Find Maneki Neko cats in Japanese shops

Maneki Neko and Japanese Shops in Barcelona

Maneki Neko (or Manekineko) are Japanese handcrafted ceramic (or porcelain) sculptures which have existed for over 150 years in Japan. Their precise origin is unknown but there are several legends about it. Maneki Neko literally translated means “Beckoning Cat” and they have the same function as mojo. They are also known as lucky cats, fortune cats or welcoming cats due to the beckoning arm. The cats’ fingers are folded rather than opened because it’s the way that people wave in Japanese culture. Maneki Neko cats can be found in various colours and sizes. There are some which hold up their left arm and others which hold up their right. In Japan they believe that when the cats’ left paw is raised it will bring customers in whereas a Maneki Neko with its right paw raised will bring luck and wealth. This is why some of them hold a coin in their other hand.

Maneki Neko are becoming more and more popular in western countries. They appear in western Pop culture, for example the alternative Rock band Weezer released a live album recorded in Japan which featured Maneki Neko cats on the front cover and the animated cartoon TV series Pokemon contains a character which looks like a Maneki Neko. Since Japanese culture has become popular in Europe, there are many more Japanese shops where you can find original Maneki Neko cats. If you are looking for Japanese shops in Barcelona then you should make your way to the Gothic quarter of the city where you will find two places selling Japanese goods.

Nunoya for Japanese Kimonos, clothes and textiles

90% of the goods that you can find in Japanese shops are directly imported from Japan. The owners are Japanese and make sure that their European customers get the same choice of products as people would in Japan. If you are looking for Japanese fashion items such as handbags, slippers, flip flops or Kimonos, the Japanese shop Nunoya is the right place. You can find Kimonos in various colours and designs. Also, there is a large selection of hand made Japanese textiles and fabrics. Besides Maneki Neko the shop has Japanese collectable dolls and toys. It is located right in the middle of the Barri Gótic. Nunoya – Carrer de la Palla 6. Metro: L3 – Liceu.

Momo for Japanese handcrafted ceramics

If you are fed up of your standard dinnerware set from Ikea then you should check out Momo (Japanese for “peach”). This Japanese shop is famous for its handcrafted goods and all sorts of ceramics. You can find a great selection of hand made ceramic cups, mugs, saucers, plates, bowls and a huge number of different chopsticks. Fans of Asian calligraphy can find many different stamps of Japanese characters. The interior design is very special in this Japanese shop. Many lampions and lights create a very relaxed atmosphere. The location of the shop is slightly hidden but if you arrive when it’s getting dark then you will recognize the illuminated building from the outside. And of course they have many nice Maneki Neko! Momo is located in the former Jewish area of Barcelona called el Call. Momo – Arc de Sant Ramón del Call 6. Metro: L4 – Jaume I / L3 – Liceu

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