Note to reader: This lesson is usually taught in mid February. Currently I am posting writings from my graduate program in preparation for a speech in November.

This is UNIT 3 in the Possible Selves program: Thinking of our hopes, expectations & fears as a Japanese language user. This is the Exploring section.　　Here’s part of the teaser to get students invested in this unit.

You can find links to the other units here: Possible Selves as a Japanese Language User

MANEKI NEKO 招き猫

Since the mid-Edo era (early 1800s) the iconic white cats waving you into a shop or restaurant have been commonplace in Japan.  You will also find them on student desks at home to call in good luck to ensure a successful life.   Traditionally the cats are modeled after the calico Japanese bobtail which has almost no tail.  Each detail of the cat holds a significant meaning about the owner’s intentions for the cat.   Pay close attention to what the cat holds, it’s accessories, and body position.

The video below briefly explores the shops that specialize in MANEKI NEKO in front of the Ise Jingu Shrine in Mie Prefecture.

1. How many different styles of Maneki Neko can you spot in the video?
2. How many different hand positions can you spot in the video?

Let’s Identify: 招き猫

Take a close look at the Maneki Neko below…. look familiar?

• Do you recall the Shichifukujin from Unit 2?
• Can you identify which Shichifukujin the Maneki Neko are dressed up as?
• Do you recognize any kanji you learned in the last unit?

Let’s Listen: 招き猫ねネコネコ

• What words did you hear?
• What do you notice about Maneki Neko 招き猫? 
• What do you think the different colors of 招き猫 means?

Let’s Read: 招き猫ねネコネコ

Take a look at the lyrics to this song. Do you recognize anything? Sing along with the song!

◆歌詞（作詞：並河祥太 / 作曲：高原 兄）

まねきネコネコ ネコネコ ネコネコ
まねきネコネコ ネコネコ ネコネ
みぎて ニャンコは おたからを よぶ
ひだりて ニャーゴは ともだちを よぶ
おいで おいで こっち
こっち こっち ニャンニャン

まねきネコネコ ネコネコ ネコネコ
まねきネコネコ ネコネコ ネコネ
ひくく ニャンコは ちいさな いい こと
たかく ニャーゴは おっきな いい こと
おいで おいで こっち こっち
こっち ニャンニャン

ヨオー ニャン ホオー ニャン
ヨオー ホオー オホホホ

まねきネコネコ ネコネコ ネコネコ
まねきネコネコ ネコネコ ネコネ
しろい ニャンコは ウキウキを よぶ
くろい ニャーゴは トホホを やっつける
いらっしゃい かいうん
やくよけざんす ニャンニャン

まねきネコネコ ネコネコ ネコネコ
まねきネコネコ ネコネコ ネコネ
あかい ニャンコは げんきを よぶよ
きんいろ ニャーゴは キンピカ ピカリン
ひゃくりょう せんりょう
一まんりょうだ ニャンニャン
おいで おいで こっち こっち
こっち ニャンニャン

• What words did you recognize this time?
• What do you notice about Maneki Neko 招き猫 this time? 
• Now what do you think the different colors of 招き猫 means?

Coming up next: Thinking about your Japanese language hopes, expectations & fears worksheet.
Tomorrow’s multi-literacy worksheet helps learners of all levels and ages practice adjectives, dictionary skills, and learn about what the different colors of Maneki Neko mean. Advanced/adventurous learners will be able to take an online survey to find out which Maneki Neko is best for them.

Do you have questions about this unit or Possible Selves for learner motivation? Email me!