Maneki Neko (Lucky cat)

“Maneki Neko” (literally “Beckoning Cat”, “Welcoming Cat, “Lucky Cat, “Money Cat”, or “Fortune Cat”) is a common Japanese figurine (lucky charm, talisman).
Maneki-neko is believed to bring good luck to the owner.The figurine depicts a cat (traditionally a calico Japanese Bobtail) beckoning with an upright paw.Maneki-neko is usually displayed—many times at the entrance—in shops, restaurants, and other businesses.

See Wikipedia, Maneki-neko, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan (as of 19 October 2012 at 18:30)