Tokonameyaki

Maneki-neko (lucky cat) from Tokoname, Japan

With its classic design and sharp eyes, the Maneki-neko (beckoning cat) is a beloved symbol in people's minds. Tokoname City was historically a major ceramics producer, and the famous "Tokoname ware" is one of Japan's six ancient kilns, being the oldest and largest of them. Tokoname is also known as the "hometown of the Maneki-neko" in Japan, producing the most Maneki-neko in the country, and it is widely used as a symbol within the city.

By the late 18th century, these ceramic lucky cats were already appearing in shops. The demand for lucky cats primarily came from the food service industry; larger, business-specific lucky cats, with their left paw raised to beckon customers and their right hand holding a small gold coin, were the main product. Conversely, smaller lucky cats, with their right paw raised to symbolize happiness and wealth, were for home use. It is said that the demand for these home-use lucky cats was no less than that for the former. As needs changed, the materials, designs, and colors of the lucky cat diversified. Originating in Tokyo, the lucky cat spread throughout Japan, with materials varying depending on where they were sourced. The most common are the endearing, white-based, painted versions resembling Imado ware clay figurines, followed by porcelain. These lucky cats, believed to bring wealth and good fortune, carry different meanings depending on their origin, pose, color, and other factors.

The saying about male and female cats

Maneki-neko (beckoning cat) has long been popular in Taiwan and Hong Kong. Authentic Japanese Maneki-neko comes in male and female versions. The male cat raises its right paw, symbolizing wealth and good fortune; the female cat raises its left paw, symbolizing good relationships and attracting many customers. In Japan, shops generally display more female cats because the Japanese believe that where there are crowds, there will be money.

☀️☀️The Right Hand Theory☀️☀️☀️

Legend has it that a merchant's lucky cat with its right hand raised can attract customers during the day.

Raising the right hand also symbolizes attracting wealth and happiness.

☀️☀️☀️The theory of the left hand☀️☀️☀️

Raising its left paw is to attract customers for business or special industries; the left paw also symbolizes attracting people, a constant stream of customers, and strong sales. Taiwanese businesses love the business model of attracting both wealth and crowds, and Taiwanese businesses have popularized the Taiwanese-style lucky cat, which raises both paws as if shouting "Long live the king!" and has a gold ingot hanging on its belly.

The saying about the height of the hand

Raising your hands low (close to your face) can attract nearby happiness; raising your hands high (above your head) can call for happiness from afar.

The concept of "best before date"

Legend has it that the good fortune brought by each lucky cat has a "shelf life," with a maximum of two years. However, this is considered a business strategy to promote replacement and circulation, suggesting that the lucky cat itself is a money-making machine with unlimited business opportunities.