The Maneki-neko, literally meaning "beckoning cat", is a common Japanese figurine which is often believed to bring good luck to the owner. In modern times, they are usually made of ceramic or plastic. The figurine depicts a cat beckoning with an upright paw, and is usually displayed in, and often at the entrance of, shops, restaurants, pachinko parlors, laundromats, dry cleaners, salons, and other businesses.
