When you travel to Japan you might see a figurine of "beckoning cat (MANEKI-NEKO)". They cited the one hand. This is a gesture to call someone in Japan. They often have the oval.
There are several theories about the origin of the beckoning cat. The most influential theory is legend of Tokyo Gotokuji.
Gotokuji (Tokyo)
Ii Naotaka (II Naotaka, 1590~1659) had served as the executive in the Edo Shogunate. One day, Naotaka went to falconry. because the rain has been falling he had been a shelter under a tree. At that time, the cat was beckoned to him.
When Naotaka has walked up to the cat, thunder fell a tree he had a shelter. Thanks to the cat, Naotaka was able to avoid a direct hit of lightning. He thanked the cat.
Since then, "beckoning cat" is believed to lead to happiness. Even now, the Gotokuji has been placed a lot of beckoning cat. Since Naotaka was samurai, Beckoning of Gotokuji does not have the oval. However, usually the beckoning cat has the oval. It is a good luck charm of business prosperity.
Around the Gotokuji, cat pictures and objects have overflowing. Stone statue of beckoning cat has been placed in the nearest station. Cat picture has been drawn to a telephone pole.
Objects in the station
Naotaka was Hikone lord. Hikone Domain is located in the now of Shiga Prefecture. 2007, "Hikonyan" was born as image character of "Hikone Castle castle 400 years Festival". This white cat wearing a red helmet on the head. This red helmet is a symbol of Ii known the brave. This character became popular in Japan.