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Maneki Neko: The Japanese Secret to Good Luck and Happiness
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?
This insightful book--by a leading expert on the subject--explores the ways in which "good luck" symbols and rituals in Japan are used in tandem with diligence and a positive attitude to help people overcome life's many twists, turns and bad patches.
It explores 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 acquaints us with beloved Japanese icons of luck, prosperity, and goal-setting and explains what they truly 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 beloved modern Japanese symbols of luck like the "Golden Poop" (yes, you read that right!). And we learn how these symbols all foster a sense of community which contributes to the happiness and well-being of all 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 and other people. It is an integral part of life and learning to shape out a destiny for ourselves that we can view with pride and contentment.
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?
This insightful book--by a leading expert on the subject--explores the ways in which "good luck" symbols and rituals in Japan are used in tandem with diligence and a positive attitude to help people overcome life's many twists, turns and bad patches.
It explores 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 acquaints us with beloved Japanese icons of luck, prosperity, and goal-setting and explains what they truly 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 beloved modern Japanese symbols of luck like the "Golden Poop" (yes, you read that right!). And we learn how these symbols all foster a sense of community which contributes to the happiness and well-being of all 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 and other people. It is an integral part of life and learning to shape out a destiny for ourselves that we can view with pride and contentment.
176 pages, Hardcover
Published November 21, 2023
About the author
Nobuo Suzuki
29 books12 followersAuthor and philosopher, he studied Art and Literature in Europe before starting to write about creativity and personal development. He loves playing the piano, traveling around the world and living with cats.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 5, 2024
Such a promising book, but unluckily this wasn't for me! Pun intended. :-)
It's a sweet book that tells us about some of the Japanese rituals around luck. And not just Japanese, for some reason, the author delves into some other cultures as well. I am not sure what are the takeaways, but it may not be a bad thing to buy a waving cat tomorrow. What say you?
It's a sweet book that tells us about some of the Japanese rituals around luck. And not just Japanese, for some reason, the author delves into some other cultures as well. I am not sure what are the takeaways, but it may not be a bad thing to buy a waving cat tomorrow. What say you?
November 21, 2023
Book a bit too specialized even for me who loves the subject, but maybe others may be interested.
Libro un po' troppo settoriale anche per me che amo l'argomento, ma magari ad altri puó interessare.
I received from the Publisher a complimentary digital advanced review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
Libro un po' troppo settoriale anche per me che amo l'argomento, ma magari ad altri puó interessare.
I received from the Publisher a complimentary digital advanced review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
February 5, 2024
Maneki Neko is an intriguing and insightful book about the Japanese beliefs on luck and prosperity. The very title is one such item. Along with its charming appearance, one paw raised in a beckoning gesture, the Maneki-neko reflects the Japanese people's reverence for tradition and strong belief in luck as a force that can influence one's destiny.
The significance of the Maneki-neko extends beyond its role as a mere decorative item.
In Japanese culture, the concept of luck holds a significant place in customs and beliefs. Luck, known as "Un" and fortune known as"Fuku" in Japanese, are often associated with events or circumstances that bring positive outcomes. This belief is deeply rooted in ancient traditions and has a profound influence on various aspects of Japanese society, including personal interactions, business practices, and religious rituals. The book also contains other cultural references and it was definitely worth reading about them all.
In Japanese culture, luck is often associated with superstitions and rituals that are believed to influence one's fortune. Additionally, certain objects are perceived as symbols of good luck or fortune, such as "maneki-neko" (the beckoning cat) and "daruma" dolls, which are often displayed in homes and businesses to attract prosperity. Revolving around the core elements of effort, wisdom and confidence, let's delve into the vast world and experiences of Japan.
Beyond superstitions and rituals, luck also influences everyday interactions in Japanese society. Humility and modesty are highly valued traits, as individuals believe that openly bragging about personal achievements or good fortune can attract jealous spirits and result in misfortune. The concept of "giri" (obligation) further demonstrates the importance of luck in Japanese culture. Individuals often feel obligated to return favors or act in a certain way to maintain harmony and ensure the flow of good luck within social relationships. Moreover, the belief in luck extends to business practices, where it is common to exchange "meishi" (business cards) with great care, as the way one presents their card is believed to influence luck in future partnerships or opportunities.
In conclusion, luck plays a crucial role in Japanese culture and permeates various aspects of society. The belief in luck influences customs and traditions, woven into everyday interactions, and deeply ingrained in religious practices. By understanding and respecting these cultural beliefs, individuals can engage more effectively with Japanese society and appreciate the significance of luck in shaping the lives and experiences of its people.
The significance of the Maneki-neko extends beyond its role as a mere decorative item.
In Japanese culture, the concept of luck holds a significant place in customs and beliefs. Luck, known as "Un" and fortune known as"Fuku" in Japanese, are often associated with events or circumstances that bring positive outcomes. This belief is deeply rooted in ancient traditions and has a profound influence on various aspects of Japanese society, including personal interactions, business practices, and religious rituals. The book also contains other cultural references and it was definitely worth reading about them all.
In Japanese culture, luck is often associated with superstitions and rituals that are believed to influence one's fortune. Additionally, certain objects are perceived as symbols of good luck or fortune, such as "maneki-neko" (the beckoning cat) and "daruma" dolls, which are often displayed in homes and businesses to attract prosperity. Revolving around the core elements of effort, wisdom and confidence, let's delve into the vast world and experiences of Japan.
Beyond superstitions and rituals, luck also influences everyday interactions in Japanese society. Humility and modesty are highly valued traits, as individuals believe that openly bragging about personal achievements or good fortune can attract jealous spirits and result in misfortune. The concept of "giri" (obligation) further demonstrates the importance of luck in Japanese culture. Individuals often feel obligated to return favors or act in a certain way to maintain harmony and ensure the flow of good luck within social relationships. Moreover, the belief in luck extends to business practices, where it is common to exchange "meishi" (business cards) with great care, as the way one presents their card is believed to influence luck in future partnerships or opportunities.
In conclusion, luck plays a crucial role in Japanese culture and permeates various aspects of society. The belief in luck influences customs and traditions, woven into everyday interactions, and deeply ingrained in religious practices. By understanding and respecting these cultural beliefs, individuals can engage more effectively with Japanese society and appreciate the significance of luck in shaping the lives and experiences of its people.
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December 3, 2023An interesting read. Of course I've seen these little statues around and even "inherited" a small plushie one from a friend who abandoned it and, later, said I was welcome to keep it. I'd heard the legend, too. But beyond that, never really knew much about this tradition. Or, really, any of the other Lucky Traditions this book talks about.
December 23, 2023
The book is full of interesting facts about superstitious and traditional beliefs prevalent in the Japan and other far-east countries. It is a great book to read if you want to learn about the nitty-gritty of Japanese culture beyond what is commonly shown on media. The advice given in the book to improve your chances of "good luck" are pretty generic, and it is something that we all already know. So, I did not really see this book as a self-help book. It can be called a fun and cozy book to read where you delve deeper into the beliefs and customs that govern the lives of people in the far east and give them the motivation to succeed in different aspects of life.
April 18, 2024
Short chapters providing a bunch of new information for me on the subject of luck and success. Now I know why a lot of Asian restaurants have that cat statue. I found the Japanese cultural stuff fascinating, like the golden poop, the daruma, and the significance of the color red and the crane. Some other ideas were familiar. It was a good reminder that luck begins with the proper attitude and work ethic. Sometimes you need something superstitious to get that going.
December 26, 2023
An easy read, with stories and cultural explanations. This book won't change your life as it mainly states obvious things such as, you can't sit around waiting for luck to find you, you need to make your own luck. But overall, a nice, easy read. I read it in 3 days, over Christmas, and I don't usually complete a book so quickly unless it's a mystery novel.
July 6, 2024
A book of short chapters with some anecdotes about Japanese traditions and historical facts around one main idea that you create your own luck. Unfortunately, the book is also soiled with synopses of other books, which might be of interest to some, but makes the Japanese cultural references somewhat scarce.
December 9, 2023
I learned something new and enjoyed this well written and intriguing book. I was fascinated by the concepts and liked what I read
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
March 12, 2024
the first book i’ve read this year and a very interesting one at that! i’ve always been drawn to the lucky cat, so of course i had to grab this on my trip to brookline booksmith in boston. i’m glad i did, i really enjoyed it!
April 28, 2024
Uzun süredir beklediğim bir kitaptı kendisi ve sonunda çevirilmiş.İnsanların şans şans diye beklemesi cidden aptalca ,uğruna çabalamadıkça cidden nasıl rahatça bekliyorlar anlamıyorum,belki bir şans beklemek iyidir ama beraberinde azap da getiriyor .
October 15, 2023
It was an easy read book. It will reinforce your knowledge and belief about luck. It was a nice read.
October 17, 2023
"Think that you are lucky. If you think like that, bit by bit luck will seek you out"- Japanese Proverb
I love this book and give me hope and enjoy my life
I love this book and give me hope and enjoy my life
December 1, 2023
Such an informative and quirky book that provides context for ‘lucky’ symbols and rituals in the Japanese culture. There are many nuggets of gold in this little treasure box of a book - enjoy!
December 30, 2023
Kind of how to live life happily book but in much more fun version by comparing to belief of each country
January 26, 2024
Informative and easy to read. I'm inspired to research more about many new facets of Japanese history and culture.
March 2, 2024
Short, light & great read about luck! Enjoyed it very much. :)
May 3, 2024
O carte faina in care poti citi despre o multime de ritualuri din Japonia si nu numai.
June 2, 2024
Pretty good book, had a fun time reading it. I'd like to take home the lessons of learning the types of luck and the keys to being more "lucky", more than anything else.
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June 24, 2024singkat, padat, tapi informatif.
July 11, 2024
Loved that book. Its gives you information about Japanese cultures and beliefs and not just Japanese :) which is very interesting.
I love anything about Asia so for me it was a lovely book.
I love anything about Asia so for me it was a lovely book.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews