthy samurai was seeking shelter during a storm and saw the cat raising its paw as if calling him. Curious, the samurai followed the cat into the temple. Shortly after, lightning struck the spot where the samurai had been standing. Grateful for the cat’s intervention, he donated funds to the temple, ensuring its prosperity. Thus, the cat became a symbol of good luck.
Maneki Neko statues are typically made of ceramic or plastic and come in various colors, each symbolizing different types of fortune. The most common is white, representing purity and happiness. A gold Maneki Neko is believed to bring wealth, while black ones offer protection from evil spirits. The raised paw also has meaning: a raised left paw is said to attract customers, while a raised right paw brings wealth and success.
The Maneki Neko holds a small koban coin, a symbol of wealth in Edo-period Japan, further emphasizing its connection to prosperity. It is often placed near the entrance of shops and businesses, silently inviting good fortune to enter.
Over time, the Maneki Neko has become a beloved figure not just in Japan, but worldwide, symbolizing hope, prosperity, and the welcoming of good fortune into one’s life or business.
