In Japanese superstition, the maneki-neko is a cat figurine believed to bring good fortune and prosperity.
The name maneki-neko means “beckoning cat.” Its raised paw resembles a welcoming gesture, and the figurines are commonly displayed in shops, restaurants, homes, and businesses. The raised right paw is often associated with inviting money, while the raised left paw is linked with attracting customers or visitors.
Maneki-neko figures became especially popular in Japan during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Their exact origin is debated, with several Japanese legends connecting the figurine to temples and wealthy travelers who were supposedly aided by a beckoning cat.
A common mix-up is treating the raised paw as a wave. In Japanese culture, the gesture is a beckoning motion, with the palm facing outward and the fingers curling downward. Colors and accessories also carry different meanings, but the central symbol is the welcoming cat.