Basics

2026.09.05 Basics

6. Asakusa and the Maneki-neko: From Imado Ware and Marushime-neko to the Present Day

Asakusa, Tokyo, has long been a gathering place for temples, shrines, theaters, street entertainment, souvenir shops, and traditional craftspeople. It is also an essential place in the history of the maneki-neko. Imado Ware Grew Beside the Sumida River Imado ware is a type of pottery traditionally produced around present-day Imado in Tokyo’s Taito City. With clay available near the Sumida… Read more › 2026.09.05 Basics

5. Why Does Maneki-neko Hold a Koban? The Meaning Behind “Ten Million Ryō”

Look closely at a maneki-neko and you may see it holding a large, oval-shaped gold coin against its chest. The coin may be inscribed with words such as “One Thousand Ryō,” “Ten Million Ryō,” “Good Fortune,” or “Good Luck.” But why did these beckoning cats come to hold koban coins? Koban: A Symbol of Wealth in the Edo Period A… Read more › 2026.09.05 Basics

4. What Do the Colors of Maneki-neko Mean? White, Black, Red, Gold, Blue, and More

From traditional calico cats to gold, black, red, blue, and pink designs, modern maneki-neko come in a surprising variety of colors. Learning what each color represents makes choosing a cat that matches your personal wish even more enjoyable. White and Calico: Good Fortune and All-Around Luck White is one of the most traditional colors for maneki-neko. It evokes purity, sincerity,… Read more › 2026.09.05 Basics

3. Right Paw or Left Paw? What Each Maneki-neko’s Raised Paw Means

When choosing a maneki-neko, one of the first things you will notice is which paw it is raising: the right paw, the left paw, or sometimes both. So, what kind of wish does each pose represent? The Right Paw Invites Wealth and Good Fortune A maneki-neko raising its right paw is generally believed to invite money, financial prosperity, and good… Read more › 2026.09.05 Basics

2. Where Was the Maneki-neko Born? Exploring Five Origin Stories of Japan’s Lucky Cat

“Where was the maneki-neko born?” Even today, there is no single definitive answer to this question. Several different origin stories have been passed down, each shaped by temple legends, local memories, and Japan’s pottery traditions. The key is to distinguish between famous legends and the earliest examples supported by historical records. Here, we explore five of the best-known theories about… Read more › 2026.09.05 Basics

What Is Maneki-neko? A Complete Guide to the Meaning, History, and Origins of Japan’s Famous Lucky Cat

You may have seen one sitting at the entrance to a shop or home: a cat with one paw raised as if beckoning someone closer. Known as maneki-neko, this figure is one of Japan’s most recognizable good-luck charms. It is believed to invite good fortune, customers, business success, wealth, and positive relationships. Outside Japan, maneki-neko are also commonly known as… Read more ›