Artisan behind big-eyed 'beckoning cat' pottery in Japan brings luck to the world

TOKONAME, a city in central Japan known for its pottery, has gained international fame for its unique beckoning cats, or maneki-neko. These adorable figurines, with their large round eyes and plump proportions, have captured the hearts of people worldwide. The production of these Tokoname-style maneki-neko is overseen by the Baigetsu Tomimoto Ningyoen workshop, which has been operating for an impressive 81 years.

At the helm of the workshop is Kikue Tomimoto, a fifth-generation artisan who continues to craft each cat with her own artistic sensibility. Born into the long-established family business, Tomimoto was never pressured to take over the workshop. After working in a commercial complex in Nagoya, she decided to join the family craft at the age of 22, even though she had never painted before.

As she gained experience, Tomimoto was entrusted with more challenging tasks, such as painting the cats' whiskers and the whites of their eyes. Her grandfather once encouraged her, saying, "It's fine to do it in your own style," which allowed her to add her unique touch to the figurines. Despite having a family and raising two children, Tomimoto remained dedicated to her brushwork, always adhering to the principle of "120% artisanship."

Every piece crafted by Tomimoto is made with meticulous care, and she believes that giving 100% of her effort is natural for an artisan, with the remaining 20% being the love she pours into each creation. Her thought process is simple: she envisions people holding the cats in their hands and hopes their wishes and aspirations will come true. As inbound tourism increases, maneki-neko have gained wider recognition as "lucky cats" both in Japan and abroad, and the workshop has seen a surge in orders.

Despite the growing demand, Tomimoto remains committed to the traditional handmade artisanship and refuses to mechanize production or outsource any part of the process. Through her maneki-neko, she hopes to share the culture and beauty of Tokoname with people around the world, allowing them to experience the warmth and charm of the city.