The Maneki Neko (招き猫), often referred to as the "beckoning cat," is a popular Japanese talisman believed to bring good luck and fortune to its owner. Maneki Neko literally means "the cat who invites" in Japanese. The statues are commonly found in homes, businesses, and restaurants across Japan and many other countries. This iconic figure has a fascinating history and deep cultural significance that reflects the values and beliefs of Japanese society.
Most scholars trace the origin of the Maneki Neko back to the Edo period (1603-1868) in Japan. One popular legend attributes the creation of Maneki Neko to a poor monk who lived in a small temple in Tokyo. According to the tale, a wealthy feudal lord was passing by the temple when he noticed a cat raising its paw as if beckoning him to come closer. Curious, the lord followed the cat and, at that moment, a lightning bolt struck the spot where he had been standing. Grateful for the cat’s intervention, the lord became a patron of the temple, bringing it prosperity.
Another origin story suggests that Maneki Neko emerged from the Imado Shrine in Tokyo, where a cat is said to have brought fortune to a struggling old woman by appearing in her dreams. The cat advised her to create a clay figure in its likeness, which she then sold, leading to her financial success.
Imado Shrine
The Maneki Neko is often depicted with a few accessories, the most common ones are a coin and a bell.
The large golden coin that the Maneki Neko wears, either in one leg or around his neck is called koban. It is about an old Japanese currency which was worth one ryo, an old currency in Japan. A koban of one ryo is actually quite valuable in the Keicho period (1596 to 1615), being made of around 16.5grams of gold.
Keichō-period koban with value of one ryō - 16.5 grams of gold
The Maneki Neko represented with a necklace with a golden bell and a small bib has its origins directly inspired by the domestic cats belonging to wealthy owners during the Edo era.
In Japan, the Maneki Neko is celebrated annually on September 29th, known as "Maneki Neko Day." This celebration includes festivals, parades, and special ceremonies at temples and shrines. The Maneki Neko's popularity has also extended into modern media, with the figure appearing in anime, manga, and even video games.
The Maneki Neko's influence is not limited to physical spaces. It has also become a popular motif in fashion, jewelry, and home décor, further cementing its status as an enduring symbol of good fortune.
One of the most famous Buddhists temples in Tokyo is the Gotokuji Temple, located in the Setagaya ward of Tokyo. Claiming to be the birthplace of the Maneki Neko legends, the temple is a must-see for every cat lover during a visit to Tokyo.
from the temple official website: https://gotokuji.jp/en/
Sources:
Chico, Michael. Maneki Neko: The Tale of the Beckoning Cat. New York: Weatherhill, 1995. ISBN 978-0834803411.
Foster, Michael Dylan. Pandemonium and Parade: Japanese Monsters and the Culture of Yokai. Berkeley: University of California Press, 2008. ISBN 978-0520253629.
Swann, Peter C. Art of Japan: From the Jomon to the Tokugawa Periods. New York: Harry N. Abrams, 1966. ISBN 978-0810904591.
Iwasaki, Mineko. The I Ching for Dogs: Maneki Neko, Komainu, and Other Animal Talismans. Tokyo: Tuttle Publishing, 2004. ISBN 978-0804834997.
Schodt, Frederik L. Dreamland Japan: Writings on Modern Manga. Berkeley: Stone Bridge Press, 1996. ISBN 978-1880656235.