How do I find my Japanese Zodiac sign?

Enter your date of birth on MyZodiacSigns to instantly discover your Japanese Zodiac sign along with detailed personality traits, strengths, and characteristics.

Where does the Japanese Zodiac originate from?

The Japanese Zodiac originates from Japan.

✨MyZodiacSigns

Zodiac Systems

🔮View All Systems ⭐View All Signs

📝Blog ℹ️About 🔒Privacy ✉️Contact Us

Theme

⛩️

Japanese Zodiac

Q: How many signs are in the Japanese Zodiac?

The Japanese Zodiac has 12 signs: Ne (Rat), Ushi (Ox), Tora (Tiger), U (Rabbit), Tatsu (Dragon), Mi (Snake), Uma (Horse), Hitsuji (Sheep), Saru (Monkey), Tori (Rooster), Inu (Dog), Inoshishi (Boar).

Japan • 12 signs

The Japanese Zodiac (Junishi) adapts the Chinese twelve-animal cycle into Japan's rich cultural tapestry. The twelve signs — Ne (Rat), Ushi (Ox), Tora (Tiger), U (Rabbit), Tatsu (Dragon), Mi (Snake), Uma (Horse), Hitsuji (Sheep), Saru (Monkey), Tori (Rooster), Inu (Dog), and Inoshishi (Boar) — incorporate the Gogyo (Five Elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) from Chinese philosophy with distinctly Japanese sensibilities rooted in Shinto and Buddhist traditions. Each animal year carries specific personality traits and fortune predictions, and the system plays a prominent role in Japanese culture, from New Year celebrations to temple rituals.

Make a selection to view signs

Last updated: May 27, 2026

History & Origins of the Japanese Zodiac

The Japanese Zodiac (十二支, Jūnishi — literally "twelve earthly branches") was introduced to Japan from China via Korea around the 6th century CE during a period of intense cultural exchange. While it shares the same 12-animal cycle as the Chinese system, Japanese astrology has developed its own distinctive interpretive traditions, symbolism, and cultural applications over fourteen centuries of use.

The twelve animals in the Japanese system are: Ne (Rat/Mouse), Ushi (Ox/Cow), Tora (Tiger), U (Rabbit/Hare), Tatsu (Dragon), Mi (Snake), Uma (Horse), Hitsuji (Sheep/Goat), Saru (Monkey), Tori (Rooster/Bird), Inu (Dog), and I (Boar/Pig). Each animal year recurs every 12 years and is associated with specific personality traits, compatible signs, and life tendencies.

In Japan, the zodiac calendar (eto) continues to hold significant cultural relevance. It features prominently on New Year's postcards (nengajō), which Japanese people send in the millions each year featuring the current year's animal. The horoscope cycle also influences character goods, temple offerings, and fortune-telling practices at shrines during Hatsumode (the first shrine visit of the year).

Origin	China, adopted Japan ~6th century CE
Calendar basis	Lunisolar (adapted)
Number of signs	12
Key tradition	Nengajō (New Year postcards)
Japanese term	Eto (干支)

All Japanese Zodiac Signs

The Japanese Zodiac encompasses 12 distinct signs, each with unique personality traits, elemental associations, and symbolic meaning rooted in Japan tradition.

Ne (Rat)

Element: Water · Ruling: Mercury

Ne, the Rat, opens the twelve-year cycle of the Juunishi. In Japanese tradition, the Rat is associated with industry and prosperity. Ne-year people are clever strategists who accumulate wisdom and resources with quiet efficiency, always planning several moves ahead.

IndustriousSociableShrewd

Ushi (Ox)

Element: Earth · Ruling: Saturn

Ushi, the Ox, embodies endurance and honest labor. In Japanese culture, oxen are deeply respected for their tireless service. Ushi-year people mirror this — they are dependable, patient, and quietly powerful, earning respect through actions rather than words.

PerseveringMethodicalStrong-willed

Tora (Tiger)

Element: Wood · Ruling: Mars

Tora, the Tiger, is revered in Japan as a symbol of courage and protection against evil. Tora-year people are dynamic forces of nature — bold, magnetic, and fiercely independent. They live with intensity and inspire bravery in those around them.

CourageousMagneticPassionate

U (Rabbit)

Element: Wood · Ruling: Moon

U, the Rabbit, is associated with the moon in Japanese mythology. U-year people are gentle, cultured, and possess a refined sensibility. They are natural peacemakers whose quiet wisdom and artistic nature bring beauty to the everyday.

GracefulPerceptiveDiscreet

Tatsu (Dragon)

Element: Earth · Ruling: Sun

Tatsu, the Dragon, holds special significance in Japanese culture as a divine water mythical figure bringing rain and prosperity. Tatsu-year people are born with an aura of greatness — ambitious, energetic, and destined to leave a lasting mark on the world.

PowerfulVisionaryNoble

Mi (Snake)

Element: Fire · Ruling: Pluto

Mi, the Snake, is associated in Japan with the mythical figure Benzaiten and wisdom. Mi-year people possess a quiet, magnetic allure and a mind that cuts to the heart of every matter. They are the philosophers and mystics of the Juunishi.

PhilosophicalIntuitiveElegant

Uma (Horse)

Element: Fire · Ruling: Mars

Uma, the Horse, symbolizes speed, grace, and freedom in Japanese tradition. Uma-year people are born adventurers with an irrepressible love of life. Their warm energy, quick wit, and restless spirit make them unforgettable companions.

SpiritedIndependentAdventurous

Hitsuji (Sheep)

Element: Earth · Ruling: Venus

Hitsuji, the Sheep, embodies gentleness and artistic spirit. In Japanese tradition, the Sheep is a symbol of filial piety and peaceful coexistence. Hitsuji-year people are creative dreamers whose gentle nature and rich inner world produce art that touches the soul.

ArtisticGentleCompassionate

Saru (Monkey)

Element: Metal · Ruling: Mercury

Saru, the Monkey, is linked to the beloved mythical figure figure of Son Goku in Japanese lore. Saru-year people are the cleverest of the Juunishi — inventive, amusing, and endlessly resourceful. Their sharp minds and playful spirits make every day an adventure.

IngeniousVersatileHumorous

Tori (Rooster)

Element: Metal · Ruling: Sun

Tori, the Rooster, heralds the dawn in Japanese tradition, symbolizing punctuality and the triumph of light. Tori-year people are meticulous, brave, and devoted to excellence. Their sharp eye misses nothing and their honest voice rings clear as a bell at sunrise.

PreciseCourageousForthright

Inu (Dog)

Element: Earth · Ruling: Saturn

Inu, the Dog, is deeply honored in Japan as a symbol of loyalty and protection. Inu-year people are the faithful guardians of the Juunishi — devoted, just, and endlessly compassionate. Their love is steadfast and their moral compass true.

FaithfulJustWarm-hearted

Inoshishi (Boar)

Element: Water · Ruling: Jupiter

Inoshishi, the Boar, closes the Juunishi cycle with bravery and sincerity. In Japanese culture, the wild boar symbolizes courage and determination. Inoshishi-year people are gallant and generous, charging through life with an honest heart and indomitable will.

GallantSincereDetermined

Explore Other Zodiac Systems

♈Western Zodiac 🏛️Egyptian Zodiac 🐉Chinese Zodiac 🔥Persian Zodiac