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.
Origins and History of the Japanese Zodiac
The Japanese zodiac, like many aspects of Japanese culture, has its roots in China.
Chinese Origins
The zodiac is closely tied to the lunisolar calendar, an ancient calendar system that plots the year based on the phases of the moon and the sun’s position in the sky. The Japanese adopted and modified the Chinese zodiac system over many centuries.
The Legend of Buddha
One popular story explains how the animals came to be in the order they’re in now. As the legend goes, Buddha (or, in some versions, the Jade Emperor) invited all the animals to a race or a gathering. The order in which they arrived determined their place in the zodiac.
The quick-thinking rat hitched a ride on the ox, jumping off at the last minute to win first place. The diligent ox came in second, followed by the tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and boar.
Variations Between Chinese and Japanese Zodiacs
Although the Japanese zodiac is based on the Chinese zodiac, there are a few subtle differences. For example, the Japanese zodiac uses the “boar” instead of the “pig,” and the “goat” instead of the “sheep.”
The Five Elements
Like Chinese astrology, the Japanese zodiac also incorporates the Five Elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. These elements are believed to interact with the animal signs, adding layers of nuance to personality and destiny.
The elements follow a cyclical pattern, influencing the 60-year cycle of the zodiac. Each year is not only associated with an animal but also with a specific element.
Think of the element as a modifier. For example, a Rat born in a Water year (Water Rat) might be seen as more adaptable, intuitive, and emotionally intelligent than a Rat born in a Fire year (Fire Rat), who might be more passionate and impulsive. Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water each have their own set of traits that combine with the animal’s core characteristics, giving a more detailed reading.
Characteristics of Each Zodiac Sign: Part 1 (Rat to Snake)
Just like Western astrology, each sign in the Japanese zodiac is associated with specific personality traits. Here’s a look at the first six signs:
Rat (Nezumi)
- Years: 2020, 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960
- Traits: Intelligent, resourceful, adaptable
Ox (Ushi)
- Years: 2021, 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961
- Traits: Diligent, dependable, honest
Tiger (Tora)
- Years: 2022, 2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962
- Traits: Courageous, confident, charismatic
Rabbit (Usagi)
- Years: 2023, 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963
- Traits: Gentle, compassionate, artistic
Dragon (Tatsu)
- Years: 2024, 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964
- Traits: Powerful, energetic, lucky
Snake (Hebi)
- Years: 2025, 2013, 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965
- Traits: Intelligent, intuitive, mysterious
Want to know more? Check out Part 2 to learn about the remaining six signs of the Japanese zodiac!
Characteristics of Each Zodiac Sign: Part 2 (Horse to Boar)
Here’s a look at the personality traits associated with the remaining animals in the Japanese zodiac:
Horse (Uma)
- Years: 2026, 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966
- Traits: Energetic, independent, optimistic
Sheep (Hitsuji)
- Years: 2027, 2015, 2003, 1991, 1979, 1967
- Traits: Gentle, compassionate, creative
Monkey (Saru)
- Years: 2028, 2016, 2004, 1992, 1980, 1968
- Traits: Witty, intelligent, mischievous
Rooster (Tori)
- Years: 2029, 2017, 2005, 1981, 1969, 1957
- Traits: Confident, hardworking, punctual
Dog (Inu)
- Years: 2030, 2018, 2006, 1982, 1970, 1958
- Traits: Loyal, honest, protective
Boar (Inoshishi)
- Years: 2031, 2019, 2007, 1983, 1971, 1959
- Traits: Generous, honest, brave
Do these traits describe you? Only time will tell!
Cultural Significance and Traditions
The Japanese zodiac is deeply woven into the fabric of Japanese culture, influencing celebrations, beliefs, and even personal relationships.
New Year Celebrations
The zodiac plays a starring role in New Year festivities. It’s traditional to send New Year’s cards (nengajo) featuring the zodiac animal of the coming year. You’ll also see the zodiac animal prominently displayed in decorations and themes throughout the New Year period.
Yakudoshi: Unlucky Years
The concept of yakudoshi, or unlucky years, is closely linked to the zodiac. Certain years are considered particularly unlucky for men and women. For men, these are typically ages 25, 42, and 61. For women, they’re ages 19, 33, and 37.
During these years, people may take extra precautions or perform special rituals at temples and shrines to ward off bad luck.
Compatibility and Relationships
Many Japanese people believe in compatibility between different zodiac signs. Certain signs are considered to be a good match, while others are thought to be incompatible. The zodiac is sometimes used as a factor when assessing potential romantic partners.
Other Cultural Influences
You’ll often see zodiac animals depicted on ema, the wooden votive tablets found at Shinto shrines. People write their wishes or prayers on these tablets and leave them at the shrine.
In Japan, people born in a particular zodiac year are sometimes referred to as toshi-otoko (men of the year) or toshi-onna (women of the year), adding a special significance to their birth year.
Why isn’t there a cat in the Japanese zodiac?
That’s a great question! There’s a legend about that. Long ago, the Jade Emperor decided to hold a race to determine the order of the zodiac animals. The rat tricked the cat, telling him the wrong date for the race. The cat missed the race entirely and was forever excluded from the zodiac.
This story is so well-known that it’s even referenced in pop culture. For example, the manga “Fruits Basket” uses the zodiac animals and the cat’s exclusion as a major plot point.
Key Takeaways
The Japanese Zodiac, with its roots in ancient Chinese astrology, is a fascinating system that assigns an animal sign to each year in a repeating twelve-year cycle. Each animal is associated with particular personality traits and fortunes, influencing various aspects of Japanese culture, from personal relationships to annual celebrations.
Understanding the Japanese Zodiac provides a unique lens through which to view Japanese traditions and beliefs.
Why not take a moment to explore your own Japanese Zodiac sign and see how its characteristics resonate with you? You might be surprised by what you discover!