Did you notice the Japanese porcelain cat figurines at the entrance of of shops and restaurants? Or the lucky cat talisman that everyone seems to have attached to their mobiles or school bags? Well, these fortune charms are based of a real feline yokai that brings good luck and fortune to its owner.
The auspicious creature, maneki-neko, is very different from the other cat yokai such as Bakeneko and Nekomata. It proactively protects humans from harm and even brings them good fortune. Most recorded interactions are of individuals who who walks alone at night and was called away by a manekineko. This action evidently saved the individual from misfortunes such as robbers in wait and even lightning strikes.
Many believed that the maneki-neko originates from Kyoto, while some others claim that Osaka is their true origin. Also in capital city Tokyo, there are Imado Shrine (今戸神社) and Gōtoku-ji Temple (豪徳寺) which are, both, dedicated to the maneki-neko. No matter where the origin, one thing is for sure, the feline creature is a pretty recent yokai. Its existence began to surface in the early 17th century.
Nonetheless, maneki-neko is a benevolent creature that protects its owners. So if you are in need of good fortune, healthy lifestyle, better grades or even just true love, why not get yourself one of the luck cat talisman. It may just be the charm that you need.
Yokai Details
- name: maneki-neko (mah-neh-kee-neh-koh)
- kanji: 招き猫 (まねきねこ)
- meaning: beckoning cat or inviting cat
- abilities:
- serendipity — able bring good luck and fortune to an individual
