How a Cat Invited Good Fortune

Have you ever wondered how Japan’s famous Maneki-neko, or beckoning cat, became a symbol of good luck?

One popular Japanese legend takes us back to the Edo period, to a temple in what is now Setagaya, Tokyo.

One day, Lord Ii Naotaka, the feudal lord of Hikone, was returning from a falconry outing when he noticed a cat sitting at the gate of a temple. The cat appeared to be beckoning him inside with its raised paw.

Curious, Naotaka decided to enter the temple. Soon afterwards, a sudden thunderstorm swept through the area. While the storm raged outside, he was safely sheltered inside the temple, where he enjoyed a pleasant conversation with the temple priest.

Naotaka was deeply impressed by the good fortune the cat seemed to have brought him. In gratitude, he supported the temple, which was rebuilt in 1633.

The temple became known as Gotokuji, and the cat that had beckoned Naotaka came to be associated with the Maneki-neko — the Japanese lucky cat.

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A Little Cat with a Big Meaning

Today, the Maneki-neko is loved throughout Japan and around the world. With one paw raised in a welcoming gesture, it is traditionally believed to invite good fortune, happiness and prosperity.

The story of Ii Naotaka reminds us that good fortune can sometimes arrive in the most unexpected ways — even through the welcoming gesture of a little cat.

At Raku, we celebrate the charm and meaning of the Japanese lucky cat. Whether you choose one for your home, your business or as a thoughtful gift, a Maneki-neko is a lovely way to share a little Japanese tradition and wish someone good fortune.