The Maneki Neko, usually made of porcelain or ceramic, is a charming sculpture of a cat raising one of its paws. They are often displayed at shop entrances in the believe that they attract customers (left paw up) or money (right paw up).

Standard Maneki Neko

When I first came to Japan they were increasingly seen as old-fashioned, and often the stores that displayed them were kind of dusty outfits. These days, though, the cats are everywhere. They have even found new roles as super cute keychains sought after by trendy young women, and air fresheners in restrooms.

A very happy Maneki Neko with lots of little friends. Notice that the cat on the right has raised both paws! A bit greedy, don’t you think?

There are lots of wonderful stories about the origins of the Maneki Neko. My own favorite tells about a temple cat beckoning a samurai lord who was sheltering from a storm under a tree. The man curiously approached. Seconds later, lightning struck the very tree where he had been standing.

Often, Maneki Neko carry a large coin (left), or they have a necklace with the characters for “shoufuku” (招福, good fortune)

The cat in this story belonged to the priest of Goutokuji temple in Tokyo’s Setagaya-ku. The lord was Ii Naotaka, who reigned over Hikone. Naturally, he was extremely grateful to the cat and offered large donations to the temple, as well as making it his family temple.

The priest was so grateful that after the cat died he had a statue made of the cat. Goutokuji temple does indeed exist and is crowded with countless Maneki Neko.

A huge Maneki Neko beckons for customers in Osaka’s Doguya-suji, a street packed with shops catering to restaurants

Although this dates the origin of the cat back to the Edo Period (1603-1868), the first statues apparently appeared during the late 19th century. And not in Tokyo, but in the merchant city of Osaka.

To lovers of cute and exotic things, it doesn’t really matter, though. They just see the Maneki Neko as a great addition to their interior, or a colorful fashion accessory.

Find you very own Maneki Neko in the JAPANESE STREETS shop.

Goutokuji Temple in Setagaya-ku, Tokyo