Maneki Neko(Fortune Cat)
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Maneki Neko(Fortune Cat)
The Maneki Neko
is a common Japanese sculpture which believed to bring good luck to the owner. It is also known as a welcome cat
or a lucky cat
in the US. The sculpture depicts a cat beckoning with an upright paw and is usually displayed shops, restaurants, and offices of companies.
There are two types of The Maneki Neko. One raises its left paw (like a photo above) and the other raises its right paw. It is said that the left paw beckons people (customers) and the right paw beckons money. Therefore stores of service industries such as hotels and restaurants tend to display the sculpture with its left paw raising.
Some people believe that the color of the Maneki Neko is important. The model of the Maneki Neko is a calico cat. Therefore, In general, the color of the sculptures is white, black and brown (like a photo above). However, there are sculptures with other colors and it is said that they have different effects.
For example, The red one prevents you from diseases, the blue one keeps you safe in transportation or makes you better at the study, the pink one supports your love, and the black one protects you from evil.
You can buy it at most of the sightseeing spots such as Asakusa and Tokyo Skytree. Why don't you find your favorite one in Japan?