Beckoning Cats, just dreaming of a prosperous future

Oi, chaps and chapettes! Gather 'round because I’ve cooked up a purr-fectly cracking new idea for my blog - #ThursdayThoughts. Think of it as a rendezvous for those quirky, fascinating tidbits that make you whisker your friends, “Huh, well isn’t that the cat’s pyjamas?”

First on the docket: let me introduce you to the Manekineko. Picture a dinky little cat statue, paw aloft like it’s hailing a cab in Tokyo. But no, it’s not late for a meeting—it’s summoning good luck, one paw-sitive vibe at a time. Have you met this charming feline before? If not, brace yourselves for a meow-ment of enlightenment.

Take a gander at this curious little chap, would you? Now, squint a bit—do you see a cat? Or perhaps it’s just art playing tricks on your over-caffeinated brain. Behold the beckoning cat, or as it might prefer to be called, "The Paw-some Greeter," with its left paw loftily raised as if hailing an invisible taxi.

Here’s the twist: typical beckoning cats are right-pawed, clearly favouring the path of tradition and, possibly, superior dexterity. But not our rebellious feline here. No, this one’s left paw is up, either making a bold statement or simply because its right paw needed a break. It’s fashioned from humble, unglazed earthenware, less 'Michelangelo’ and more 'Minimalist Moggy.' Standing at just over an inch, it’s practically the Tom Cruise of statues—small but commanding attention.

Its eyes and nose are mere dots, probably because the artist ran out of enthusiasm—or ink. The mouth? A cheeky little ‘^’ shape, like it’s perpetually smirking at an inside joke only cats understand. The whiskers are brisk brush strokes, as if drawn during a coffee break. Dressed in Kamishimo, the snazzy formal attire of 15th-century samurai, this cat’s clearly got more historical cred than my entire wardrobe.

Now, here’s where it gets delightfully absurd. This beckoning cat is a gift from Nanshin-Sha shrine in Osaka. But plot twist! The shrine’s divine messenger is supposed to be a fox. Yes, a fox. Not a feline in sight. The deity in question, “Uganomitama no Mikoto,” god of Inari, must have had a bit of a laugh when this cat showed up for duty. Think of it as hiring a barista and getting a circus juggler instead—unexpected, but entertaining.

However, with a sprinkle of imagination (and possibly a dash of sake), this white cat could symbolise a mix of fox, cat, and maybe even a white tiger if you squint hard enough and tilt your head. It’s a mythical mash-up, like the Avengers but with more fur and fewer plot holes.

I snapped this photo with the aperture wide open, letting in the soft glow of window light, hoping to capture its mystical allure. If this picture feels like it’s beckoning you, my work here is done. Regardless of the shrine’s official stance, to me, this left-pawed enigma is undeniably feline—possibly magical, certainly mischievous, and unapologetically cat.

It has a partner. 

Behold, the second marvel in question—a beckoning cat with its right paw proudly aloft, as if hailing a taxi in the rain or signalling for another round at the pub. It harbours ambitions to "Make Money," a goal many of us, including yours truly, would heartily endorse, preferably without the effort. Interestingly, some folks in Japan believe that Inari, the fox deity extraordinaire, is the true maestro of monetary luck. Thus, this feline, with its paw poised and a sly fox-like glint, seems to have been sprinkled generously with fox essence, marinated in mystery, and perhaps even seasoned with a dash of white tiger flair for good measure. Picture it: an imaginary creature that looks like a fox, a cat, and a white tiger walked into a bar—or rather, my camera lens. I snapped the second photo with an aperture so precise, it could slice a cucumber thinner than your willpower at an all-you-can-eat buffet. I do hope you catch a glimpse of its rich, foxy ambitions shimmering like a gold coin dropped into a wishing well.

Now, brace yourself for the riveting rules of acquisition—because who doesn’t love a shopping calendar with the mystical charm of a wizard’s grocery list?

Beckoning Cat with Left Paw Raised (the socialite): Available in January, March, May, July, September, and November—like a punctual guest at a tea party, never missing an odd month.

Beckoning Cat with Right Paw Raised (the capitalist): Available in February, April, June, August, October, and December—turning up even when even months roll around, like clockwork or that one friend who never forgets your birthday.

Fancy meeting these charismatic cats in the fur? Skip the enchanted wardrobe and head straight to Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine in Osaka, Japan. A Shinto shrine where prayers are whispered like office gossip, wishes float about like helium balloons, and cats beckon with the subtlety of a neon sale sign at an end-of-season clearance. Head to the related Nanshin-Sha within the shrine precincts, where the business of wish development is booming, much like your aunt’s house plants after she’s been away for a week.

A few years back, I ventured there twice, because once simply wasn’t enough to contain my enthusiasm—or my knack for over-collecting. I proudly own a pair: one left-pawed, one right-pawed—because balance is key, both in life and in beckoning. The shrine assures us that both left and right paw cats are equally skilled in summoning prosperity and business growth, like a well-brewed cup of tea—perfectly delightful, no matter which side of the kettle it’s poured from. So, fret not if you’re a one-cat kind of person; your luck won’t be lopsided.

But wait, there’s more! These beckoning cats are not just decorative—they champion the noble cause of sustainable collection growth. Picture this: you acquire a small cat statue with its left paw raised in odd months and its right paw raised in even months. It’s like adopting a calendar’s worth of feline charm. Over 48 months, that’s four years of cat-collecting bliss and spiritual networking, a marathon of miniature meows.

Upon completing this feline feat (24 pairs, if you’re counting like an overzealous accountant), you’ll return them to the shrine. As a reward, you’ll receive a medium-sized beckoning cat statue—a majestic upgrade, like evolving from a pocket-sized trinket to a centerpiece that could judge your life choices from the mantelpiece. Think of it as graduating from kitten kindergarten to cat college—a Mangan milestone, if you will. But remember, it’s not the grand finale; it’s merely the next chapter in your ongoing saga of beckoning brilliance, with more paws, more prosperity, and perhaps, more perplexed glances from friends.

   

Here’s a fun and humourous take on the collection reward system:

Year 4: Trade in 48 small cats for one medium cat. Just remember, it’s either your right or left paw that’s raised!

Year 8: Trade in another 48 small cats for one medium cat. This time, you’ll get to make a pair of medium cats, one with your left paw and the other with your right.

Year 12: Trade in 2 medium cats and 48 small cats for one large cat. Again, it’s either your right or left paw that’s raised.

Year 16: Trade in 48 small cats for one medium cat. This time, you’ll get one large cat and one medium cat.

Year 20: Trade in 48 small cats for a medium cat with the opposite paw. You’ll get one large cat and two medium cats.

Year 24: Trade in 48 small cats and 2 medium cats for one more large cat. This time, you’ll get a pair of large cats, one with your left paw and the other with your right. 

 

It’s a tradition that’s been around for centuries, and it’s all about making wishes.

Now, I know what you might be thinking: “Collecting cats? That’s a bit unusual, right?” Well, it’s not just any ordinary cats. These are giant, friendly beckoning cats that are said to bring good luck and prosperity.

And guess what? It takes at least 24 years to collect one pair of these magnificent cats! Can you imagine the dedication and hard work that goes into it? It’s a testament to the Japanese people’s resilience and their desire to survive in the face of natural disasters like earthquakes, heavy rains, and typhoons.

But here’s the thing: the origin of beckoning cats is a bit of a mystery. There are different theories about where they came from, but one of the most popular stories is that they were created by the past Japanese people as a way to ward off evil spirits.

Now, I’m not saying that the beckoning cat myth is entirely fictional. But it’s clear that this tradition has a deep cultural significance in Japan. It’s a way for people to come together, to share their hopes and dreams, and to work hard towards a better future.

And let’s not forget about the economic benefits of this tradition. The beckoning cat industry is a thriving business in Japan, and it’s a testament to the country’s ability to adapt and thrive in the face of challenges.

So, the next time you’re in Japan, be sure to check out the beckoning cat shrines. They’re a truly unique and fascinating experience, and they’re a great way to learn more about the country’s rich cultural heritage.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog. I hope you enjoyed it!