Manekineko - beckoning cat

A Manekineko is a statue of a cat sitting with one paw raised. These are talismans of sorts in that they are supposed to bring good fortune. There are seen in store fronts frequently to bring in customers. The origin of this belief dates back to the Edo period. The story goes that a cat brought prosperity to a declining temple by beckoning people passing by during a storm, one of whom was the feudal lord of Hikone. These are seen fairly often in the Ranma manga. Ranma is sitting like one with his aura shaped like one during his first succumbing to the Neko-ken seen in the Manga.