Maneki-neko (beckoning cat) wholesaler, inbound souvenir supplier
Lucky Cat Korean Souvenir
The secret behind the number one ranking
"Do Maneki-neko cats really sell to inbound tourists?"
To suppliers who have such doubts.
In fact, the beckoning cat market is currently experiencing an unprecedented sales explosion .
Korean tourists' souvenir ranking
Did you know the shocking fact that the beckoning cat took first place ?
In an era of 37 million foreign tourists,
The beckoning cat has become a global brand known as "Lucky Cat."
Triple supplier sales
It has evolved into the ultimate inbound product.
Another thing to note is the shortage of products due to the aging of craftsmen.
In Tokoname City, the number of beckoning cat workshops has dropped dramatically from three to one.
The increasing scarcity of the product is driving up prices .
This supply shortage is what is making the market more competitive for suppliers entering the market.
It's a once-in-a-lifetime business opportunity.
But there's a key secret that successful contractors know.
-Why do foreigners' reactions change 180 degrees when you use your right hand or left hand?
-What is the special value of the Maneki-neko, also known as the "Dollar Cat"?
-Why do cultural stories double average customer spending?
Industry experts,
We will clearly answer these questions with real data and success stories.
By the time you finish reading this guide,
"I see, so that's why Maneki-neko are such a big hit with inbound tourists!"
With the conviction that
You'll come away with concrete sales strategies you can put into practice starting tomorrow.
Maneki-neko Inbound Tourism Explosion Phenomenon 2025 Edition
The psychology of foreign tourists making instant purchases and the truth behind the success of businesses tripling their sales
"Why are beckoning cats selling so well right now?"
The answer lies in the dramatic change in the purchasing psychology of foreign tourists.
Now that the number of foreign visitors to Japan has reached a record high of 37 million in 2024,
What they are looking for is not just a product, but an "experience with a story."
The Maneki-neko cat fits that description perfectly.
Known worldwide as "Lucky Cat,"
Especially, the cute appearance that looks great on social media,
It has the obvious effect of bringing good luck in money and love .
It instantly captures the hearts of foreigners.
In fact, at a long-established souvenir shop in Asakusa, Tokyo,
Sales of beckoning cats increased 340% compared to the previous year.
According to the store owner, "It's not uncommon for Korean customers to buy 10 figures at once, including for their friends."
Why is that?
The reason is that in Korea, they are known as "복고양이 (Pokkoyangyi) = Lucky Cat"
This is because genuine Japanese beckoning cats have earned immense trust as "authentic lucky charms."
Among Taiwanese tourists, it is called "lucky cat",
It is a very popular gift for the Lunar New Year.
Chinese tourists also use it as a "lucky cat,"
In particular, the golden beckoning cat is known as the "ultimate item for business prosperity."
It has received enthusiastic support from business owners and entrepreneurs.
There is another important factor behind this explosive sales phenomenon.
This is due to a shortage of supply caused by the aging of craftsmen .
The number of beckoning cat workshops in Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture, has decreased from three ten years ago to one today.
Authentic handmade beckoning cats are becoming more and more rare every year.
This shortage is exactly why suppliers should get involved now.
[Q&A Part 1] The shock of winning the top spot in the Korean souvenir rankings
The reason for Lucky Cat's popularity and basic information that suppliers should know
Q: Why are beckoning cats so popular among Korean tourists?
A: The reason for the popularity of beckoning cats in Korea is actually due to cultural affinity.
In Korea, since ancient times, items that bring good fortune (복 (Pok)) have been valued.
Cats in particular have been believed to be "animals that drive away evil spirits."
The Japanese beckoning cat fits perfectly into this traditional belief.
Q: What specific purchasing behaviors are they exhibiting?
A: The purchasing patterns of Korean tourists are very distinctive.
First, we place importance on the concept of "개운 (Keun) = good fortune,"
People often purchase a combination of Right Hand Up (financial luck) and Left Hand Up (relationship luck).
It can also be used as a gift for family and colleagues.
I tend to buy in bulk, 5-10 at a time .
What is particularly noteworthy is that they place great importance on the status of "Ilbon Jeongpum (Japanese Jeongpoom) = Authentic Japanese Product."
Q: Are there any differences between you and other foreign tourists?
A: Yes, there are clear differences between countries.
Taiwanese people place importance on "fortune" and prefer gold colors.
Chinese people tend to choose larger sizes in the hope of "business success."
Western tourists are interested in "Kawaii culture"
They like small, brightly colored beckoning cats .
By understanding this difference,
It is now possible to create a product lineup tailored to the target audience.
You can develop strategies that directly lead to increased sales .
Characteristics of Maneki-neko that foreigners buy immediately
The influence of the name Dollar Cat and the difference between the right and left hands for luck in love and money
"Should I buy a beckoning cat with its right or left hand raised?"
This decision is crucial as it will affect your sales.
The beckoning cat with its right hand raised is a symbol of "good fortune"
It has especially received overwhelming support from businessmen and managers.
In Europe and the United States, it is affectionately known as the "Dollar Cat."
They are very popular as lucky charms to display in offices and stores.
On the other hand, the left hand raised symbolizes "human relationship luck" and "love luck."
It has received overwhelming support from young female tourists.
Especially young Korean women
As a charm to improve "Yeonnaeun (Yeonnaeun) = love luck"
They tend to prefer pink or white beckoning cats with their left paws raised .
Looking at the actual sales data,
The sales ratio between right-hand and left-hand sales is 6:4 , with right-hand sales prevailing.
However, the most noteworthy is the "both arms raised" maneki-neko .
With the greedy wish of "I want both good luck in money and love,"
It is rapidly gaining popularity among foreign tourists.
In particular, Chinese tourists call it the "two-handed lucky cat,"
Due to their perfectionist values, they tend to choose to raise both hands.
There are also important rules regarding color.
Gold is universally recognized as a symbol of wealth ,
It is consistently popular with tourists from all countries.
White represents "purity" and "new beginnings."
It is especially chosen by people at turning points in their lives, such as getting married or changing jobs.
A recent trend is that "beckoning cats with stories" are gaining attention.
The beckoning cat has the craftsman's handwritten signature and the date of production.
Creating a "one-of-a-kind special feeling"
An amazing phenomenon is occurring where products are selling for two to three times the normal price .
A shortage of products due to a decrease in craftsmen! A rare opportunity
The reality of only one Tokoname ware workshop and how to add value to handmade techniques
"Why are the prices of beckoning cats continuing to rise now?"
The answer lies in the serious reality facing Japan's traditional crafts.
Tokoname City in Aichi Prefecture is the birthplace of the Maneki-neko and boasts a 700-year history.
The shocking situation is that there is currently only one workshop in operation .
Ten years ago, three workshops competed with each other to improve quality.
Due to the aging of craftsmen and a lack of successors,
Two companies were forced to close .
In the remaining workshop, a master craftsman, who is currently 84 years old,
All of the beckoning cats are handmade by just these two apprentices.
The monthly production capacity is limited to about 200 units.
It is not keeping up at all with the rapid increase in inbound demand.
This shortage of supply is creating a rapid rise in scarcity value .
In fact, until three years ago, one was sold for 3,000 yen.
The price of a handmade beckoning cat has now risen to between 8,000 and 12,000 yen .
However, orders from foreign tourists continue to come in.
"Lucky cats made by real Japanese craftsmen"
It has established premium value .
This situation represents a golden opportunity for suppliers.
This is because the aging of craftsmen will accelerate further in the future,
This is because handmade beckoning cats are becoming increasingly rare .
Build relationships with trustworthy craftsmen and workshops now,
Securing a stable supply route is
It will determine your future competitive advantage .
What's even more noteworthy is that this scarcity was utilized
This is the possibility of a "limited merchandising strategy."
"Limited to 200 units per month" "Comes with a certificate of authenticity from a craftsman"
By highlighting added value such as
This will greatly stimulate the purchasing desire of foreign tourists.
Achieved double the average customer spending with the Maneki-neko story sales method
How to explain the history of the Edo period to stimulate purchasing desire and how to create POPs
"Just a cat figurine" and "a legendary lucky charm that brings good fortune."
Even if it's the same beckoning cat, this difference in perception can more than double sales .
What successful businesses always do is
It's called "storytelling sales."
Starting from the "Cat Demon Legend" that actually happened in the Asakusa red-light district in the late Edo period,
By telling the story of the historical background of the Maneki-neko,
It will deeply capture the hearts of foreign tourists .
An effective story structure is as follows:
"During the Edo period, a poor old woman gave up her beloved cat on the night
In a dream, a cat appeared and told her, "If you make a doll in my image, good fortune will come to you."
An old woman makes a cat doll and displays it in front of her shop.
His business quickly flourished and he lived happily ever after.
By providing POPs that explain this story in English, Korean, and Chinese,
A simple commodity is transformed into a "lucky charm."
At a souvenir shop in Kyoto where this system was actually introduced,
After story POP installation, the average customer spending
It doubled from 3,500 yen to 7,200 yen .
Foreign tourists came because they "liked this story."
People began to choose more expensive handmade beckoning cats.
Even more effective is combining it with "The Tale of the Craftsman."
"This beckoning cat was made by a craftsman who has inherited the traditional techniques that have been passed down for 300 years.
Each one is handcrafted with wishes for happiness in mind."
By adding this explanation,
This allows for clear differentiation from mass-produced products .
The key point is to "visualize" the story.
Ukiyo-e style illustrations from the Edo period,
By using photographs of craftsmen at work,
It can greatly increase the authenticity and appeal of your story .
[Q&A Interim] Market size in the era of 37 million inbound tourists
Demand forecast through 2030 and timing for suppliers to enter the market
Q: How much do you expect demand for beckoning cats in the inbound market to grow in the future?
A: According to an announcement by the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO),
The goal is to reach 60 million foreign visitors to Japan by 2030.
It is expected to grow by approximately 1.6 times from the current 37 million people.
As a result, the beckoning cat market is expected to expand from the current 1.5 billion yen to 2.5 billion yen .
Of particular note is the increase in repeat customer rates.
Approximately 60% of foreigners who purchased a Maneki-neko on their first visit to Japan
It has been discovered that customers are making additional purchases when they return .
Q: Are there any changes in demand trends by region?
A: Yes, there are big changes happening.
Traditionally, the "Golden Route" between Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka has been the focus, but
Currently, demand is expanding rapidly in regional cities .
In particular, Hokkaido, Okinawa, and Kyushu recorded growth of over 200% compared to the previous year.
This is a huge business opportunity for local suppliers.
This is due to the trend of "discovering Japan's hidden charms."
This is because foreign tourists are looking for an "authentic Japanese experience" outside of urban areas.
Q: Is now the right time to enter the market?
A: In fact, I can say with confidence that you should get involved now.
There are three reasons.
First, supply constraints due to the aging of craftsmen will become even more severe in the future.
Early entrants can secure advantageous procurement routes.
Second, the purchasing patterns of foreign tourists have been established ,
A stable demand base has been formed.
Thirdly, there are many competitors who have not yet entered the market in earnest .
An environment that makes it easy to gain first-mover advantage.
Towards the Osaka World Expo in 2025 and achieving our goals in 2030,
The market is definitely on an expansion trajectory .
Lucky Cat popularity survey around the world
A case study of local prices being 10 times higher and the potential of the Japanese purchasing and resale business
"How valuable are beckoning cats in the world?"
Knowing this fact dramatically changes your perspective as a supplier.
In America, it is known as "Lucky Cat."
They are sold at high-end general stores in New York for $150 each (approximately 22,000 yen) .
The beckoning cat I bought in Japan for 3,000 yen
It is traded locally at over seven times the price .
An even more surprising phenomenon is occurring in Europe.
At a Japanese goods specialty store in the Marais district of Paris, France,
The Tokoname-yaki beckoning cat is sold out at 280 euros (about 45,000 yen) .
"Authentic Japanese Charms (Authentic Japanese Charms)"
It has received tremendous support from the wealthy.
The most notable market is South Korea.
At a Japanese goods store in Myeongdong, Seoul,
A Japanese-made beckoning cat is being sold for 150,000 won (approximately 15,000 yen) ,
"Japan Handmade Lucky Cat"
There have been days where the products have sold out as soon as the store opens .
The popularity of "lucky cats" has skyrocketed in China.
It costs 800 yuan (about 16,000 yen) at a high-end department store in Shanghai.
It trades at a premium price.
In particular, the beckoning cats that are stamped "Made in Japan"
As a "Masamune Nippon Maneki Neko (Authentic Japanese Maneki Neko)"
It has become a status symbol for the wealthy.
Demand explodes in Taiwan during the Lunar New Year season.
A long-established Taipei general store sells Japanese-made beckoning cats.
It will be sold for NT$4,000 (approximately 18,000 yen) ,
It continues to sell out as a lucky charm for the New Year.
These data show that
There is an overwhelming price difference between the purchase price in Japan and the overseas sales price .
In other words, if you have the right procurement route and sales strategy,
Maneki-neko are a "golden product" that is sure to generate profits.
How to make the most of your 12-month annual sales strategy
Proposal methods for opening celebrations, wedding celebrations, housewarming celebrations, and year-round sales techniques
"Beckoning cats are lucky charms, so they sell all year round, right?"
Many suppliers think this way, but in fact, a seasonal strategy can increase sales by five times .
January to March: New Year and new life season
For the New Year, the overwhelmingly popular move is to raise your right hand to bring good fortune.
Especially foreign tourists are known as "New Year Lucky Cat"
It is purchased with the special meaning of wishing good fortune for the year .
In March, when you prepare for a new life, your love luck will be on the rise.
It is chosen as a "new start" for continuing education, finding employment, or changing jobs.
April to June: Wedding and birth season
This is the time of year when many weddings are held.
Demand for "paired beckoning cats" is skyrocketing .
Right hand up (for men, financial luck) and left hand up (for women, love luck)
Selling as a set doubles the average customer spending.
As a birth gift,
The white beckoning cat, which is said to bring health and happiness to the family, is popular.
July to September: Summer festival and tourist season
This is the peak of inbound demand.
Foreign tourists during this time tend to buy souvenirs in bulk ,
This is your chance to buy a set of 5 or 10 in bulk.
The beckoning cat wearing a summer festival yukata is
It will be sold at a special price as a "Japan Summer Limited" .
October to December: Openings, new construction, and year-end season
Demand for beckoning cats as opening gifts is on the rise.
Especially from restaurant owners
He has earned immense trust as the "guardian deity of prosperous business."
At the end of the year, there is an increase in purchases made in hopes of "improving luck in the coming year."
The large golden beckoning cat is particularly popular.
"Use-specific sales proposals" are effective all year round.
Opening celebration: "Prayer for business prosperity set" with raised right hand and oval coin
Wedding gift: A pair set for a happy marriage, combining the right and left hands.
Housewarming gift: A combination of white and gold for a home safety kit
By combining seasons and uses in this way,
This ensures stable sales throughout the year .
How to distinguish a genuine beckoning cat from a real one, as sought after by foreigners
A quality checklist that differentiates products with a handmade feel, weight, and beautiful coloring
"Is this beckoning cat really worth anything?"
Foreign tourists are also very keen to distinguish between genuine and fake products .
In particular, tourists from Korea, Taiwan, and China
Because we place great importance on "proof of being made in Japan,"
Knowing how to distinguish quality directly affects sales .
[Weight check]
The real Tokoname-yaki beckoning cat is,
It weighs 1.5 to 2 times as much as mass-produced products of the same size.
This uses good quality clay,
This is proof that it has been baked thoroughly.
When foreigners try out the "holding comparison experience,"
Many people are surprised by the difference and make an immediate purchase .
[Points to check for a handmade feel]
The biggest difference from machine-made products is the slight unevenness.
The angle of the ears, the position of the eyes, the expression of the mouth
The slight asymmetry is proof that it is handmade.
On the other hand, perfect symmetry is a characteristic of mass-produced products, so be careful.
[Coloring quality assessment method]
A genuine handmade beckoning cat,
There is a natural gradation in the shades of color .
The gold parts in particular show the brush strokes,
The color changes subtly depending on how the light hits it.
The print coloring is too uniform,
It is characterized by a lack of flavor .
[Check the engraving on the bottom]
The authentic Tokoname-yaki beckoning cat has the following features:
The bottom is engraved with "Tokoname," "artist's name," and "year of production ."
This marking is also hand-carved,
The fact that the depth and angle of the letters vary from piece to piece is proof that they are authentic.
[Sound detection method]
You can tell the difference by the sound it makes when you lightly tap the beckoning cat with your finger.
The real thing makes a clear, high-pitched "corn" sound ,
The fake one makes a soft "popping" sound.
This is due to differences in the density of the material and firing temperature.
[Classification by price range]
The appropriate price range for a genuine handmade beckoning cat is as follows:
Small size (5cm): 8,000 to 12,000 yen
Medium size (10cm): 15,000 to 25,000 yen
Large size (15cm): 30,000 to 50,000 yen
Products significantly below this price range include:
There is a high possibility that the quality is questionable .
Lucky Cat popularity survey around the world
A case study of local prices being 10 times higher and the potential of the Japanese purchasing and resale business
"How valuable are beckoning cats in the world?"
Knowing this fact dramatically changes your perspective as a supplier.
In America, it is known as "Lucky Cat."
They are sold at high-end general stores in New York for $150 each (approximately 22,000 yen) .
The beckoning cat I bought in Japan for 3,000 yen
It is traded locally at over seven times the price .
An even more surprising phenomenon is occurring in Europe.
At a Japanese goods specialty store in the Marais district of Paris, France,
The Tokoname-yaki beckoning cat is sold out at 280 euros (about 45,000 yen) .
"Authentic Japanese Charms (Authentic Japanese Charms)"
It has received tremendous support from the wealthy.
The most notable market is South Korea.
At a Japanese goods store in Myeongdong, Seoul,
A Japanese-made beckoning cat is being sold for 150,000 won (approximately 15,000 yen) ,
"Japan Handmade Lucky Cat"
There have been days where the products have sold out as soon as the store opens .
The popularity of "lucky cats" has skyrocketed in China.
It costs 800 yuan (about 16,000 yen) at a high-end department store in Shanghai.
It trades at a premium price.
In particular, the beckoning cats that are stamped "Made in Japan"
As a "Masamune Nippon Maneki Neko (Authentic Japanese Maneki Neko)"
It has become a status symbol for the wealthy.
Demand explodes in Taiwan during the Lunar New Year season.
A long-established Taipei general store sells Japanese-made beckoning cats.
It will be sold for NT$4,000 (approximately 18,000 yen) ,
It continues to sell out as a lucky charm for the New Year.
These data show that
There is an overwhelming price difference between the purchase price in Japan and the overseas sales price .
In other words, if you have the right procurement route and sales strategy,
Maneki-neko are a "golden product" that is sure to generate profits.
How to make the most of your 12-month annual sales strategy
Proposal methods for opening celebrations, wedding celebrations, housewarming celebrations, and year-round sales techniques
"Beckoning cats are lucky charms, so they sell all year round, right?"
Many suppliers think this way, but in fact, a seasonal strategy can increase sales by five times .
January to March: New Year and new life season
For the New Year, the overwhelmingly popular move is to raise your right hand to bring good fortune.
Especially foreign tourists are known as "New Year Lucky Cat"
It is purchased with a special meaning, wishing for good fortune for the year .
In March, when you prepare for a new life, your love luck will be on the rise.
It is chosen as a "new start" for continuing education, finding employment, or changing jobs.
April to June: Wedding and birth season
This is the time of year when many weddings take place.
Demand for "paired beckoning cats" is rapidly increasing.
Right hand up (for men, financial luck) and left hand up (for women, love luck)
Selling as a set doubles the average customer spending.
As a birth gift,
The white beckoning cat, which is said to bring health and happiness to the family, is popular.
July to September: Summer festival and tourist season
This is the peak of inbound demand.
Foreign tourists during this time tend to buy souvenirs in bulk ,
This is your chance to buy a set of 5 or 10 in bulk.
The beckoning cat wearing a summer festival yukata is
It will be sold at a special price as a "Japan Summer Limited" .
October to December: Openings, new construction, and year-end season
Demand for beckoning cats as opening gifts is on the rise.
Especially from restaurant owners
He has earned immense trust as the "guardian deity of prosperous business."
At the end of the year, there is an increase in purchases made in hopes of "improving luck in the coming year."
The large golden beckoning cat is particularly popular.
"Use-specific sales proposals" are effective all year round.
Opening celebration: "Prayer for business prosperity set" with raised right hand and oval coin
Wedding gift: A pair set for a happy marriage, combining the right and left hands.
Housewarming gift: A combination of white and gold for a home safety kit
By combining seasons and uses in this way,
This ensures stable sales throughout the year .
How to distinguish a genuine beckoning cat from a real one, as sought after by foreigners
A quality checklist that differentiates products with a handmade feel, weight, and beautiful coloring
"Is this beckoning cat really worth anything?"
Foreign tourists are also very keen to distinguish between genuine and fake products .
In particular, tourists from Korea, Taiwan, and China
Because we place great importance on "proof of being made in Japan,"
Knowing how to distinguish quality directly affects sales .
[Weight check]
The real Tokoname-yaki beckoning cat is,
It weighs 1.5 to 2 times as much as mass-produced products of the same size.
This uses good quality clay,
This is proof that it has been baked thoroughly.
When foreigners try out the "holding comparison experience,"
Many customers are surprised by the difference and make an immediate purchase .
[Points to check for a handmade feel]
The biggest difference from machine-made products is the slight unevenness.
The angle of the ears, the position of the eyes, the expression of the mouth
The slight asymmetry is proof that it is handmade.
On the other hand, perfect symmetry is a characteristic of mass-produced products, so be careful.
[Coloring quality assessment method]
A genuine handmade beckoning cat,
There is a natural gradation in the shades of color .
The gold parts in particular show the brush strokes,
The color changes subtly depending on how the light hits it.
The print coloring is too uniform,
It is characterized by a lack of flavor .
[Check the engraving on the bottom]
The authentic Tokoname-yaki beckoning cat has the following features:
The bottom is engraved with "Tokoname," "artist's name," and "year of production ."
This marking is also hand-carved,
The fact that the depth and angle of the letters vary from piece to piece is proof that they are authentic.
[Sound detection method]
You can tell the difference by the sound it makes when you lightly tap the beckoning cat with your finger.
The real thing makes a clear, high-pitched "corn" sound ,
The fake one makes a soft "popping" sound.
This is due to differences in the density of the material and firing temperature.
[Classification by price range]
The appropriate price range for a genuine handmade beckoning cat is as follows:
Small size (5cm): 8,000 to 12,000 yen
Medium size (10cm): 15,000 to 25,000 yen
Large size (15cm): 30,000 to 50,000 yen
Products significantly below this price range include:
There is a high possibility that the quality is questionable .
[Q&A Part 2] Strategies for increasing the unit price of beckoning cat sales
Utilizing sales support tools to create a sense of exclusivity with craftsman introduction cards and certificates
Q: Why do sales vary so much between stores even when they are all selling the same maneki-neko?
A: The answer lies in the ability to create added value.
Successful businesses have a lucky cat
The set includes a "craftsman introduction card," "production certificate," and "origin explanation."
This transforms a simple product into a "special piece,"
This has resulted in an average increase in average customer spending of 2.3 times .
Q: Specifically, what kind of sales support tools are effective?
A: The most effective thing is to make the faces of the craftsmen visible.
[Craftsman introduction card]
By attaching a card with a photo and biography of the 84-year-old master craftsman,
It tells the story of the person who created this beckoning cat.
Foreign tourists are particularly moved by the "human drama"
Purchasing motivation increases dramatically .
[Certificate of manufacture]
"This beckoning cat was handmade on XX/XX/XX year."
Just having a certificate that says
It creates a special feeling of being "one of a kind in the world."
Korean tourists especially value this "exclusiveness,"
I would be happy to buy it even if it was 1.5 times the normal price.
[Multilingual package]
By including instructions in English, Korean, Chinese, and Taiwanese,
This will increase the value of the product as an "international premium product."
Q: Are there any sales techniques that are suited to the digital age?
A: Yes, the use of QR codes has been extremely effective .
Attach a QR code to the beckoning cat,
When you scan it with your smartphone, you can watch videos of craftsmen at work and see what the workshop is like.
This "virtual workshop tour" has been very popular with foreign tourists.
It also has an excellent effect on spreading information on social media .
Companies that have actually implemented this method include
We have an amazing track record of monthly sales increasing three-fold .
[Success case]
A long-established souvenir shop in Kyoto combines these techniques to
The average selling price of a beckoning cat
The price has increased by approximately three times, from 4,500 yen to 12,800 yen .
Instead of "selling products," we "sell experiences and stories"
This mindset shift is the key to revolutionizing sales.
A revolution in the sale of beckoning cats in the digital age
Using social media to attract three times more foreign visitors and differentiate yourself with VR workshop tours
"Aren't beckoning cats outdated in the digital age?"
In fact, it's the opposite. The fusion of cutting-edge technology and traditional craftsmanship is what makes
It is the core of the new generation inbound strategy.
[Instagram utilization strategy]
The "#LuckyCat" hashtag for Maneki-neko is
It is searched for over 2 million times a month worldwide.
The magic bullet is "videos of craftsmen at work."
The moment when the clay is kneaded and the scene when it is painted with a brush
By making it a 15-second vertical video ,
The number of foreign followers will increase explosively.
Examples of successful businesses include
The number of followers increased tenfold in three months .
Direct orders from overseas flooded in.
[TikTok "Lucky Cat Challenge"]
As a "lucky beckoning cat pose,"
The pose of raising the right hand is currently very popular overseas.
Riding this trend,
Have participants post videos of themselves posing with the original Maneki-neko cat
A UGC (user-generated content) strategy is extremely effective.
Participants will receive a specially made Maneki-neko (beckoning cat) as a gift.
Increase your awareness on a global scale .
[VR workshop tour system]
The most cutting-edge initiative is attracting attention.
It's a "virtual workshop experience."
We filmed a workshop in Tokoname City in VR,
You can experience a 360-degree view of craftsmen at work from anywhere in the world.
Foreign tourists are impressed by this experience even before they arrive in Japan.
They come to the store with a strong desire to buy the real thing .
[AI translation chatbot]
Introducing a multilingual automated customer service system has also been extremely effective.
"Which Maneki-neko is best for increasing your luck with money?"
What would you recommend for a wedding gift?
We are available 24 hours a day to answer such questions.
By providing instant answers in five languages ,
This will significantly increase the satisfaction of foreign tourists.
[Live commerce utilization]
The most noteworthy feature is "live streaming sales."
The craftsman will be live streaming the process of actually making a beckoning cat.
Viewers can pre-order the "Lucky Cat currently being made" in real time.
Just by conducting it once a month for Korea, China, and Taiwan,
There are cases where overseas sales have increased five times compared to previous years .
Digital technology does not negate the value of the Maneki-neko.
It is the most powerful tool for conveying the charm of tradition to the world .
Achieving annual sales of 6 million yen with beckoning cats! All the methods of a successful business
Practical methods from developing direct trade routes with craftsmen to attracting repeat foreign customers
"Is it really possible to generate 6 million yen in annual sales just from beckoning cats?"
We will tell you all about the methods used by companies that have actually achieved their goals.
[Profile of successful businesses]
A small souvenir shop in Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture.
In the third year since opening, we set up a special corner for beckoning cats.
Within two years, the company's annual sales exceeded 6 million yen .
The secret is the "foreign repeat customer strategy"
"Differentiation through direct dealings with artisans."
[Step 1: Developing direct trade routes with artisans]
The first step to success was a direct contract with a workshop in Tokoname City.
By purchasing directly from artisans without going through wholesalers,
Reduce purchase prices by 30%
At the same time, we sought to differentiate our products as "products where you can see the face of the maker."
The 84-year-old master craftsman never misses his regular monthly visits.
As a result of building a relationship of trust, we were able to secure priority sales rights for limited edition works .
[Step 2: Building a multilingual customer service system]
We employ staff from Taiwan,
Supports three languages: Chinese, English, and Japanese.
Furthermore, you will learn basic Korean phrases,
The words "Annyeonghaseyo" captured the hearts of Korean tourists.
This multilingual support allows
The average length of stay for foreign tourists has increased threefold ,
The purchase rate also increased significantly.
[Step 3: Complete your story sales]
Each beckoning cat comes with an artisan introduction card, a production certificate, and an English instruction manual.
In addition, purchasers will receive a "Lucky Experience Report Form,"
"Please let me know if anything good has happened since you put up your beckoning cat."
We created a system like this.
This creates a word-of-mouth effect,
The repeat customer rate has increased to 60% .
[Step 4: Establish a social media strategy]
On Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube
We post daily updates on our craftsmen at work and the state of our store.
Especially as "Today's Lucky Cat"
The post introducing a different Maneki-neko every day became a huge hit,
The number of overseas followers has exceeded 20,000.
[Step 5: Repeater System]
Purchasers will be invited to join the "Lucky Cat Club"
We provide priority information on new products and limited sales .
We also plan four "artisan workshop tours" per year,
We offer a special experience for foreign tourists.
[Results: Astonishing numbers]
・Average monthly sales: 500,000 yen
・Annual sales: 6 million yen
・Ratio of foreign customers: 85%
・Repeat customer rate: 60%
・Average customer price: 8,500 yen
The most important point is to build continuous relationships .
Don't just sell it once,
Building long-term relationships with buyers
This will help you establish a stable sales base .
Why not try this successful method today?
Maneki-neko are not just ornaments.
It is a "bridge of happiness" that connects people .
Take the first step towards your successful beckoning cat business today!
Use the knowledge you've gained from this guide to
Seize success in the inbound market.
The increasing value of these items due to the aging of artisans is currently underway.
Starting to act today, not tomorrow,
It will determine your success .
The lucky beckoning cat
For your business
May it bring you great fortune .
