One of the most common images in Japan is the manekineko (招き猫) or "beckoning cat". It's a sculpture, usually ceramic, of a cat with one raised paw, and it's displayed in businesses, especially shops and restaurants, as well as homes. It's believed that a raised left paw attracts customers, whereas a right paw brings good luck and wealth. It's also said that a left paw is best for drinking establishments; the right paw for other stores. (According to folklore, if you pick up your glass with your left hand, you're a heavy drinker.)
When you look at these statues, remember that they imitate Japanese body language. When a Westerner calls someone, the hand is held with the palm facing upwards. Here in Japan, the palm faces downwards and the gesture is similar to a Western goodbye wave.
There are many legends about the origin of the manekineko, but since I live in Tokyo, I choose to believe the Tokyo version. The story goes that a wealthy feudal lord was taking shelter under a tree near Gōtokuji (豪徳寺), a Zen temple in Western Tokyo, during a thunderstorm. Shelter under a tree in a thunderstorm?! That just proves my doubts about the aristocracy. Anyway. The lord saw the priest's cat waving him over – realistically, the cat was probably washing its face – and followed; a moment later the tree was struck by lighting. The wealthy man befriended the poor priest and the temple became prosperous. When the cat died, it was buried in the temple grounds and the first manekineko figure was made in its honour.
The real manekineko was a
Japanese bobtail cat. They have a short tail that looks like a rabbit's – too cute! – and they're often calico.
Arbitrary trivial information: Hello Kitty is also supposed to be a bobtail.
Since I love cats, another visit to Gōtokuji was required. Another good reason to go now: the temple has beautiful autumn foliage.
The easiest way to get there is on the Setagaya Tram Line. Get off at Miyanosaka Station. The temple is a 5-minute walk from the station. (See map below.)
I've included a few photos. We start with cute cats, followed by red leaves that look Photoshopped but weren't.
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| Next to Gōtokuji's main temple is a smaller Kannon temple that's dedicated to the manekineko. You can see hundreds of figurines at this sub-temple. |
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| I love his smile. |
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| The smaller Kannon temple next to the main temple |
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| A slightly bigger (perhaps more life-like?) statue |
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| Bobtails have strong but affectionate personalities. They're easy to teach, and they love playing fetch and going for a walk! Photo credit: http://www.cats-pictures.info/ |
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| The main temple hiding behind an explosion of colour |
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| Gōtokuji's ema (small wooden plaque on which you write your wish to the gods) |
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