Source: Twitter ◈ Manekineko

A new Pirate-themed KHR collab with Manekineko has been announced, starting from June 25 to August 11, 2026. Online sales period will start at the same time, and will end on July 15, 2026.

The collab also offers two specials drinks named after "Vongola" and "Varia".

Vongola: Guava Syrup, Orange Juice, Calpis (Calpico) Varia: Rouge Jelly, Grape Juice, Sparkling Water

About a year ago, the Karaoke chain "Manekinko" did a collaboration with Danganronpa. And in March 2026? They're back at it with new art and merch and such; this time, it's Springtime-themed.

You've got to love the pure image of smiling Mikan and sprintime Maki....and I guess Makoto couldn't find a suit that fit? lol.

It's plastic, white base on a red stand with red and gold pain detail and is solar-powered. I'm aware that the one I've got is tat, but I was wondering if it was orientalist/sinephobic for me to have one as a non-Asian person?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/HERCHR-Powered-Welcoming-Decoration-6-5%C3%977%C3%978cm/dp/B09KN547LM <- link to what is essentially the one I've got. For context, it was a gift from someone, I don't remember who or when they gave it to me, but it is on my windowsill as of writing this. I don't know if there's cultural significance behind these things, all I know is that I was pretty hyperfixated on cats at the time of getting it. Personally I think it's cute, but if it's offensive then I'd put it away somewhere it can't be seen.

Hi! I appreciate you for asking!

I am not of Japanese descent, so while I’m happy to provide my cautious two cents, I would encourage other Japanese persons to comment on how they feel about it. I will also admit to not knowing much about the maneki-neko other than the resources I've read and that it is from Japan.

There is folklore behind the maneki-neko to learn and pay homage to and keep in mind so it doesn’t just exist as a random ornament. The maneki-neko 招き猫’s “beckoning” actions, its colour, and the monetary amount written on its koban (token), contributes to the symbolism of the maneki-neko ushering in patrons, prosperity and good fortune.

For more in-depth research: This is an article on the history of the maneki-neko manufacturing and how it may vary in styles and materials since ~1600s. Another source posits that the manufacturing began in the mid-19th century, or 1930s specifically for the city of Tokoname which is one of the most prominent production centers for the maneki-neko in Japan. Its streets and public fixtures are inspired by the cat. There is some degree of religious and spiritual significance, and it has been displayed prominently in the Gotokuji Temple in Tokyo, where one of the origin stories was set in.

In the last century, the maneki-neko has been mass manufactured by non-Japanese businesses, globally exported where non-Japanese peoples monetise off selling it and have erased its significance. It is primarily displayed in shops with predominantly Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Taiwanese, Hong Kong patronage or staff/owners. To the point where it’s often misrepresented as a “Chinese waving cat”.

Lucky Cats can also be seen on street corners in China, some with an [electronic] waving-paw feature, as well as those painted gold. Taiwan experienced a Japanese culture boom in the 1990s and since then Lucky Cats can be seen in the same fashion as in Japan (in front of shops, store registers, etc. [Source]

An example of where appropriation is offensive is where some Christians demonised it as idolatry and “paganism”, moralising against the possession of a maneki-neko. This example is Orientalism. [source].

There are Japanese manufacturers such as the Manekineko no Te in the Nikishi night market in Kyoto, which specialises in Maneki-neko products. Others are advertised as tourist attractions and souvenir shops catering to tourists. There are other spiritual options but I will not be advertising those more deeply significant ones for sale.

We should be aware that just because an item is for sale/made purchasable by businesses within the culture, does not translate to permission nor does it reflect the opinions of peoples within the culture. Due to businesses, many cultures have been commodified by members and outsiders to cater to consumerism. Cultures do not have a price tag, not even blood spilt will be able to pay off a cultural debt, yet capitalism will always sell out cultures with something as arbitrary as money or social capital. This is also reflected in the criticisms arising in the recent years of Japanese peoples growing more disillusioned with non-Japanese tourists, how they treat and wear Japanese culture like a costume or a playground.

Given the maneki-neko’s meaning has been mostly ignored by non-Japanese persons, and non-Japanese peoples benefit off it at the expense of Japanese manufacturers, I would say the way that the maneki-neko has been largely treated disrespectfully by the world. Therefore, the non-Japanese consumer culture does fall under the general concept of appropriation.

Whether just owning and displaying it is recognisably offensive to Japanese persons, we’d have to source for Japanese persons’ opinions.

No, [displaying it] is not [cultural appropriation]. But you may better know that it's not something the Japanese do. Some old-school merchants display lucky cats to “invite” customers. But individuals don’t. [Quora]

The Gotokuji temple says it does not want people to do such things, and has now posted a multilingual written notice, saying: “The cat figurines are sacred items. Please do not scribble on them.” …they told us that there aren’t any set rules as to whether or not you need to leave the figurine you purchased at the temple for your wish to come true. Taking it home with you provides the exact same boost to your good fortune, they told us, so if you feel like you absolutely have to write on it, it’s probably best to wait until you get home to do so. [Source ; the source itself overtalks Japanese POVs (of the Gotokuji temple caretakers) from a non-Japanese person]

There's limited sources from Japanese persons (astounding number from non-Japanese persons who are obnoxiously loud in speaking over Japanese people), out there to pull from regarding this matter on the maneki-neko specifically.

There is a clear difference between the maneki-neko that is sacred and spiritual with rules to follow surrounding how to engage with it, and the maneki-neko that is manufactured by a non-Japanese person that comparatively, means little apart from the counterfeit copy of the culture yet should be held to the some standard of respectful engagement by proxy.

From what I’ve observed of the maneki-neko you’ve linked, it doesn’t seem to be of an offensive design. You’ve mentioned it was a gift so you don’t really have the responsibility of selecting a Japanese manufacturer right now. More pertinent questions include: How do you generally engage with Japanese culture? Was it from a Japanese person, or a non-Japanese person? That matters in whether it was an appropriate gift in the first place.

From what I can find, as long as you as a user:

credit the proper culture

know the lore and history

aren't selling it yourself

aren't profiting from it through any kind of capital including cultural and social

aren't claiming to be a part of the culture/self-actualising through it

not participating in fetishisation/exoticisation/objectification

know which culture it comes from,

and you're treating this plastic maneki-neko with respect (doesn't have to be reverence, just respect);

Then you're not disrespecting it to the best of your ability. Whether that satisfies a Japanese person, I as a non-Japanese, can't answer.

𝐊𝐚𝐳𝐚𝐦𝐚 𝐇𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐨 𝐃𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐭𝐬𝐮 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝟏𝟖𝟕: 𝑮𝒐𝒍𝒅𝒆𝒏 𝑩𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑭𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒖𝒏𝒆

A Dandadan-inspired Ukiyo-e twist on Turbo Granny’s Maneki-neko!

enamel pin designs we made the past couple of weeks

want them to be real? LET ME KNOW!