Do you know what 縁起物 (engimono) are?

In Japan, engimono are symbolic items believed to bring good luck and fortune. They're commonly seen during New Year celebrations, festivals, and even in everyday life. When people think of engimono, the maneki-neko (招き猫, beckoning cat) is probably the first thing that comes to mind. But in fact, Japan has a wide variety of unique engimono, each with its own special design and meaning.

We’ve handpicked a selection of Japanese engimono items that are full of good wishes—perfect whether you're getting them for yourself or as a thoughtful gift. Come take a look at these charming and meaningful treasures!

1 Mt. Fuji-Shaped Leather Coin Bank

When it comes to symbols of Japan, Mt. Fuji is often the first that comes to mind. As the highest mountain in Japan, it's not only iconic but also considered highly auspicious due to its shape, which resembles suehirogari (末広がり)—a fan-like form that widens toward the bottom, symbolizing growing prosperity.

This Mt. Fuji-shaped leather coin bank is not only adorable and stylish, but also makes a great decorative piece for your home. And who knows—it might just help you attract a little extra fortune too!

Photo Reference: https://andpackable.base.shop/

Product Name: Mt. Fuji-Shaped Leather Coin Bank（レザー貯金箱　富士山）
Shop: AND PACKABLE
Price: JPY 1,540
Website: https://andpackable.base.shop/ 

2 Daruma-Shaped Leather Coin Bank

The daruma (達摩), also known as a tumbling doll, is a classic engimono symbolizing the resilient spirit of “fall down seven times, get up eight” (nanakorobi yaoki / 七転び八起き). No matter how many times it’s knocked over, the daruma always rights itself, making it a popular charm for good luck, protection from misfortune, and success in achieving goals.

This daruma-shaped leather coin bank blends traditional symbolism with modern design. It’s more than just a decoration—it carries the meaning of strength and perseverance, making it a perfect addition to your home or office desk.

Photo Reference: https://andpackable.base.shop/

Product Name: Daruma-Shaped Leather Coin Bank（レザー貯金箱　ダルマ）
Shop: AND PACKABLE
Price: JPY 1,320　
Website: https://andpackable.base.shop/ 

3 Owl-Shaped Leather Coin Bank

In Japan, owls are considered lucky symbols, largely because the Japanese word for owl, fukurou (フクロウ), sounds like fukurou (不苦労), which means “no hardship” or “a life without trouble.” 

This owl-shaped leather coin bank is more than just charming in appearance—it also carries a meaningful wish for a smooth and worry-free life. Whether as a gift or for your own use, it's a delightful and lucky choice!

Photo Reference: https://andpackable.base.shop/

Product Name: Owl-Shaped Leather Coin Bank（レザー貯金箱　フクロウ）
Shop: AND PACKABLE
Price: JPY 1,760　
Website: https://andpackable.base.shop/ 

4 Ceramic Lucky Cat with Fortune Slip (White Cat / Black Cat)

This popular ceramic maneki-neko (招財貓, beckoning cat) figurine comes with a fun twist—it includes a fortune slip (omikuji), which reveals one of five types of luck: 

• daikichi (大吉, great blessing)
• chūkichi (中吉, middle blessing)
• shōkichi (小吉, small blessing)
• kichi (吉, blessing)

• suekichi (末吉, future blessing). 

  Try your luck and see what fortune you receive!

The white maneki-neko is the most traditional style in Japan, symbolizing general good fortune and success in all things. On the other hand, the black maneki-neko is believed to ward off evil and misfortune, thanks to the cat’s strong night vision and mystical associations. Both are not only cute, but also meaningful engimono to brighten your day or share as a thoughtful gift.

Photo Reference: https://www.nakagawa-masashichi.jp/shop/default.aspx

Product Name: Ceramic Lucky Cat with Fortune Slip (White Cat / Black Cat)（福招き猫みくじ／福招き猫みくじ　黒猫）
Shop: Nakagawa Masashichi
Price: JPY 590 Each　
Website: https://www.nakagawa-masashichi.jp/shop/default.aspx

5 Senryō Beko

In the Aizu region of Fukushima Prefecture, the aka-beko (赤べこ), or red cow, is a beloved traditional folk toy. With its charming, lively design, it’s considered a good-luck charm for protecting children’s health and warding off illness.

The special Senryō Beko version carries a chest of senryō (千両)—a symbol of great wealth—on its back. This makes it not only a wish for good health and safety, but also a powerful symbol of prosperity and business success. It's a unique engimono full of local charm and meaning!

Photo Reference: https://www.nozawa-mingei.com/shop/ 

Product Name: Senryō Beko（千両べこ）
Shop: Nozawa Mingei Online Shop
Price: JPY 4,180
Website: https://www.nozawa-mingei.com/shop/  

6 “Kachō-ga” Tableware Series

Photo Reference: PR Times

Originating in China, kachō-ga (花鳥画) is a classic East Asian painting style that features natural subjects such as flowers, birds, and insects. Known for its artistic beauty and auspicious symbolism, it has long been a popular theme for gifts.

This tableware series draws inspiration from birds commonly seen throughout Japan’s four seasons, pairing them with seasonal flora and traditional lucky motifs. The designs come in three thoughtfully crafted patterns:

• Sparrow and Nandina (Family Safety): Symbolizing turning misfortune into safety and wishing for peace at home. It’s accented with the asanoha (麻葉) hemp leaf pattern, traditionally used to pray for children’s healthy growth and protection.
• Mandarin Duck and Iris (Marital Harmony): The iris is believed to ward off evil, while mandarin ducks represent loving couples. Together, they convey wishes for a happy and enduring relationship.

• Swallow and Willow (Business Prosperity): Swallows building nests are seen as a sign of thriving business. Combined with the shippō (七宝) pattern and willow trees, the design offers protection and success.

   

Each piece is delicately finished with hand-applied gold edging and comes in beautifully designed packaging, making it a perfect choice for both gifting and everyday elegance.

Sake Glass

Photo Reference: PR Times

Product Name: Sake Glass（酒グラス（雀と南天、鴛鴦と菖蒲、燕と柳））
Shop: ADERIA
Price: JPY 1,980 Each
Website: https://aderia.jp/

Beer Glass

Photo Reference: PR Times

Product Name: Beer Glass（ビアグラス（雀と南天、鴛鴦と菖蒲、燕と柳））
Shop: ADERIA
Price: JPY 2,200 Each　
Website: https://aderia.jp/

Round Plate

Photo Reference: PR Times

Product Name: Round Plate（丸皿（雀と南天、鴛鴦と菖蒲、燕と柳））
Shop: ADERIA
Price: JPY 2,420 Each　
Website: https://aderia.jp/

7 Fūjin & Raijin Mini Wallet

This mini wallet is inspired by one of the most iconic themes in Japanese art—Fūjin (風神, god of wind) and Raijin (雷神, god of thunder)—based on the famous Edo-period painting Fūjin Raijin-zu by Ogata Kōrin. 

These deities are not only powerful forces of nature but are also regarded as protectors who drive away evil, bring rain for abundant harvests, and ensure safety and well-being. As such, they are revered as ideal guardian spirits for blessings and protection.

Crafted from Japanese leather with a gold foil embossing, the wallet comes in a lucky golden hue. Its texture resembles washi (traditional Japanese paper), giving it a refined yet subtle finish. Compact and unisex, it's perfect for those who prefer a minimalist or lightweight wallet with cultural charm.

Photo Reference: PR Times

Product Name: Fūjin & Raijin Mini Wallet（風神雷神のミニ財布）
Shop: QuatroGats
Price: JPY 18,480　
Website: https://quatrogats.com/ 

8 Egg-Shaped Ishigantō

The Ishigantō is a traditional protective stone monument commonly seen in Okinawa, believed to ward off local spirits and monsters, and to keep households safe. This egg-shaped version features a charming design and is handcrafted by skilled artisans—each piece is unique in its color and expression. Perfect as a small decorative item for your entryway or room!

Photo Reference: https://shi-sa.com/

Product Name: Egg-Shaped Ishigantō（タマゴ型石敢當）
Shop: SHI-SA
Price: JPY 1,540 Each　
Website: https://shi-sa.com/