Lucky cat, Manekineko -YUZEN

In the Nara period (AD 710 to 794), there were few solid buildings as we know them in Japan today, and crop damage from mice was a serious problem. It was for this reason that cats were called to hunt them, and were said to bring prosperity to the home and were revered as an animal of good fortune.

At the beginning of the Edo period (1603-1868 AD), there were not as many cats as today, and it was very difficult to have one at home. To make it appear that the animal was present, we drew its image and hung it in the store. This is how Manekineko was born. After that, a cat figurine (a beckoning cat) was created, and lucky symbols for business prosperity and family security developed. In particular, the "waving cat" raising its right paw is still appreciated in many Japanese homes, stores and businesses as "inviting happiness and fortune".

The Lucky Cat by Kakinuma Toko

Kakinuma Toko developed a model of the colorful “cat that invites” using the same method as the Kimekomi, dolls that the artisan wanted to make known to the whole world. In order to enrich the expression, a high performance resin (polyurethane resin) is used for the body. Kakinuma Toko's "Inviting Cat" is based on the Kimekomi manufacturing method (see below), and the eyes and torso are made of various new materials. This new proposition of “Cool Japan” has become a hot topic in the world of fashion and interior design in Tokyo, and is now gaining fans around the world.

What is Yuzen?

Yuzen is a traditional Japanese kimono dyeing method that was invented by Kyoto painter Miyazaki Yuzensai during the Edo period. Many of the dyed designs are natural landscapes, and the beauty of Japanese paintings which are expressed by the delicate and unique coloring in Japan nourished by the changing seasons is very popular. It's like a popular painting. It is by using a Yuzen printed fabric that the “Kawaii” (= cute) version of the “cat that invites” wearing a colorful kimono was born.

The colors of the lucky cat

According to the Feng Shui method (Chinese method of environmental design based on the flow of “Chi” energy), the meaning and effects of the “cat that invites” differ depending on the color.

・Red...decision, vitality, love, absence of illness

・Black...dignity, mystery, talisman, prevention against bad luck

・ White…purity, innocence, happiness, relaxing effect, sophistication

・Yellow…relieves anxiety, clears the mind, marriage

・ Green… rest, recovery from fatigue, good physical and mental health

・ Blue… self-control, patience, improved academic performance, road safety

Where to put it?

Choose a color referring to the Feng Shui method above, and place your Manekineko in a clearly visible place such as in the living room, in the entrance or in a window. (Cannot be washed with water. Remove dust regularly)

Product details

Size: width 8cm x depth 6cm x height 11.5cm (approx.)

Weight: 160g(approximately)

Material: urethane resin, rayon, polyester

Made in Saitama, JAPAN