Neko Cat (Maneki-neko)

Neko Cat Tattoo by Marco

Maneki-neko (beckoning cat) is believed to bring the owner good luck or good fortune.

It is believed that the gesture of its’ beckoning paw is similar to a cat washing its’ face which in Japan means that a visitor will arrive soon. This is believed to come from an even earlier Chinese proverb that if a cat washes its’ face it will rain. It is possible that a belief arose that if a cat washes its’ face it would bring customers, which is why you most often see them in businesses facing the door or in a window where passers-by might see it.

A folktale states that an impoverished shop owner took in a starving cat despite barely having enough to feed himself. In gratitude the cat sat in front of the store beckoning customers thus bringing prosperity as a reward to the charitable proprietor. Since, the beckoning cat has been a symbol of good luck for small businesses.

Different colors have different meanings: Green- education and studies, White- good luck and overall good fortune, Black- wards off evil, Red- good health and protection from illness, Pink- luck in romance, Golden- wealth and prosperity

Different Poses also have different meanings: Right Paw Raised- invites money and good fortune for business, Left Paw Raised- invites customers or people, Both Paws Raised- protection of home or business

Bell and Bib- protection and wealth

Coin- Lettering on the coin means sen man ryo 1000x10,000 ryo = 10,000,000 a huge fortune