You’ve seen it before.
A small cat figurine with one paw raised, quietly waving.
But the manekineko meaning goes far beyond simple decoration.
This beckoning cat is one of Japan’s most recognised good luck symbols.
Every detail, from its raised paw to its colour and accessories, holds meaning.
Why do so many businesses display it?
What does each colour stand for?
Where did it all begin?
We will reveal the full manekineko meaning, from its origins in Edo period legends to the lucky traits that still make it popular today.
What Makes Maneki Neko Special?
If you’ve ever seen a little ceramic cat with one paw in the air, you’ve seen a Maneki Neko.
In Japan, people call them 招き猫, or “beckoning cat.”
Some folks call them fortune cats or money cats too.
That cute wave is said to bring in good luck, wealth, or even more customers if you run a shop.
Which paw is raised actually matters:
| Paw Raised | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Left Paw | Welcomes customers, invites wealth |
| Right Paw | Offers good luck, general fortune |
| Both Paws | Attracts both wealth and people |
Sometimes you’ll spot a Maneki Neko with both paws up, like it’s doing a “banzai” pose.
This style isn’t super common, since some people think it brings bad luck.
Maybe pick that one with a little caution.
Fun fact: The higher the paw, the more luck it’s supposed to bring!
Maneki Neko originally showed up centuries ago to protect crops and silkworms from mice.
Over time, people started seeing them as lucky for homes and businesses.
No matter what you call them, these cats are a big part of Japanese culture and still bring a bit of charm wherever they go.
Where the Lucky Cat Came From
The story of the Lucky Cat, or Maneki Neko, goes back to Japan’s bustling Edo period (1603–1868).
That’s when tales about beckoning cats really took off in local folklore.
One famous legend tells of a samurai or traveler who took shelter at a temple.
He saw a cat raising its paw, almost like it was calling him over. He followed and lightning struck the spot he’d just left.
Grateful, he donated to the temple, and it flourished after that.
| Entity | Role in the Story |
|---|---|
| Edo period | Time of the most famous legend |
| Japanese Bobtail | Cat breed often shown as Maneki Neko |
| Gotokuji Temple | Said to be the original temple in Tokyo |
| Tradition & superstition | Roots in old Japanese beliefs |
| Samurai & folktales | Main characters in many legends |
You’ll spot Maneki Neko in shops, businesses, and homes everywhere.
That single raised paw is now a sign of luck, money, and happiness.
What the Colours and Decorations Represent
When you see a Maneki Neko, you’re looking at more than a cute decoration.
The colours and little accessories all mean something.
Each colour stands for a different kind of fortune:
| Colour | Symbolism | Extra Notes |
|---|---|---|
| White | Good luck, pure fortune | Most common; universal symbol |
| Black | Protection, keeps evil spirits away | Welcomes peace and prosperity |
| Gold/Yellow | Wealth, prosperity | Popular if you hope for financial success |
| Red | Health, long life | Tradition links it to safety from sickness |
| Pink | Love, romance | Love luck increases with left paw raised |
Maneki Neko cats don’t just sit around looking cute.
You’ll notice different paws raised and sometimes little objects in their paws, each with its own meaning:
- Left paw raised: Attracts customers or love, especially on pink cats.
- Right paw raised: Brings in wealth and good luck.
- Both paws raised: Offers protection and all-around fortune.
The accessories matter too:
- Koban coin: Those oval coins marked “10 million ryo” mean big money or business success.
- Bell-adorned collar: All about prosperity, and a callback to fancy pet collars from the Edo era.
- Red bib: Like the bibs on certain statues, this one’s for safety and keeping harm away.
- Carp (fish): Stands for strength, perseverance, and a good harvest.
- Balls or gemstones: Invite wisdom and more ways to get rich.
- Empty sake barrel: Wards off evil and brings happiness.
- Magic hammer (uchide no kozuchi): Shake it for endless luck and riches.
- Daikon radish: Means good luck and positive changes.
- Drum: A sign of a lively business or a full house. Great for shop owners.
Whether it’s ceramic, porcelain, or plastic, every Maneki Neko is a little talisman.
Next time you see one, check out the details.
Each colour, pose, and accessory tells its own story and wish for luck, health, or happiness.
Maneki Neko Tips and Facts
Best Spots for Your Beckoning Cat
Want to bring in prosperity and luck?
Put your Maneki Neko by the main entrance, facing the door so it can “call in” luck and guests.
If you’re feeling extra hopeful, try a high shelf.
Above eye level is a favorite spot.
Don’t hide it away in a cupboard or a quiet corner.
These cats love energy and activity!
| Best Locations | Reason |
|---|---|
| Front entrance | Attracts wealth and visitors |
| Shop counter | Invites business prosperity |
| Near main door | Greets and blesses guests |
Looking After Your Lucky Cat Figure
Keep your Maneki Neko looking good by dusting it gently with a soft cloth.
If it’s wood or fabric, skip the water as those materials don’t handle moisture well.
Ceramic cats just need a quick wipe.
Some people even give their lucky cat a little pat now and then, just for good measure (and maybe a bit of extra luck).
- Clean regularly but gently
- Keep away from damp areas
- Treat your Maneki Neko with respect
Ways to Honour Your Lucky Cat
Did you know there’s a Maneki Neko Day?
In Japan, it’s on 29th September.
The numbers sound like “come, blessing” in Japanese, so it’s the perfect day to celebrate.
People share wishes, give Maneki Neko as gifts, and join in on fun events.
You could decorate your place or just say thanks for the good luck your cat’s brought you.
How to Part Gracefully with Your Lucky Cat
When it’s time to say goodbye to your Maneki Neko, do it with care.
The most respectful way is to bring it to a temple or shrine, where they have special services for these figures.
If that’s not possible, wrap your cat with coarse salt in a bag before throwing it away.
This old tradition helps purify the figure and shows gratitude.
Never just toss your lucky cat out as it’s said to bring bad luck. Taking a moment to say thanks lets new blessings come your way.
Best Places to Find Maneki Neko in Japan
If you want to see Maneki Neko up close, there are some fantastic places you should definitely add to your Japan travel plans.
Imado Shrine in Asakusa, Tokyo, is often called the possible birthplace of the famous beckoning cat.
Here, you’ll spot pairs of Maneki Neko statues that represent luck in love and relationships.
Many people go to the shrine to wish for happiness.
It’s a special place for couples and anyone seeking good luck.
Not far from central Tokyo, Gotokuji Temple in Setagaya stands out for its garden packed with hundreds of white Maneki Neko figurines.
You can even buy your own lucky cat on-site.
Tradition says you can leave your figurine at the temple to help your wishes come true.
It’s the kind of place that’s perfect for photos and a peaceful stroll among rows of smiling cats.
Outside Tokyo, Tokoname City on the Chita Peninsula is famous for its pottery and has a pretty unique spot in its AEON shopping centre.
The largest Maneki Neko in the world!
| Location | What You’ll See |
|---|---|
| Imado Shrine | Matchmaking Maneki Neko statues |
| Gotokuji Temple | Hundreds of Maneki Neko figurines |
| Tokoname Aeon | Largest Maneki Neko in the world |
