Tradition / Region: Japanese mythology
Alternative names: Cat of Success
Category: Cat
The Myth
The Shusse Neko was a mysterious black cat said to appear within the Kawachi residence beyond the main gate of Fuchu Castle in Suruga Province. Anyone fortunate enough to see the cat was believed to receive good fortune. Those with great ambitions, who sought to cultivate virtue and achieve fame, were said to inevitably rise in status after encountering it. Because of its ability to bring prosperity and advancement, the mysterious black cat became known as the Cat of Success.
Sources
Takahashi, Toshihiro. “出世猫 (Shusseneko).” 新版TYZ 妖怪図鑑 (New TYZ Yokai Encyclopedia). Accessed July 28, 2026. https://tyz-yokai.blog.jp/archives/1010655155.html