Traditions: Welcome Cat

Welcome Cat

Included in Daily Life box, Visual Arts box, Festivals & Holidays box

• Description: The beckoning cat, maneki-neko, has its left paw upraised in the traditional gesture for beckoning to people. These cats are often displayed at the front of shops and businesses, to help bring many customers to their store. It is to believed that the welcoming cat will beckon good fortune and bring the shops and businesses success.
  For more information, visit: http://web-japan.org/kidsweb/faq/culture01.html

• Links
  • The Story of “Maneki Neko” that brings Good Luck
  • About “Welcome Cats” in Japan

• 360 view

• Lesson Plans
  • Art of Japan

• Standard Reference
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