Maneki neko

Lucky symbols, lucky numbers, lucky charms and luck-creating rituals--how is it that a disciplined and hard-working country like Japan is so invested in the idea of luck? And what, exactly, does "good luck" mean?

This insightful book by a leading expert on the subject explores the ways in which luck-encouraging and misfortune-repelling rituals--long woven into the fabric of Japanese life--are used in tandem with diligence and a positive attitude to engender a healthy optimism that helps people survive all of life's many twists, turns and bad patches. It explores how customs and beliefs play a vital role in creating positive personal expectations--not only in Japan, but in all cultures around the world.