Maneki Neko: The Japanese Lucky Cat is Calling You!

Japanese culture lovers must be familiar with him! If you have been to Asia before, you must have seen some little cats in some shops, restaurants and so on. You might see him in different shapes, sizes, and colors. This cat keeps his hand up and sometimes even waves it to people. Sometimes holds a coin or a koi fish, and looking at you with huge eyes.

Maneki Neko, in other words, The Lucky Cat of Japan! In this article, I will tell about the legendary Japanese cat and the story behind it.

K, N. (2019, December 5). Manekineko2019 [Photograph]. Maneki Neko in Gotokuji, Tokyo.

The Original Story of a Waving Cat

Gotokuji Temple is located at 2 Gotokuji Setagaya-ward Tokyo and is famous for the grave of Sir Ii Naosuke, the Chief Minister of the Tokugawa Government from the late Edo period. The notable temple in Western Tokyo covers a vast area and starred with old, solemn trees. Huge numbers of parishioners and visitors come to pray and admire the beautiful architecture. Although the temple is renowned as the stern Zen temple, it is also a shrine for the cute cats that wave with one arm raised. This is the other world-famous character that originated from an episode in the history of this temple.

K, N. (2019a, December 5). Gotokujitokyo2019 [Photograph]. Gotokujitokyo2019.

Here is the story of a Monk and waving cat… A long time ago when the temple was a shabby hut, the Monk could barely live on the small income he gained as a practicing mendicant. He had a cat and cared for it like his own child, sharing his own meal with it. One day he said to the cat “If you are grateful to me, bring some fortune to the temple.”

K, N. (2019b, December 5). Manekinekotokyo2019 [Photograph]. Mozartcultures.

After many months, one summer afternoon the Monk heard sounds around the gate, and there he saw five or six samurai warriors on their way home from hawk hunting approaching him and leaving their horses behind. They said “We were about to pass in front of your gate, but there was a cat crouching and suddenly it lifted one arm and started waving and waving when it saw us. we were surprised and intrigued, and that brought us to come here to ask for some rest.”

K, N. (2019b, December 5). Gotokujitokyo2019 [Photograph]. Mozartcultures.

So the Monk served his bitter tea and told them to relax. Suddenly the sky darkened and heavy rain began to fall with thunder. While they waited a long time for the sky to clear, the Monk Sanze-inga-no-hou (past, present, future reasoning sermons). The samurai were delighted and began to think about converting to the temple. Immediately, one samurai announced “My name is Naotaka Ii, I am the king of Hikone, Koshu prefecture. Due to your cat’s waving, we were able to hear your preaching. This has opened our eyes and seems to be the start of something new. This must be Buddha’s will.”

Soon after they returned home. Naotaka Ii donated huge rice fields and croplands to make, the temple grand and generous as it is now. Because of the cat, fortune had been brought to the temple. Therefore, Gotokuji is called the cat temple. The monk later established the grave of the cat and blessed it. The statue of the cute waving cat was established so that people might remember the episode and worship it. Now everybody knows the temple as the symbol of household serenity, business prosperity, and fulfillment of wishes.

A.J.P.S.C.S. (2010, January 1). New Year [Photograph]. Ajpscs.

The different colors of Japanese Lucky Cats are also significant to what they symbolize. For instance; the white color brings happiness. Black color protects against sickness and bad omens. Gold and yellow colors attract good fortune. Silver color calls longevity. Pink color invites love and red color brings good health.

These ornamental cats are often now, because of their symbolic nature, placed outside homes and shops. Those who raise their left hand are said to invite customers, while those who raise their right hand are said to invite prosperity. Many still visit the Temple of Gotokuji, where the Maneki Neko original is widely believed to have lived. Hundreds of Japanese lucky cats can be seen on the racks, by people who seek the good fortune or remember their late pet cats.

Lucky cat/Fortune cat/Beckoning Cat/maneki-neko L The Many. (n.d.-b). Etsy.

Maneki Neko with both paws raised is also available. They do, however, appear to be raising their hands in surrender, and as a result, they are not particularly popular. For some, the thought of attempting to attract clients, wealth, and good fortune at the same time may be a little too greedy. In any event, Maneki Neko is a cute addition to your house or business, and there’s no need to be concerned about its deeper meaning. Unless you’re into that type of stuff, of course.

References:

• Gotokuji Temple. (n.d.). The Original Story of a Waving Cat [Press release]. https://www.gotokuji.jp
• J. (2021, April 14). The Legend of the Japanese Lucky Cat. The Japanese Shop Blog. https://www.thejapaneseshop.co.uk/blog/the-legend-of-the-japanese-lucky-cat/
• Maneki Neko Winking Cat | Authentic Japanese product. (n.d.). Japan-Brand. Retrieved May 30, 2021, from https://japan-brand.jnto.go.jp/crafts/dolls/51/
• K, N. (2019, December 5). Manekineko2019 [Photograph]. Maneki Neko in Gotokuji, Tokyo. https://mozartcultures.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/IMG_20191205_151705-scaled.jpg
• K, N. (2019a, December 5). Gotokujitokyo2019 [Photograph]. Gotokujitokyo2019. https://mozartcultures.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/IMG_20191205_150752-1-scaled.jpg
• K, N. (2019b, December 5). Manekinekotokyo2019 [Photograph]. Mozartcultures. https://mozartcultures.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/IMG_20191205_151607-scaled.jpg
• K, N. (2019b, December 5). Gotokujitokyo2019 [Photograph]. Mozartcultures. https://mozartcultures.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/IMG_20191205_160914-1-scaled.jpg
• A.J.P.S.C.S. (2010, January 1). New Year [Photograph]. Ajpscs. https://www.flickr.com/photos/ajpscs/5311926279/

• Lucky cat/Fortune cat/Beckoning Cat/maneki-neko L The Many. (n.d.-b). Etsy. Retrieved May 31, 2021, from https://www.etsy.com/listing/260569144/lucky-catfortune-catbeckoning-catmaneki