From stationary statue to movable tram

The contemporary Lucky Cat has gone a long way from its Japanese roots. After Chinese immigrants brought the cat with them to other countries, more and more people became interested in purchasing a statue of the cute cat.

The Lucky Cat has entered popular culture in multiple ways. Meowth, from the Pokemon franchise, for instance, has been inspired by the statues we are familiar with now, and popular cat figures such as Hello Kitty are also thought to be inspired by the Lucky Cat statues.

For those interested in the Lucky Cat statue, there are plenty of options. Popular websites often sell them for competitive prices, and these cats are often made with a more neutral design to suit Western homes. But the Lucky Cat has also taken on new forms. Chopsticks, diaries, mugs, and a lot of other products can be bought with a depiction of the Lucky Cat. In Tokyo, you can even sit inside a tram that is decorated with Lucky Cats. You have to be truly lucky to catch it though, since there is only one tram and its schedule changes every day.[cf]

Can’t get enough of the Lucky Cat? Then the Lucky Cat Museum in Cincinnati, Ohio might be something for you. This collection of Japanese luck idols beckons visitors with over 2,000 waving paws.[cf]