Maneki-Neko Yokai

**Maneki-Neko Yokai** are a variation of the Cat Yokai who are known for their luck.

## Physical Appearance

The Maneki-Neko has two forms. Their disguise forms are the typical statues that are sold in various stores. Their true forms are anthropomorphic. All solid colors of white, black, red, yellow or gold, green and pink. They all wear gold yen coins either on their foreheads as a circlet or as bracelets around their wrists. They also wear a bell collar around their necks as well.

## Description

Maneki-Neko Yokai are very lucky beings. They have the power to bring luck to people. They can also ward off evil, heal diseases, turn anything to gold, and/or bringing two people together for romance. The Maneki-Neko are good at helping those in need and giving out great advice to people who really needs it for any situation.

## Abilities

Here are the powers that the Maneki-Neko Yokai can have in their arsenal:

* Feline Physiology
	+ Camouflage
	+ Claw Retraction
	+ Climbing
	+ Enhanced Agility
	+ Enhanced Balance
	+ Enhanced Bite
	+ Enhanced Flexibility
	+ Enhanced Leap
	+ Enhanced Senses
		- Night Vision
	+ Enhanced Speed
	+ Enhanced Stealth
	+ Enhanced Strength
	+ Predator Instinct
* Luck/Luck Bestowal
* Spiritual Awareness

## Pop Culture

The Maneki-Neko are a common Japanese figurine. The figurines are often displayed in shops, restaurants, pachinko parlors, dry cleaners, laundromats, bars, casinos, hotels, nightclubs, and other businesses, generally near the entrance. Meowth from Pokemon is based on the Maneki-Neko as he has a gold yen coin attached to his forehead. Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Toad can transform into Maneki-Neko statues. Except that the yen coin gets replaced by a gold coin.

## Variations

### Cat Yokai

The Maneki-Neko is traditionally depicted as a calico Japanese Bobtail. It has the colors of white, black and brown in its body.

## Life in the Hidden World

Due to them having the power of luck, some Yokai use as their advantage when they're betting on something. The Maneki-Neko are great advisors. They have wisdom and are willing to give those advice to Humans and Yokai alike. It doesn't matter if they're good or bad as long as they could help them with advice. Humans would mistakenly purchase them in stores when they're in their statue form.

## Symbolism

Maneki Neko are often seen holding an oblong golden coin, modeled after the *ryo* (両), an older form of Japanese currency. Very often *sen man ryo* (千万両) can be seen written on the coin; this means 10,000,000 ryo, which, at the time, was a great fortune to have. Another common phrase is *kai un* (開運), meaning “open luck.” Sometimes the Maneki Neko holds a small mallet that it supposed to attract wealth when shaken. Maneki Neko holding a fish, usually a carp, are supposed to symbolize abundance and good fortune and one holding a marble or gem is supposed to attract fortune or wisdom.

Maneki Neko can often be seen either holding a banner or with a banner stuck right on their front. One common banner reads *“Sen Kyaku Man Mai”* (千客萬来); this means, literally, “1000 customers come” and is commonly seen in businesses. Another common banner reads *Genkin Manpuku* (現金満腹), which literally translates as “bellyful of cash” which holds the meaning of getting even more wealth than you wish for. A third common banner, also used for businesses, reads *Shou Bai Han Jyou* (商売繁盛), which means “thriving business”. The fourth common banner reads *Kin-Un Sho Fuku* (金運 拐福) meaning to invite in luck in money.