Hello everybody!

Here is the third piece of JapanCulture, MANEKI-NEKO!

Maneki (招き) comes from a Japanese verb, maneku (招く), which means "to beckon", while neko (猫) means cat. Therefore, the most literal translation for maneki-neko in English is “a beckoning cat”. The cat has its paw raised as if it’s waving in good fortune for its owners.

Fun Fact: Meowth from the Pokémon franchise was inspired by Maneki Neko!

Thank you for reading!