lucky kitty 招き猫 (asakusa, japan)

Posted by timothy sullivan (Tokyo, Japan) on 6 January 2009 in Lifestyle & Culture.

Maneki neko ("beckoning cats") are popular not only in Japan but throughout Asia, where they are thought to invite good luck and fortune. At various shops (and tourist areas) you can see at least one of these cute felines, usually with one paw in motion, attracting attention.

Now, for a quick cultural note: take your hand, palm facing down, and "beckon" with your fingers. In many Western countries, this gesture means "shoo!" - - while in Japan, it means "come here". For me, the same gesture seems so much like that of this cat - - essentially calling Fortune over to its side.

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