Maneki neko – a well-known figurine of a cat beckoning people with its front paw – are produced in Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture, and many other places in Japan. Cats were considered lucky charms for sericulture (breeding and raising silkworms to produce silk) because they exterminate mice, but after sericulture declined, they were seen as lucky charms for a prosperous business. Some maneki neko have the right paw raised, which symbolizes beckoning good fortune. Others have the left paw raised, which symbolizes beckoning people and customers. People often place maneki neko at places in stores or homes where they hope to foster smooth human relationships.