Maneki Neko is the common Japanese figurine (lucky charm, talisman) which is often believed to bring good luck to the owner, the meaning of Maneki Neko is "beckoning cat". They are usually made of ceramic or plastic in modern times. An upright saw the figurine depicts a cat (traditionally a calico Japanese Bobtail) beckoning and is usually displayed in, and often at the entrance of, shops, restaurants, pachinko parlors, laundromats, dry cleaners, salons, and other businesses. To beckon luck into your home Place one by your front door.

The cat figurine beckons because a weary traveler was making his way past a temple in Edo, According to one legend. A cat sat outside and beckoned the man to follow, as he passed. A large and sudden thunderstorm rolled through Edo, Shortly after his entrance to the temple. The man was so grateful to the cat for bringing him to shelter from the storm, raised yNeko soon became an offering of gratitude which evolved into a figure thought to bring luck. This is the most popular legend. Maneki Neko is still prevalent in Japan, even in modern times. To see the statues in shrines, or as decoration is uncommon. Across the country, you also may find their slow-waving, mechanical paws welcoming you to restaurants, pachinko parlors, and other businesses. The only thing that can be concluded is that its birthplace is uncertain when trying to pinpoint the exact origin of the Maneki Neko. Although it is generally agreed upon that they were first seen sometime in the late Edo Period, There is debate as to whether the cats were created in Tokyo or Osaka. In Japan, There are countless superstitions about cats, assigning it either good or bad powers, benevelent or malevolent attributes.

Maneki-Neko can be found as keychains, piggy banks, air fresheners, house-plant pots, and miscellaneous ornaments, as well as large statues, In addition to ceramic figurines. You'll notice certain items that are frequently held or worn by the cats if you look closely at various Maneki Neko. With an unadorned neck, you'll rarely see a lucky cat. For Maneki nekoCollars, decorative bibs, and bells are all common neck ornaments. The real pet cats of the Edo Period like today, wore collars with bells to allow their whereabouts to be easily tracked. It has been speculated that they are related to those worn by Buddhist jizo statues, as for the bibs. A koban, a gold coin that was used in the Edo Period Maneki Neko often holds. Even you may see a cat holding a coin marked 千万両 which is ten million Ryo, an incredible amount of money, especially for that period.