October 1, 2023
This whimsical guide delves into Japanese symbols and rituals about luck and what it all means. Suzuki (Wabi Sabi: The Wisdom in Imperfection) explains that many Japanese people believe that luck is something that arises from a connection with others, rather than the happenstance outside occurrence with which it is most commonly associated in the West. The most popular and well-known Japanese luck symbol--and the one from which the book takes its name--is the figure of a cat with a raised paw, known as Maneki Neko, which is meant to invite people to come in. It is one of many symbols and figures the Japanese have for attracting good luck and warding off disasters. The book explores effort, wisdom, and confidence, which are essential to Japanese culture, along with superstitions, the four types of luck, and good-luck symbols such as omamor, which are used for various types of protections. VERDICT A deft blend of Japanese history and ancient and modern culture, along with theories on luck that readers can use to bring a bit more good fortune into their life.--Whitney Bates-Gomez
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