Lucky Cats
The origins, colours and raised paws of maneki neko, with further reading on their makers and choosing a gift.
Start here
-
Maneki Neko Meaning and Origins: What Japan’s Lucky Cat Really Means
The origin stories of maneki neko, common raised-paw conventions and regional colour meanings, with guidance on choosing a...
-
Maneki Neko Color Meanings: What Each Lucky Cat Color Means
A guide to lucky-cat colours with regional context: why gold and yellow can mean different things, and how...
Colour guides
-
Red Maneki Neko: Protection and Health
Red Maneki Neko as a wish for health and protection, how decorative accents differ from a red body,...
-
Gold and Yellow Maneki Neko: Different Colours, Different Wishes
Gold and yellow lucky cats can carry different meanings. Explore regional symbolism, paw position, and the difference between...
-
Green Maneki Neko Meaning: Study and Examination Wishes
Green lucky cats and wishes for examination success: regional colour meanings, raised paws, and choosing a thoughtful gift...
-
White Maneki Neko Meaning: A Familiar Symbol of Good Fortune
What white lucky cats commonly represent, Gotokuji’s particular temple tradition, and how to choose by design, gesture, and...
-
Pink Maneki Neko Meaning: The Lucky Cat of Love
Pink lucky cats are commonly associated with affection and romantic wishes. Explore that contemporary meaning, raised-paw conventions and...
-
Calico and Orange Maneki Neko: Meanings and Differences
Understand the familiar three-colour lucky cat, how a solid orange design differs, and what to consider when choosing...
-
Black Maneki Neko Meaning: Protection and the Lucky Cat
The protective meaning of a black maneki neko, how paw position adds to the symbolism, and ideas for...
Makers & gift ideas
-
Tokoname Ware: Kyusu and Red Clay
From medieval storage jars to red-clay teapots and lucky cats.
-
Yakushigama: Lucky Cats from Seto
The ceramic ornament brand behind familiar lucky-cat figures.
-
5 Thoughtful Japanese Ceramics for a Housewarming Gift
Five housewarming ideas from Japan: a donabe, mug pair, vase, sake cups, or beckoning cat. Choose by space,...
