February 2025
Tokyo
Toyokawa Inari Akasaka Shrine
The Toyokawa Inari Shrine was established in 1828 at its present site. The temple’s origins can be traced back to a vision of the third son of Emperor Juntoku in the 13th century, who saw the deity Dakini-Shinten riding a white fox.
During the Meiji era, when Buddhism faced persecution, Toyokawa Inari Betsuin cleverly maintained its Buddhist identity by asserting that its primary object of worship was the Buddhist deity Dakini-Shinten, rather than the Shinto fox god. This strategic move allowed the temple to survive and stands as a remarkable example of the blending of Buddhist and Shinto traditions.
The foxes are seen as protectors and messengers of the deity, symbolizing prosperity and protection.
Gotokuji
Gotokuji Temple, located in the Setagaya ward of Tokyo, is a Buddhist temple that is said to be the birthplace of the maneki-neko, or “luck-inviting cat figurine.”
The Cat Train
We were so fortunate to catch the Cat Train to go to Gotokuji. They do not have a particular schedule, so it isn’t something you can plan.
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The temple is a few blocks from the station and a lovely walk through a quiet neighborhood.
Gotokuji is the family temple of the Ii clan, the lords of the Hikone Domain. It houses the graves of the successive domain lords, including Ii Naosuke, the 15th lord, famous for his role in Japan’s political upheaval during the late Edo period, such as the Treaty of Amity and Commerce and the Ansei Purge.
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The cats are donated by worshippers and visitors wishing for blessings.
It is said that during the Edo period, the fifth Tokugawa shogun, Tokugawa Tsunayoshi, passed by the temple when the resident priest’s cat raised its paw as if beckoning him. Intrigued, Tsunayoshi followed the cat’s gesture into the temple, where he managed to avoid a sudden thunderstorm. From there, Gotokuji became known as the birthplace of the “lucky cat,” or Maneki-Neko.
The cats keep increasing as people continue to make wishes.
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Cat Day
National Cat Day in Japan is February 22nd, and the neighborhood was ready.
Why February 22nd? Because 2/22 is pronounced “Ni Ni Ni” in Japanese. This sounds remarkably similar to “Nyan Nyan Nyan,” the Japanese onomatopoeia for a cat’s meow.
Even though the day is not a national holiday, there are several official events, and the spirit of cats invades the country. There are merchandise advertising plans, and many people take the opportunity to spoil their cats with special treats, new toys, and extra attention.
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Essentially the sign says do not feed the animals. With the added message – Please have your pets neutered or spayed.