Maneki-neko Culture in Japan: Origins, Spread, and Contemporary Significance

Introduction: The Symbolic Maneki-neko of Japan

In Japan, the figurine of a cat with a raised paw, known as maneki-neko (beckoning cat), is a widely beloved presence commonly seen at the entrances of homes and shops. Its charming appearance is believed to bring good fortune and prosperity, carrying cultural significance beyond mere decoration. This paper explores how this captivating maneki-neko was born, spread throughout Japan, its various forms and characteristics, and interesting legends. Furthermore, it examines how maneki-neko are used, sold, and given as gifts in contemporary Japanese society, as well as notable places associated with them. Ultimately, it aims to reveal the fundamental reasons why maneki-neko have become so popular in Japan and an element of its culture. The fact that maneki-neko are widely recognized outside Japan and accepted as symbols of good fortune suggests that their appeal transcends Japanese culture and resonates with universal wishes for good fortune. This international spread indicates that the symbolic meaning of maneki-neko is understood and valued across different cultural spheres, revealing the depth of its cultural significance.

The Beckoning Gesture: Exploring the Origins of Maneki-neko

The exact origins of maneki-neko remain unclear, with multiple theories existing. Among them, the following origin stories are particularly famous:

• Gotoku-ji Temple Legend: During the Edo period, Ii Naotaka, the lord of Hikone domain, was passing by a small temple called Gotoku-ji when he noticed the temple cat making a beckoning gesture. He stopped at the temple to rest, and suddenly a thunderstorm began. Pleased that he had avoided getting wet thanks to the cat, Naotaka later made this temple his family temple and made substantial donations. When the cat died, a hall called Shōneko-dō was built in its honor, and it is said that maneki-neko figurines began to be made. Currently, Gotoku-ji is known for the numerous maneki-neko dedicated there.
• Imado Shrine Theory: At the end of the Edo period, there is a story about a poor old woman in Asakusa who had to give up her beloved cat. The cat appeared in her dream and told her, “If you make a figure of me, you will receive fortune and virtue.” When the old woman sold pottery figurines of the cat made with Imado-yaki, they immediately became popular, and she gained wealth. This theory is considered a strong candidate for the origin of maneki-neko figurines. Today, Imado Shrine is also known as a power spot for matchmaking.
• Other Theories: There are various other theories, including the Jisho-in theory where Ota Dokan was guided by a cat when he was lost, the sad story of the courtesan Usugumo Tayū and her beloved cat at Saiho-ji Temple, and theories that trace the origin to Fushimi Inari Taisha.

Among these theories, the theory that the Marujime cat of Imado-yaki is the oldest maneki-neko is notable as the oldest existing figurine. While many origin stories remain in the realm of legend, references to maneki-neko begin to appear in writings from the mid-19th century. The existence of multiple origin theories suggests that the birth of maneki-neko was not a single event, but possibly the result of complex interactions between various beliefs and feelings of gratitude toward cats. Each story has likely been passed down in connection with regional cultures and events, against the common background belief that cats bring good fortune.

Nationwide Spread: The Proliferation and Evolution of Maneki-neko

Maneki-neko spread its popularity nationwide from the late Edo period to the Meiji era. Several factors are thought to have influenced this process:

• Flourishing of Edo Commoner Culture: As Edo commoner culture developed, the popularity of maneki-neko as a lucky charm for business prosperity and good fortune increased, which promoted its spread throughout the country.
• From Religious Objects to Lucky Charms: Initially, maneki-neko were sometimes placed on household altars, but gradually their religious significance diminished, and they spread as lucky charms displayed at storefronts and other locations.
• Development of Pottery Production Areas: In the Meiji era, industrial production of white porcelain maneki-neko began in pottery villages like Seto. In Kutani-yaki, there was high demand for gorgeously decorated maneki-neko as export crafts. Entering the Showa era, ceramic maneki-neko also began to be mass-produced in Tokoname, and the thriving production of regionally distinctive maneki-neko promoted nationwide spread.
• Development of Sericulture: In sericulture regions, cats had long been valued as guardian deities that preyed on mice that harmed silkworms, and maneki-neko were also treasured as talismans against mice, which was one factor in their spread centered around sericulture regions.
• Post-war Economic Growth: Particularly in the 1950s, Tokoname-yaki maneki-neko spread nationwide. Their plump, lovable appearance became popular, and riding the wave of rapid economic growth, they became standard gifts for store openings, shaping the current image of maneki-neko.

In this way, maneki-neko spread throughout Japan while connecting with regional cultures and industries. Initially a small lucky charm rooted in local areas, it changed its role and meaning along with economic and social changes, becoming deeply rooted in Japanese culture.

More Than Just Cuteness: The Form and Symbolism of Maneki-neko

The appeal of maneki-neko lies not only in its adorable appearance but also in the deep symbolism embedded in its details.

• The Beckoning Hand: The way the maneki-neko raises its paw has specific meanings. Generally, cats with raised right paws are believed to bring financial fortune and luck, and are often placed in homes. On the other hand, cats with raised left paws are said to attract people and customers, and are commonly seen in businesses. The height of the raised paw also has meaning; the higher it is raised, the more distant or greater the fortune it attracts, while lower positions attract more immediate fortune. Maneki-neko with both paws raised are said to attract both financial fortune and connections, but some people dislike them because they evoke the image of “surrender.”
• Rich Colors: The colors of maneki-neko also have different meanings. Color | Meaning —–|——- White | General good fortune, happiness, purity Black | Protection from evil, safety for the home Gold/Yellow | Financial fortune, prosperity Red | Health, longevity, protection from illness Pink | Success in love Blue | Academic improvement, wisdom, traffic safety Green | Safety for the home, health Calico | Good luck Purple | Health and longevity
• Other Decorations: Many maneki-neko are depicted holding a koban (oval gold coin). This coin symbolizes wealth and prosperity, and is often inscribed with “千萬両” (sen man ryō, ten million ryō). Other lucky charms may also be depicted, such as the magic mallet (for business prosperity), tai fish (for abundant harvests and prosperity), and gourds (for good health).

Thus, maneki-neko is not merely a decorative item but a lucky charm in which people’s wishes and beliefs are embedded in every aspect of its appearance, color, and possessions.

Stories of the Fortune-Bringing Cat: Legends and Folktales

There are numerous interesting legends and folktales about the origins of maneki-neko.

• Ii Naotaka and the Cat of Gotoku-ji: One of the most famous stories tells of how in the early Edo period, Ii Naotaka, the lord of Hikone domain, stopped by Gotoku-ji Temple because a cat there beckoned to him, thereby avoiding a lightning strike. It is said that Naotaka was grateful to the cat and revived the temple.
• The Cat of Usugumo Tayū, a Courtesan in Yoshiwara: There is a sad but beautiful story about a cat belonging to Usugumo Tayū, a courtesan in Yoshiwara during the Edo period, that saved her from a giant snake. According to one theory, the beginning of maneki-neko came when a customer mourning the cat’s death presented a wooden carving of the cat.
• The Old Woman of Imado and the Cat Figurine: The story of a poor woman who had to give up her beloved cat, was told in a dream by the cat to make figurines, and prospered by selling those figurines is well-known as the origin of maneki-neko figurines.
• The Cat that Guided Ota Dokan: There is also a legend that during the Muromachi period, the warrior Ota Dokan was lost in battle when a cat appeared and guided him to a temple called Jisho-in, leading him to victory.
• The Poor Shopkeeper and the Grateful Cat: A heartwarming story is also passed down about a poor shopkeeper who helped a hungry stray cat, whereupon the cat beckoned customers to the shop, making it prosper.

What these stories have in common is the feeling of gratitude toward cats and the belief that mysterious powers of cats bring good fortune. These folktales suggest that cats have occupied a special place in Japanese culture beyond being mere pets. Cats have long been cherished as messengers of good fortune or guardians protecting people from disasters.

Modern Maneki-neko: Role as a Mascot

Even in modern Japan, maneki-neko are widely used as symbols of good fortune. They are placed near the entrances of shops, restaurants, pachinko parlors, etc., expected to attract customers and prosperity. In homes, they are displayed not only to wish for general good fortune but also for specific wishes such as love, health, academic success, etc. Maneki-neko also appear in various goods and pop culture, and their charming appearance is beloved by many people. Some people incorporate feng shui concepts and consider direction and color when placing maneki-neko. The fact that maneki-neko are deeply rooted in modern society indicates that they have established a position as friendly mascots that add color to daily life, beyond their traditional role as lucky charms. Their diverse designs and meanings cater to people’s various wishes and lifestyles, which is why they continue to be loved across generations.

Gifts from Regions, Souvenirs to the World: Sales, Gifting, and Enduring Popularity

Maneki-neko can be purchased in various places throughout Japan. Specialty stores like “Yanakado” in Yanaka, Tokyo, online marketplaces, and regional production centers with distinctive characteristics such as the Maneki-neko Museum and Omodakaya in Seto, and Tokoname, as well as souvenir shops in tourist areas, department stores, and general stores. Price ranges vary widely from a few hundred yen to several hundred thousand yen, depending on materials, size, craftsmanship, and brand.

Maneki-neko are chosen as gifts for various occasions, including store openings (wishing for business prosperity), housewarming gifts (wishing for good fortune and peace), and personal anniversaries and celebrations.

There are multiple reasons why maneki-neko have maintained their popularity over a long period. First, the strong belief that they bring good fortune and prosperity is deeply rooted in the culture. Second, their cute and diverse designs are easy to display in various places and attract people’s hearts. Third, rich folktales with themes of good fortune and kindness evoke people’s empathy. Finally, being recognized and loved worldwide as a symbol of Japanese culture and hospitality also supports their popularity.

Journey Around Maneki-neko: Related Places

There are several representative places in Japan associated with maneki-neko.

• Gotoku-ji Temple (Setagaya, Tokyo): Known as one of the birthplaces of maneki-neko, the sight of numerous white maneki-neko dedicated by people whose wishes were granted is impressive.
• Imado Shrine (Taito, Tokyo): Also considered one of the birthplaces of maneki-neko, it is particularly known as a deity of matchmaking. A pair of maneki-neko statues is enshrined on the grounds.
• Maneki-neko Museum (Seto, Aichi Prefecture): Japan’s largest museum specializing in maneki-neko, displaying various maneki-neko from all over the country. Seto has been a region where maneki-neko production has flourished since the Meiji era.
• Tokoname (Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture): A major maneki-neko production area along with Seto, with the giant maneki-neko “Tokonyan” serving as the symbol of the town.

Other places associated with maneki-neko are scattered throughout Japan, including Sumiyoshi Shrine (Ome, Tokyo), Jisho-in (Shinjuku, Tokyo), Saiho-ji Temple (Toshima, Tokyo), Omatsu Daigongen (Anan, Tokushima Prefecture), and Unrin-ji Temple (Hagi, Yamaguchi Prefecture). These places provide valuable opportunities to experience the history and culture of maneki-neko and to understand their charm more deeply.

Conclusion: Why Japanese People Love Maneki-neko

The culture of maneki-neko in Japan has been deeply connected to Japanese history, society, and people’s beliefs from its origins to the present day. While its origins remain unclear, it spread among commoners during the Edo period and is now widely known both domestically and internationally as one of Japan’s representative lucky charms.

There are various reasons why maneki-neko have become so popular in Japan and an element of its culture. First, the strong faith that they bring good fortune and prosperity is deeply rooted in people’s hearts. Next, their adorable appearance gives viewers peace and hope, bringing warmth to living spaces. Additionally, numerous legends and folktales give maneki-neko rich narrative content, enhancing their cultural appeal. Furthermore, diverse designs with regional characteristics and roles that have changed with the times have consistently met people’s needs, maintaining their presence in contemporary society.

Maneki-neko can be said to be not merely superstitious idols but symbolic entities in which Japanese culture, history, and people’s wishes are condensed. Their universal appeal will continue to be passed down across generations, continuing to shine as an important part of Japanese culture.