Just like the Chinese zodiac, the Japanese zodiac, or juunishi (十二支), operates on a 12-year cycle, with each year represented by a different animal. Known as eto (干支) in Japanese, it shares many similarities with its Chinese counterpart, but with a few key differences.
This article dives into the origins, meanings, and cultural significance of these japanese zodiac signs. We’ll explore the animals, their corresponding traits, and how they’re woven into Japanese culture.
It is worth noting that while the Chinese Zodiac starts with the Lunar New Year, the Japanese Zodiac follows the Gregorian calendar, and thus, the cycle begins on January 1st.