Maneki Neko

What does "good luck" look like, and how do you achieve it? Lucky symbols, lucky numbers, lucky charms, and luck-creating rituals—how is it that a disciplined and hard-working country like Japan is so invested in the idea of luck? And what, exactly, does "good luck" mean? In this insightful book, a leading expert on the subject explores the ways in which symbols and rituals of "good luck" in Japan are used alongside diligence and a positive attitude to help people overcome life's many twists, turns, and bad patches. It looks at how customs and beliefs play a vital role in creating positive expectations and outcomes, and includes practical exercises for bringing good fortune and happiness into your own life. Author Nobuo Suzuki introduces beloved Japanese icons of luck, prosperity, and goal-setting and explains what they represent, including Maneki Neko (the "Lucky Cat"), Daruma (the "Lucky Buddha"), and the Seven Lucky Gods of Good Fortune. We even meet some quirky and much-loved modern Japanese symbols of luck, like the "Golden Poop" (yes, you read that right!). And we see how these symbols foster a sense of community that contributes to the happiness and well-being of individuals in Japan. With this book, luck becomes a matter of self-understanding and connection to others rather than something that exists outside of ourselves. It is an integral part of life, and a way of shaping a destiny we can view with pride and contentment.