Beckoning Cat
Maneki Neko
noun
A beckoning cat is a beckoning cat or maneki neko.
招き猫 are the cat statues believed to bring good luck and fortune to their owners. They're often placed in front of shops with one paw raised, as if beckoning and saying, "Hey, come on in!"
This word uses the kun'yomi readings for both kanji, which you know already!
電動招き猫のコンセント、 さしっぱなしにしないでね。
Don't leave the electrical Maneki Neko plugged into the outlet.
もっとワニカニが売れるように、トーフグオフィスに招き猫を買いました。
We purchased a maneki neko for the Tofugu office to improve WaniKani sales.
お店によく置かれている招き猫は、左手を上げています。これは、左手が「お客さんを招く」とされているためです。
The maneki neko often seen in stores is raising its left paw, since the left hand is believed to "beckon customers."
一方、右手を上げている招き猫は「お金や幸運を招く」とされているので、オフィスや個人宅にかざられることが多いです。
On the other hand, a maneki neko with its right paw raised is said to "beckon money and good fortune," so they are often displayed in offices or homes.