Meet the Maneki-neko: Japan’s Iconic Lucky Cat

In this article, we explore the iconic Japanese 招き猫: Maneki-neko, also known as the “lucky cat,” often seen at the entrances of restaurants and homes. We look at its origins, the meanings behind its colors, and the raised paw gesture. We also introduce famous sites where tourists can encounter numerous Maneki-neko, offering an opportunity to deepen your understanding of Japanese culture.

Have you ever seen a cat figurine with its front paw raised in a beckoning gesture? This is called a Maneki-neko, or “lucky cat.” It is a traditional Japanese figurine that combines elements of folk belief and wishes for good fortune.

There are several historical legends about the origin of the Maneki-neko. One of the most well-known is the story of the Jishōin Temple in Shinjuku, Tokyo.

According to this legend, during the Muromachi period, the military commander Ōta Dōkan was struggling in battle when a black cat led him to the temple, helping him escape danger and ultimately achieve victory. After the battle, Dōkan is said to have taken good care of the cat. When the cat eventually passed away, he is believed to have donated a stone statue of Jizō to the temple to comfort its spirit.

Each Maneki-neko carries different meanings depending on its shape and color. The raised paw—whether the right or the left—also has different symbolism.

Right paw raised:
It is said to bring wealth and good fortune. For this reason, it is often chosen by those who wish for financial success or prosperity.

Left paw raised:
It is believed to invite people and customers. As a result, it is commonly found in restaurants and shops, where it is used to wish for business prosperity and good relationships.

In addition, different colors of Maneki-neko are believed to bring different kinds of good fortune.

・ White and calico (三毛: mi-ke): Good luck, prosperity, and business success
・ Black: Protection from evil and misfortune
・ Red: Good health and longevity
・ Gold or yellow: Financial success and wealth
・ Pink: Love and romance

As shown above, each shape and color of the Maneki-neko carries people’s wishes and meanings. Nowadays, they are also made from a variety of materials, evolving alongside changes in modern lifestyles.

To Japanese people, the Maneki-neko is more than just a mascot or decorative object. It is seen as a symbol imbued with heartfelt wishes for the protection of life and the well-being of the community.

Among its various colors, red holds particular importance. Red Maneki-neko, along with the red bibs they are often depicted wearing, are closely associated with protective qualities.

Within Japanese culture, red has long been linked to vitality, drawing associations with the sun and blood. It has traditionally been believed to ward off evil, misfortune, and illness. In earlier times, when medical knowledge was limited, the color was thought to possess protective, almost spiritual power against serious infectious diseases, especially in safeguarding children. Maneki-neko adorned with red bibs embody this enduring belief, reflecting a fundamental wish for children to grow up healthy and safe.

At the same time, as society has evolved, this iconic figure has taken on new forms of significance through its integration with pop culture. For example, a karaoke chain operating nationwide has hosted events that merge the Maneki-neko with popular anime. There are also numerous collaborative items that reinterpret well-known characters in a Maneki-neko style, attracting interest from younger audiences as well as people from abroad.

Additionally, efforts to fuse traditional craftsmanship with modern design continue to expand. Contemporary versions of the Maneki-neko—such as those developed in collaboration with prominent designers—are now being produced and marketed, demonstrating how the figure continues to evolve through new creative expressions.

Maneki-neko can be found widely throughout modern Japanese society. As you walk through the streets of Japan, you’ll notice them in a variety of settings—at restaurant cash registers, at the entrances of homes, and at reception desks in offices and companies.

There are also dedicated facilities across the country where visitors can learn about their history and cultural significance. These places offer opportunities for cultural experiences, particularly for international tourists and students.

One of the most representative facilities in western Japan is the Maneki-neko Museum in Okayama Prefecture. Guided by the concept of “a museum for all who wish for happiness,” it displays more than 800 historic Maneki-neko, each believed to have brought good fortune to people over time. Surrounded by nature, the museum offers a refreshing and uplifting atmosphere, where visitors can breathe in the fresh air, feel rejuvenated, and deepen their sense of appreciation for culture.

As a counterpart in eastern Japan, there is the Maneki-neko Museum in Seto City, Aichi Prefecture, a region well known for its ceramic production. This facility offers a variety of hands-on programs for visitors. In particular, the sometsuke (traditional blue-and-white painting) experience is highly recommended. Visitors can paint a Maneki-neko–shaped piggy bank using traditional blue pigments, allowing them to enjoy an authentic decorative art experience.

One of the appealing features of the facility is its multilingual support. A guide app is available to help explain the exhibits through both text and audio. By simply scanning QR codes with their own devices, visitors can access content in multiple languages, including Chinese and English, making it easier to understand the historical background in depth.

Recently, 大谿山豪徳寺: the Ōkeizan Gotokuji Temple, located in Setagaya, Tokyo, has been attracting growing attention. The temple is considered one of the birthplaces of the Maneki-neko and refers to them by the unique name 招福猫児: shofuku-nekoji, treating them with a sense of reverence.

Unlike typical Maneki-neko, which often hold koban (traditional Japanese gold coins) or other forms of currency—as introduced in our previous article, Explore Japanese Yen: A Look at Banknotes, Coins, and Their Unique Designs! —the figures at Gotokuji simply raise their right paws to invite good fortune. Within the temple grounds, countless white Maneki-neko are displayed, creating a striking scene that captivates visitors.

In recent years, the temple has become increasingly lively, partly due to the rise in international visitors. Images of its iconic rows of Maneki-neko—highly photogenic and widely shared on social media—have helped spread its fame around the world. Visitors often line up for long periods to purchase Maneki-neko sold as souvenirs, and larger figurines sometimes sell out quickly. The site offers a striking and memorable scene, with many visitors expressing their amazement at what they describe as a “truly spectacular view.”

Even on the way to the temple, visitors can experience Tokyo’s local culture. The Tokyu Setagaya Line they take preserves a nostalgic atmosphere, as one of the few remaining tram-style railways in Tokyo.

In addition, the “Lucky Cat Train” is especially popular. With a cat face designed on the front, it has become a favorite among passengers, and even the hand straps inside the train are shaped like Maneki-neko.

The key to mastering Japanese is understanding the culture behind the language, as well as improving your conversational skills in Japanese. Let’s enjoy learning together.

NPO Ota Dōkan Memorial Association: “Neko Jizō”

Maneki-neko Museum: “Fuku o Yobu Maneki-neko Museum – Kanman-ji Temple”

Ōkeizan Gotokuji Temple: “Gotokuji and Shōfuku-nekoji”