Do you know what the Japanese zodiac is? You may be familiar with your horoscope sign from Western astrology, such as Aries or Taurus. But in Japan, there is a different system called the “Juunishi”(十二支), the 12-year zodiac cycle of animals. Similar to the Chinese zodiac, but with Japanese flavor. Let’s step into the interesting world of the Japanese zodiac.
What Is the Japanese Zodiac?
The Japanese zodiac constitutes a repeating cycle of 12 years. Each year is also associated with one of the 12 Zodiac animals, and people who are born within that year are thought to have certain similarities with the animal. Here’s a list of the 12 zodiac animals in order:
- Rat (Nezumi)
- Ox (Ushi)
- Tiger (Tora)
- Rabbit (Usagi)
- Dragon (Tatsu)
- Snake (Hebi)
- Horse (Uma)
- Sheep (Hitsuji)
- Monkey (Saru)
- Rooster (Tori)
- Dog (Inu)
- Boar (Inoshishi)
A new cycle starts over once every 12 years, and a person is assigned an “eto,” (their zodiac sign) depending on the year in which they are born. For instance, if you were born in 2000, your Chinese zodiac sign will be the Dragon.
The History of the Japanese Zodiac
The Japanese zodiac was introduced from China over 1,000 years ago. The Chinese calendar was introduced in Japan around the 6th century. The system ended up as part of Japanese society with its own Japanese qualities.
For instance, in the zodiac of the Chinese, the last animal is a Pig. But in the Japanese one it’s a Boar. And while China frequently uses the zodiac for fortune-telling or matchmaking, Japan uses it more for cultural events, parties and personality traits.
How the Zodiac Is Used in Japan Today
1. New Year Celebrations
The Japanese Follow the Zodiac Signs More Than Their Birthdays The zodiac (or as the Japanese call it – eto) is significant in Japan. There is also a “toshi-otoko” or “toshi-onna” — that would be the man who was born in the zodiac year being recognized. Zodiac animal decorations, postcards (nengajo) and gifts are everywhere.
2. Fortune-Telling (Omikuji and Eto Urana)
At temples and shrines, especially around New Year, people pick up fortune slips, known as omikuji. These occasionally include mention of your sun sign. There is also a kind of fortune-telling called eto uranai that is based on your zodiac animal.
3. Personality and Compatibility
A lot of conversation around personality is centered on zodiac signs. For example:
- Tigers are known to be fearless and swaggering.
- Rabbits are calm and friendly.
- Monkeys are both smart and curious.
Some also say that there are zodiac signs that make better friends or lovers.
4. Naming Years
In Japan, years are occasionally identified by their zodiac icon. So the year 2024 is the Year of the Dragon. This method of naming years is commonly used in calendars, ordinary notices, and promotional material.
The 12 Japanese Zodiac Signs: Traits and Meanings
A closer look at each zodiac animal and what it says about the person born in that year:
1. Rat (Nezumi)
- Born Years: 1996, 2008, 2020
- Traits: Smart, charming, quick-witted
2. Ox (Ushi)
- Born Years: 1997, 2009, 2021
- Traits: Hardworking, patient, reliable
3. Tiger (Tora)
- Born Years: 1998, 2010, 2022
- Traits: Brave, passionate, a bit rebellious
4. Rabbit (Usagi)
- Born Years: 1999, 2011, 2023
- Traits: Kind, artistic, gentle
5. Dragon (Tatsu)
- Born Years: 2000, 2012, 2024
- Traits: Strong, ambitious, lucky
6. Snake (Hebi)
- Born Years: 2001, 2013, 2025
- Traits: Wise, graceful, private
7. Horse (Uma)
- Born Years: 2002, 2014, 2026
- Traits: Energetic, free-spirited, friendly
8. Sheep (Hitsuji)
- Born Years: 2003, 2015, 2027
- Traits: Gentle, thoughtful, sensitive
9. Monkey (Saru)
- Born Years: 2004, 2016, 2028
- Traits: Clever, fun, curious
10. Rooster (Tori)
- Born Years: 2005, 2017, 2029
- Traits: Honest, brave, detail-oriented
11. Dog (Inu)
- Born Years: 2006, 2018, 2030
- Traits: Loyal, sincere, trustworthy
12. Boar (Inoshishi)
- Born Years: 2007, 2019, 2031
- Traits: Honest, determined, strong-willed
Japanese Zodiac vs. Western Zodiac
The Japanese and Western zodiacs both share a focus on personality and destiny, but between them lie some significant differences:
- Later in the lesson, the western zodiac is by birth month (Virgo, Leo) and the Japanese zodiac is by birth year.
- Western astrology is based on the sun, moon and planets, while Japanese zodiac is more animal-based and tasked with a yearly rotation.
- Many people in Japan know their Japanese and Western zodiac signs!
How Long Does It Take to Learn Japanese? A Beginner’s Guide >>
Fun Facts About the Japanese Zodiac
- There is also a direction and a time of day assigned to each animal.
- The zodiac animals also served to tell time in ancient times. For instance, the time of the Dragon corresponded from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
- The complete upward-downward cycle also involves five phases (wood, fire, earth, earth, earth, metal, water) with a 60-year Eto Rokujushi cycle.
- Many Japanese count their “Yakudoshi” (unlucky years) based on their zodiac and age.
How to Find Your Japanese Zodiac Sign
It is easy! Simply look up the year you were born and find the corresponding animal above. But beware: the Japanese zodiac is based on the lunar calendar, not the Western calendar. If you were born in January, or early February, your zodiac sign might be the animal from the previous year. You can look up a Japanese zodiac calculator for a more precise answer.
Why Learning About the Japanese Zodiac Is Useful
- Understanding Japanese Culture: The zodiac is reflected in festivals, art, literature, and business culture.
- Enhance Relationships: A surprise conversation starter, and you can contact and understand someone better.
- Self-Discovery: Studying zodiac traits encourages self-reflection on strengths and weaknesses.
Final Thoughts
The Japanese version of the Zodiac is more than just a list of animals. It’s a system that runs deep and is centuries old and continues to play an outsize role in modern Japan. Also, no matter if you are visiting Japan, are learning the language, or just interested in other cultures, the zodiac is fun but also meaningful to know about there.
So, what’s your J-sign? Do you love it for your personality? Let us know in the comment section! And check back for more fun and easy guides to Japanese culture! Sayonara for now!
