The Japanese “cat with a raised paw” is officially known as Maneki Neko, which literally translates to “beckoning cat” or “inviting cat”. It is a traditional Japanese talisman (engimono) believed to bring good luck, happiness, and prosperity to its owner. ​The name is written with three characters: 招き猫: ​招 (Mane): From the verb maneku, meaning “to invite” or “to beckon”. ​き (ki): A grammatical…