Maneki neko (maneki neko - 招き猫)

Manekineko is a traditional japanese cat sculpture that can be found mainly at the entrances of shops. It welcomes the customers with one paw up. It's a lucky character which can be found in many different sizes and styles. Some have even a mechanical moving arm.

 

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Detail of a stone manekineko statue
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Shop in Asakusa selling manekineko statues

 

 

 

Hashiokis linked to this subject :
hashioki