Manekidō (まねき堂) is a Sanrio universe/brand, introduced in 1993, based on the Japanese good luck charm called the maneki-neko. According to the book "Sanrio Design The '90s-2010s", the eight cute cats will bring you all kinds of good fortune.
The Eight Cats[]
- The cat that brings friends. A white and gray spotted cat hugging a mouse.
- The cat that brings popularity. A pink cat wearing flowers on its ears and a yellow scarf around its neck, holding a mirror.
- The cat that brings cheer. A white cat with an orange spot over the upper side of its head. Wears shoes and has a towel around its neck.
- The cat that brings love. A white cat with black ears and spots, holding a pink loveletter.
- The cat that brings victory. A chubby yellow cat with quirky eyes. Wears a red bandana over its head that says "A sure win!".
- The cat that brings money. An orange tabby cat with a white belly and wide eyes. Holding a coin.
- The cat that brings good grades. A gray cat with orange and brown spots on its head. Wears a scholar hat, balaces a paintbrush on its nose, and holds a piece of paper.
- The cat that brings happiness. Looks the most like a typical maneki-neko, a white cat with brown, orange-ringed spots and red swirls on its cheeks. Wears a red bib/garment with the Chinese character 福 (fú) on it, which means "good fortune" or "blessing." Holds a bell in its paw.
Gallery[]
Back of a letter set. Dated 1993, Sanrio.
Profile from "Sanrio Design The '90s-2010s"
Merchandise from 1993 shown in "Sanrio Design '90s-2010s"
Sources[]
- Manekidō merchandise listings on Mercari Japan.