The maneki-neko comes in many forms with the most common being a red and white ceramic cat with a lucky medallion around its neck.  These two neko, spotted along Yanaka Ginza, are decidedly more realistic and very kawaii (cute) when compared to their traditional counterparts.

Maneki-neko with raised paws are displayed to ensure a prosperous business.  A raised left paw beckons customers into the store and a raised right paw is believed to attract money and good fortune.   This shop owner is taking no chances to ensure that his shop is successful with a pair of maneki-neko with their collar bells and each with a different paw raised.

Yanaka Ginza is a lovely place to spend an afternoon.  A short stroll from Nippori station takes you into a world set back a few decades and onto quaint street, with piped in traditional music, where you can purchase Japanese souvenirs, snacks and tea and a variety of other items.  A number of small eating establishments are scattered among the shops along the three or so blocks that make of Yanaka Ginza (Map of Yanaka PDF) or you can pick up some street food at one the of shops that are very popular judging by the lines outside.

This and other great images of Japan can be found in The Nihon Sun Japan Photo Gallery.

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