The Japanese believe that there is a rabbit pounding mochi on the moon. In Japanese, the word for moon (つき) is the same as the word for luck (ツキ), which means that the rabbit will "call the moon (つきをよぶ)," which means "bring good luck."

In addition, the rabbit's prolific nature symbolizes a flourishing family line. Furthermore, the rabbit's hopping and lively manner also represents "full of energy."