A must-have cat figurine! A thorough analysis of the beckoning cat!!

When it comes to lucky Japanese cat figurines, the first thing that comes to mind is the beckoning cat. I'm sure there is no one who hasn't heard of the beckoning cat, but there are actually many different types of beckoning cat. Here we'll introduce some basic information about beckoning cats that you may not know.

What is a beckoning cat?

The beckoning cat has long been popular as a lucky charm, but in recent years it seems to have become a secret craze among foreign tourists. There are various theories about the origin of the beckoning cat in its birthplace.

"Imado ware theory"

An old woman living in Asakusa, Edo, was forced to give up her beloved cat due to poverty. The cat then appeared to her in a dream and told her, "If you make a doll in my image, you will be blessed with good fortune." The old woman did as the cat said and made the cat dolls out of Imado ware and sold them at Asakusa Shrine, where they quickly became popular. From then on, Imado ware cat dolls spread throughout Japan as beckoning cats that bring good fortune.

"Gotokuji Temple Theory"

The story goes that one day, female castle lord Ii Naotora, who was featured in a historical drama, passed by Gotokuji Temple on her way back from falconry. As Naotora passed by the temple, she saw the cat owned by the temple's priest standing in front of the gate, raising one paw as if inviting her, so she decided to take a break at the temple. Shortly after, a torrential downpour hit the area. Naotora, who escaped the rain, was so grateful that she later donated a large amount of money to repair the temple, and Gotokuji became a magnificent temple. The cat that beckoned Naotora was treasured at the temple as a cat that brings good luck, and word spread quickly throughout the area.

“Jishoin theory”

During the Battle of Ekoda and Numabukurohara, Ota Dokan was at a disadvantage and lost his way when a cat appeared and beckoned him to Jisho-in Temple, which was in his direction. This gave Ota Dokan the upper hand, and he later dedicated a cat Jizo statue, which is said to have been the beginning of the beckoning cat.

The meaning and benefits of beckoning cats

The meanings and benefits of beckoning cats vary depending on the hands they have and whether or not they have gold coins. Here we will introduce the differences between beckoning cats.

*Difference between the right and left hands of a beckoning cat

[Cat Maneki-neko Selection] Kutani Ware No. 5, Maneki-neko (Lucky Cat) - Both Hands, Gold

If you observe beckoning cats closely, you will notice that some have their right paw raised, some have their left paw raised, and some have both hands raised. Depending on how the paw is raised, the meaning of the eventual benefit differs. It is generally said that a right paw invites money and a left paw invites people. Therefore, a cat with its right paw raised is suitable for those who want money, while a cat with its left paw raised is suitable for those who want to attract customers. In rare cases, there are beckoning cats with both hands raised, hoping for both benefits, but since both hands are raised, it is said to be bad luck because it looks like they are giving up their hands. It may be a bad idea to rely too much on beckoning cats.

*The meaning of oval coins

[Cat Maneki Neko Selection] No. 5 - Cat Maneki Neko - Oval

When you think of a beckoning cat, you probably imagine it holding an oval coin. As the name suggests, the oval coin symbolizes an increase in financial luck. It is said to have originated from the proverb "a cat giving oval coins." Many oval coins have the number "ten million ryo" written on them, which is a huge amount, amounting to 600 billion yen. In recent years, there are also ones with "dollars" written on them or "good luck" written on them, which are intended as souvenirs from overseas. There is also an increasing number of unique beckoning cats with birthstones, feng shui colors, initials of the cat's name, and other such things engraved on the oval coins.

*Benefits

[Cat-Filled Selection] Kutani Ware No. 4, Beckoning Cat - White

Originally, beckoning cats were believed to bring money and people, but now they also bring a variety of benefits. Inspired by Feng Shui, they come in a wide variety of colors, and the words engraved on the oval coins include "good luck," "increased financial luck," "increased love luck," "increased health luck," and "passing exams." In addition to oval coins, there is also an increasing number of beckoning cats holding auspicious items such as daruma dolls, sea bream, and rakes.

Two major sacred places for beckoning cats! "Imado Shrine" and "Gotokuji Temple"

Speaking of beckoning cats, the two most famous are Imado Shrine and Gotokuji Temple, the two places where the beckoning cat originated. Here we will introduce Imado Shrine and Gotokuji Temple.

Imado Shrine

Imado Shrine is located in Imado, Taito Ward, Tokyo, and the nearest station is Asakusa Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line. Famous as the birthplace of the Maneki-neko (beckoning cat), a power spot, and a place of matchmaking, it is visited by many worshippers every day. Two large Maneki-neko (beckoning cats) are enshrined in the worship hall. These Maneki-neko were originally placed in a building, but were apparently taken in when they were about to be disposed of. Maneki-neko are also depicted on the goshuin (red seal) of Imado Shrine. The Maneki-neko at Imado Shrine are distinctive in that they have two cats with their right paws raised and bells around their necks.

Gotokuji Temple

Gotokuji Temple is located in Setagaya Ward, Tokyo, and the nearest station is Gotokuji Station on the Odakyu Line. A large maneki-neko cat will greet you at the station ticket gate. There are also maneki-neko cats everywhere in the Gotokuji Shopping Arcade that extends from the station, so the walk to Gotokuji Temple will never get boring. There are so many maneki-neko cats at Gotokuji Temple, and they are carved all over the place, even among the zodiac carvings. But the main attraction is undoubtedly the Shofukuden Hall, which is filled with maneki-neko cats of all sizes. There are maneki-neko cats of all sizes placed here, and they are also sold in various sizes. The Gotokuji temple seal also features a maneki-neko cat. This one also has its right paw raised and a bell around its neck.

summary

The history of the beckoning cat dates back to the Edo period, and there are various theories about its origin. All theories say it is considered a lucky charm, with the right hand attracting money and the left hand attracting people. While oval coins are said to attract money, more recently they have come to be used to bring various fortunes. Recommended spots for beckoning cat lovers are Imado Shrine and Gotokuji Temple. Gotokuji Temple in particular is home to many beckoning cats, so why not visit?

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