Why not show your support for your favorite star with a unique Japanese good-luck charm?

What is a "Maneki-gi"?

The term "Maneki-gi" (literally "inviting wood") is a play on the word *maneki* ("inviting") and refers to a lucky charm used to welcome customers. Its origins trace back to the Edo period, when inns, merchant shops, teahouses, and even firefighting brigades would hang wooden plaques displaying their names or logos at their storefronts. As these plaques—often gifts from loyal patrons—accumulated, they served as a sign that the establishment was a thriving business where many people gathered. Consequently, they came to be known as "Maneki-gi" (a name that can also be interpreted as "inviting happiness/good fortune")—lucky charms that attracted new customers and brought prosperity.