Before answering this question, we should learn a little about Maneki neko

Overview of Maneki neko

Maneki Neko (kanji: 招 き 猫 hiragana ま ね き ね こ, can be understood as Waving Cat) is a common Japanese figurine (lucky charm, talisman) which is often believed to bring good luck to the owner. Actually “Maneki” is the Japanese work for beckoning and “neko” means cat in Japanese. The figurine depicts a cat beckoning with an upright paw, and is usually displayed in—often at the entrance of—shops, restaurants, pachinko parlors, laundromats, dry cleaners, salons, and other businesses. Some of the sculptures are electric or battery-powered and have a slow-moving paw beckoning to invite guests.

In Japanese, maneki-neko (pronounced ma-neck-ee-neck-o) means “beckoning cat” or “invitation cat.” But this lucky charm is also known as the Chinese lucky cat, the golden cat, the money cat, the welcoming cat and the fortune cat.

Maneki Neko Legends

Once upon a time a wealthy gentleman rode with a squad of samurai on state affairs. He drove past the temple of Gotoku-ji, in those times experiencing difficulties with cash. It was a heavy downpour. The lord, or as it was at that time was called daimyo, hid from the rain under a spreading tree. Suddenly he noticed a cat that belonged to a priest from the temple. The animal waved its foot, as if urging the daimyo to follow him. The gentleman was very surprised – the gates were old and invisible in dense thickets. If there were no four-legged savior, no one would have paid attention to the entrance to the temple. Daimyo came out from under the tree, walked a few steps, when suddenly a lightning bolt hit his cover.

Is lucky cat Japanese or Chinese?

Maneki Neko became a specific symbol of luck in Japan, China even in some part of Korea and South East Asia like Thailand, Vietnam, and Myanmar. Maneki Neko “ beckoning cat “ was originally from Japan as a lucky kitty. The research about how is culture belief mixed is quite unclear until now but there is a possible one.

There is a cat goddess named Li Shou in Chinese legend according to the book of a rite. She was the former caretaker of earth before she had to pass this responsibility to humans.

Thousands of year ago Li Shou was worshiped as a minor deity by farmers and fishermen in China to protect grains, crops from vermin and for safety in Sea and for getting more fish. It was not major worshiping so the real goddess was long forgotten as the time passed only knowing a cat is for luck and protection.

In the same time, Maneki Neko was started to be superstar fortune symbol in Japan. When China and Japan interact cultures, trading each other, Maneki Neko belief was also brought into China. Chinese people already had lucky cat belief but not too deep. So popular beckoning kitty belief from Japan overwhelms the faint existing goddess.

After learning about the above, perhaps you were able to answer this question

Maneki neko or lucky cat, waving cat is from Japan.

While the characters exist for the lucky cat in both languages, to my knowledge it is generally thought of as Japanese. The Japanese term for “lucky cat” is 招き猫 or spelled in Latin letters as ‘Maneki-neko’. The cat figurine may have some inspiration from Chinese folklore, yet it apparently is Japanese in origin.

Where should I buy Maneki neko?

At the top of this list is Maneki Neko World – the best choice to buy Maneki Neko merchandise. Maneki Neko World offers a variety of different Maneki Neko items inspired by the lucky cat Maneki Neko Here, you can freely choose favorite item to fill own Maneki Neko items collection. Moreover, you absolutely can count on the quality of the product. Maneki Neko World’s goods are not only beautiful but also ensure high quality, will definitely make you satisfied. The important thing is they commit to applying the Cheap Price – Free Shipping – Full Refund Guarantee for Maneki Neko fans in global.

Where to Place Colorful Lucky Cat in the Home

Traditional Maneki Neko cats are calico and these are considered the luckiest. Even within feng shui placement, this style of lucky cat belongs anywhere. But different colors of cats have different meanings and these might influence where you keep your bit of luck.

Placing Gold Lucky Cats for Wealth

This gilded feline belongs in your wealth corner, the southeast corner of your room, home, office or desk. Count on a salary increase, unexpected income, or new opportunities to create financial abundance.

Where to Place a White Lucky Cat for Positive Energy

In feng shui, a cloud-colored kitty goes in the north section of a space for greater prosperity, the west to summon creativity or children, or the northwest for travel and helpful people.

Placing Red and Pink Lucky Cats for Love

This cat is the color of love, so that’s what you get when you park it in the southwest area of your room or home. In the south corner of any space, the red cat will bring greater fame and successful ventures.

Where to Put Black Lucky Cats for Protection and Health

Far from unlucky, this black cat will bring you more money when you place it in the north or southwest area of any space. It will enhance your investments from a perch in the southeast. And black or blue cats will protect you from illness and bring you good health if you find room for them in the east area of a room or building.

Placing Green Lucky Cats for Fame

The color of life, a green lucky cat in the south amplifies positive energy and fame, especially from educational achievement or creative pursuits such as writing or art. Shift it to the southeast to increase wealth.