I am Tama, lucky cat

I Am Tama tells the ancient story of Tama the lucky cat. Tama was alone in the cold world when he came upon a monastery. Tama sat in the doorway and waited with his right pay upheld. He became the monk's friend and companion. But the monastery was in disrepair. One night, there was a terrible rainstorm. Tama ran out into the night. A passing samurai warrior saw Tama and realized Tama was gesturing to him to come in. He did and just in time; a large limb from a cherry tree fell where the warrior had been. To thank the monastery, the warrior devoted himself to it.

“Each spring, when the cherry trees flower once again, I sit in the grand doorway of our beautiful temple and watch their blossoms dance to the ground. With my paw upheld, I proudly beckon to all who come to worship. I am Tama, Lucky Cat.”