There aren’t many designs in the world that have travelled as far or lasted as long as the Maneki-neko, the famous Japanese lucky cat.

It sits in shop windows, restaurants, salons, homes, sometimes even in taxis, quietly promising good luck.

But here’s the thing: it’s not just cute. It’s smart. It’s a brilliant piece of design.

Just one simple figure, and yet everyone instantly knows what it means.
• A left paw up means: come in, we like people!
• A right paw up means: good fortune is on the way!
• Both paws? Overachiever. Total protection.

It’s one design, repeated endlessly, but still full of charm, meaning, and even personality. From a temple in Tokyo (Gotokuji, if you’re ever in the mood for a pilgrimage) to shelves across the globe, it’s become a global icon. No branding. No campaign. Just a design that works.

At NALA, we couldn’t resist making our own version. Our Lucky Cat is a little sassier, a little sleeker, and hand-drawn with all the love in the world. You’ll find it on T-shirts, prints, postcards.

Part of the proceeds go to LASSie, the amazing animal shelter in Langkawi that rescues cats and dogs. So your lucky cat helps real ones too.