The statues can be found in Japanese restaurants all over the world; the sitting cat, with one paw raised to its ear, is well-known throughout Japanese culture. Called maneki-neko, or the “beckoning cat”, they are originally from Setagaya, a tranquil neighbourhood on the outskirts of Tokyo. The story? A lord in the 17th century found himself caught in a storm and took shelter underneath a tree. A cat inside the Gotoku-ji temple beckoned him with its paw to take shelter. As he stepped inside, the tree came crashing down. The cat had saved his life. As a reward, the lord decided to fund the repair of the temple, destroyed by weather. Centuries later, the temple still stands. You may be inspired to visit. But perhaps in good weather.Gotoku-ji Temple, Tokyo
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