MARUSHIME Lucky Cat

Marushime Asakusa is a Lucky Cat brand originating in Asakusa, with its gallery and atelier located along Nishi-Sando, just west of the main hall of Senso-ji Temple.

Drawing inspiration from historical documents and paintings from the Edo period that record what is believed to be the oldest origin of Lucky Cats in Japan, Marushime Asakusa brings to life the roots of the “Marushime Cat.” These Lucky Cats are said to have been sold at stalls within the Senso-ji temple grounds in the late Edo period, where they became widely popular. Interpreted through a contemporary lens, the Marushime Cat is recreated as a work for today.

Unlike the typical front-facing Lucky Cat, the Marushime Cat is characterized by its distinctive sideways-seated pose, embodying the refined sense of iki—the understated elegance of Edo culture. The “Marushime” mark engraved on its back carries an auspicious meaning: to “secure and hold fortune and prosperity, keeping them from slipping away.”

Inside the shop, visitors will find a wide selection of Lucky Cats, including standard models adorned in traditional Japanese colors, as well as seasonal limited editions and artist collaboration pieces. With their gentle curves and refined minimalist design, these Lucky Cats blend naturally into modern interiors and are cherished by visitors from Japan and abroad as travel keepsakes, gifts, and symbols of good fortune.

Take a moment to experience the auspicious spirit and aesthetic sensibility nurtured by Asakusa, and discover the one special Lucky Cat destined to become yours.