Maneki-neko / Lucky Cat
Originally, this figurine was made as a motif of a cat to ward off rats and pests that damage crops. Eventually, it became a good luck charm for sericulture, and after sericulture industry in Japan fell into disuse, it became popular as a good luck charm for owners displaying at the entrance of shops, restaurants and other businesses. It is also said that the cat with its right hand (front leg) in the air invites money, and the cat with its left hand in the air invites people (customers).