Maneki-neko (Lucky Cats) in Gotokuji Temple, Tokyo

Forgive us if this month’s newsletter is a little parochial and a little emotional but this week’s news is local and emotional. 

Yocha’s long awaited Uppsala store is opening this month! And that's why this newsletter features cats. (Don’t forget the cats!)  

The ancient city of Uppsala is famous for its university, its cathedral, its famous scientists, its Viking heritage … and an amiable, tailless cat called Pelle Svanslös. 

Pelle (in English, Peter No-tail) is the affable hero of a series of much-loved children’s books. His exploits have enchanted generations of Swedish children since the 1930s, perhaps rivalled only by Pippi Longstocking. He even has his own park and heritage trail in Uppsala. The books deal with Pelle’s struggles against an evil cat bully and his dumb henchmen. Despite having might and numbers on their side they’re no match for Pelle who always triumphs against the odds and sees the bad cats off. A particularly apt message, not just for Sweden but for the whole world, in these uncertain times.

Pelle

If you are lucky enough to be in Uppsala over the next few days you may just come across another cat. This one is sitting proudly in the window of Yocha’s new Kungsängsgatan store. Like its fellow Uppsala feline, Pelle, this cat is friendly too. It happily waves its right paw in greeting despite its somewhat un-catlike features - being very red in colour and rather geometrical in appearance. The latter is a consequence of being made in Japanese origami style.   

Those familiar with East Asian culture may recognize it as a “Lucky Cat” (Maneki-neko in Japanese), ubiquitous in businesses in East Asia, and perhaps even your local Chinese restaurant, as a talisman for good fortune.

Geometric Lucky Cat in YOCHA STORE

The story goes that these cats were associated with good luck after they were introduced to Japan on ships from China which carried Buddhist writings; the cats protected the sacred scrolls from rats (always a good thing). If more proof were needed, a ninth century Chinese text says, "If the cat goes over its ears when it washes face, you'll soon have a visitor” – what’s not to like about that for a business owner?

And if you should fall victim to the waving cat’s entreaties to come into our store, well, you won’t be disappointed! All the fascinating Asian furniture and unique design items, Chinese ceramics and tea sets, decorations and materials, that you’ve seen at our online store are there for you to see and touch in person (just don’t break them, please!) 

And wait – there’s more!! 

In addition, we’ll be offering a range of Chinese teas, Asian pastries and delicacies, and of course damn good coffee and cakes (we are in Sweden after all) to eat in store or take away. So come in, take the weight off your feet and soak in some relaxing Asian culture.

Of course, there’ll be milk too if you prefer. (Don’t forget the cats!)  

Well, there you have it … In a world gone mad, Pelle, the red waving cat and the Yocha team invite you to forget your troubles, imagine a better future and see what happens when cultures embrace each other rather than fight.

In peace, the Yocha Team.

 Cat Series Tableware in YOCHA STORE