Thursday, December 8, 2011
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Maneki neko is a very common Japanese sculpture that you see in shops and many businesses, which is believed to bring good luck to the owner. From alafista.com, we will be visiting Gotokuji Temple 豪徳寺, located in Setagaya, Tokyo. It is very special because it is said that the maneki neko was born from this temple.
According to legend, some monk was standing under a tree during a thunderstorm when he saw a cat beckoning him to come into the temple. After he followed the cat into Gotokuji a lighting bolt struck the tree. The cat had saved his life and in a spark of marketing genius he came up with the maneki neko doll.
Image Credit: Takahiro Yamamoto
