Maneki-neko: Japan’s Lucky Beckoning Cat
Japan’s Beckoning Cat, also known as the Maneki-neko, is considered a cultural symbol in Japan. Believed to bring fortune and good luck to its owners, the Beckoning Cat has long been celebrated in Japan and can be found in shops and households throughout the country. With its raised paw gesture and cat like appearance, no wonder why the Maneki-neko is adored throughout Japan. In this post, we’ll explore what the Beckoning Cat even means in Japan, the origins of the Beckoning Cat, and must see Maneki-neko attractions.
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Japan’s Maneki-neko aka Beckoning Cat or Lucky Cat is a cat figurine said to bring both wealth and good luck.
The origins of the Maneki-neko data back to the Edo period (1603-1867). Although there are many theories of the origin of the Maneki-neko, I believe the origin started at Gotoku-ji.
Is the Beckoning Cat Chinese or Japanese?
The Beckoning Cat has its origins in Japan, therefore it is Japanese.
What does the symbolism of the Beckoning Cat actually mean?
If you look at the Maneki-neko, you will notice it has a raised paw. Some figurines will have the right paw raised while others have the left paw raised.
With the Beckoning Cats right paw raised the figurine is said to attract wealth and good luck.
The left paw raised is an invitation to customers visiting a business. In most shops around Japan, you will see the Maneki-neko with its left paw in the air.
Not only does the Beckoning Cat’s paws have a symbolic purpose but the color of the figurine is just as symbolic. A white Maneki-neko means purity and positivity, black Beckoning Cats are said to defend against evil spirits, while gold is tied to financial success.
Popular Beckoning Cat Attractions in Japan We've Visited
The Maneki-neko or Beckoning Cat is an iconic symbol of Japan. With its unique pose, one arm in the air, and fun variations, these figurines are an integral part in Japan and can be found in homes, shops, attractions, and even religious shrines and temples.
Jill and I have explored quite a few Beckoning Cat attractions in Japan, from historical shrines and temples that house thousands of these feline figurines to museums that allow you to paint your own Maneki-neko. If you love Japan’s Beckoning Cat as much as we do, here are some of the recommended Maneki-neko attractions.
Gotoku-ji Buddhist Temple
Gotoku-ji, probably one of Japan’s most famous maneki-neko attractions lies in the Setagaya ward of Tokyo.
This historic Buddhist temple is from the Edo period and is said to be the birthplace of the Maneki-neko or Beckoning Cat.
According to the Gotokuji website, this place became famous for the Maneki-neko because a lord was greeted by a luck cat at the temple gate. When the lord entered the temple grounds and rain began to fall. The lord engaged in a conversation with the temple master at the complex and the cats luck made an impression on the visiting lord.
On the grounds of Gotoku-ji, Shofuku-den was built to house the good luck cat, the name of the good luck cat was Maneki-neko.
Today, there are hundreds if not thousands of white Maneki-neko’s at the Gotoku-ji. Style wise, the Beckoning Cats here are all the same, with their white bodies, red ears, and right paw in the air, but differ in sizes.
Visitors can purchase their own Maneki-neko at Gotoku-ji and place the Beckoning Cat at the temple or take it home as a souvenir.
Maneki-neko Museum of Art
Are you interested in painting your own Maneki-neko? You can do just that at the Maneki-neko Museum of Art in Kanayamaji, Okayama.
The Maneki-neko Museum of Art is a museum that is home to over 800 Maneki-neko’s in all colors, shapes, and sizes. This museum is located in a historical home and visitors can freely walk around to the different floors. The museum even has Beckoning Cats that date back to the Meiji Era.
You can’t leave the museum without attempting to paint your own Maneki-neko. You get a unglazed Beckoning Cat figuring and can let your inner artist shine as you paint a truly fascinating and possibly silly Maneki-neko.
Admission for the Manekineko Museum of Art is ¥600.
Hours are 10:00 to 17:00 with last admission at 16:30.
For more information, you can visit the Maneki-neko Art Museum’s website.
Pottery Footpath and Maneki-neko Street in Tokoname
Tokoname, a city located in Aichi Prefecture, not far from Nagoya City. Famous for its pottery footpath, giant Maneki-neko head, and Maneki-neko Street, Tokoname is a heaven for those that love goofy cat statues and maneki-neko sculptures in Japan.
The Pottery Footpath in Tokoname is a pedestrian walkway in Tokoname that follows a well developed path that goes by several merchant shops, kilns, and other attractions, all related to pottery. Prior to visiting the path, there is a Maneki-neko Street that is a must visit!
Maneki-neko Street is lined with 40 Beckoning Cats created by various artists. There are a few entertaning Beckoning Cats on pedestals. Continuing on Maneki-neko Street, there are several cat statues along the side of a wall. Each statue unique in their own ways brining luck to those that travel by.
Don’t forget to get photos of Tokonyan. Tokonyan is a giant Beckoning Cat head that resting above the street. Tokonyan can be seen from the train station. This giant Maneki-neko head is an astonishing 3.8 meters tall and 6.3 meters wide.
To learn more about the Pottery Footpath and Maneki-neko Street in Tokoname, I wrote a post on our trip here:
Walking the Pottery Footpath in Tokoname
Urinji Cat Temple
A 30-minute drive from the town of Hagi, is the Unrinji Cat Temple. With over 600 cat statues at Unrinji, this temple is known as the “Cat Temple.” Here you can find Maneki-neko statues and wood carved statues that were made by a local artist.
Besides some traditional Beckoning Cat statues, there is a Cat Buddha statue carved out of wood and some other statues on the silly side.
To read more about Urinji Cat Temple and Hagi, feel free to read my post:
Visiting Hagi, Japan
Where to Buy a Maneki-neko?
The Maneki-neko can be purchased in almost any souvenir store within Japan from the northern island of Hokkaido to the southern islands of Okinawa.
Some antique shops will have older Maneki0-nekos. There are also specialized attractions like Gotoku-ji and the Maneki-neko Museum of Art that sells them.
You can find a wide range of Beckoning Cats on Amazon. If looking to purchase on Amazon you can type in either Beckoning Cat or Maneki-neko in the search result.
Conclusion
Japan’s Beckoning Cat or Maneki-neko is a symbolic figurine in Japan that symbolizes good fortune and luck, invites customers to businesses, and can ward off bad spirits. The Maneki-neko has played an important role in Japanese history and continues to be a symbolic figurine in private homes, businesses, and even shrines and temples.
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