Welcome to the digital shrine of the Beckoning Cat. For centuries, Maneki Neko has guided fortune to those who seek it. Leave your prayer and let the sacred cat carry your wishes to the heavens.
โ Discover the LegendIn the 17th century, a feudal lord took shelter from a storm under a tree near a humble temple. A cat beckoned him inside โ moments later, lightning struck the tree. The grateful lord endowed the temple, and the beckoning cat became a symbol of divine protection.
Maneki Neko holds a koban โ a gold coin from the Edo period worth ten million ryล. It represents not just material wealth, but the abundance of spirit that comes from generosity and gratitude.
The bell around the cat's neck serves a dual purpose: it announces the arrival of good fortune and wards off evil spirits. At shrines, visitors ring bells to call the attention of the kami (gods) before offering prayers.
A raised left paw invites people and customers. A raised right paw invites money and fortune. Some rare cats raise both paws โ beckoning all forms of prosperity simultaneously.
White for purity and happiness. Gold for wealth. Black for protection against evil. Red for health. Green for academic success. Pink for love. Each color channels a different blessing from the spirits.
At Japanese shrines, visitors write wishes on wooden tablets called ema (็ตต้ฆฌ) and hang them for the gods to read. This ancient practice connects the earthly with the divine through the power of written intention.
Follow the ancient tradition. Write your name, offer your prayer, and present your offering. The beckoning cat will carry your words to the shrine.