September 29th (2/29) is Maneki Neko Day. In celebration of this day, JASH’s GEN-J Facilitator, Keiko Tsubokura, is hosting a MANEKI NEKO WORKSHOP. Participants will paint their own original Maneki Neko. The workshop is free but space is limited to twenty (20) people.
Maneki Neko (招き猫) is a common Japanese lucky charm which is often believed to bring good luck to the owner. Depending on which paw the Maneki Neko raises, the meanings are said to be different. If the right paw is raised, it symbolizes bringing monetary fortune. Conversely, when the left paw is raised, it signifies bringing people.
The Japanese pronunciation of the number nine (9) is KU (来) which means “come.” The number two (2) is pronounced FU. When put together, the number twenty-nine (29) is pronounced FU KU (福). FUKU means "good luck.” September 29th (2/29) is pronounced as KURU FUKU (来る福) which translates to “Good luck is coming.”