Edited: March 12, 2025

The 12 signs of the Japanese zodiac

Eto - 干支

In Japan, many people believe that the year of a person's birth influences their personality and destiny. Some even consult astrologers to gain insight into love and life decisions.

Interestingly, asking about someone’s zodiac sign can also be a subtle way to estimate their age. Given this, it’s no surprise that some prefer to keep their sign a secret!

Rooted in ancient traditions, the Japanese zodiac is an intriguing aspect of the culture that captivates visitors from around the world. Discover the fascinating origins of these signs and uncover what your zodiac animal reveals about you.

The Origins of the Japanese Zodiac

The Japanese zodiac, like its Chinese counterpart, follows a 12-year cycle, each year associated with a specific animal. The legend behind this tradition tells of a great race organized by the gods to determine the order of the zodiac animals.

The Legend of the 12 Animals

Long ago, a deity invited all the animals to a gathering on the first day of the year. The order of their arrival would decide their placement in the zodiac cycle.

The clever rat, knowing it was small and slow, hitched a ride on the diligent ox. Just as they reached the deity, the rat leaped ahead, securing the first spot. Following them came the ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and finally, the wild boar.

The cat, however, was deceived by the rat, who had falsely told it the meeting was on January 2nd. Arriving too late, the cat was left out of the zodiac, which is why, according to legend, cats and rats remain rivals to this day.

Mouse/Rat

Born: 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, 2032
Traits: Intelligent, charismatic, resourceful, and ambitious
Famous Figures: Emperor Meiji, Crown Prince Naruhito

Cow/Ox

Born: 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021, 2033
Traits: Hardworking, patient, determined, and sometimes stubborn
Famous Figures: Mario from Super Mario Bros. (Now we know why he doesn't mind going through 8 worlds until he manages to rescue the princess!)

Tiger

Born in 1902, 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1988, 2010, 2022
Traits: Brave, competitive, impulsive, and strong-willed
Famous Figures: Hello Kitty (though not rebellious, she exudes a tiger’s charm!)

Rabbit

Born: 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023, 2035
Traits: Gentle, kind, creative, and sometimes reserved
Famous Figures: Tokugawa Ieyasu, Kumamon

Dragon

Born: 1904, 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
Traits: Ambitious, charismatic, confident, and strong-willed
Famous Figures: Shigeru Miyamoto (creator of Super Mario), ASIMO (Honda’s robot)

Snake

Born: 1905, 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2011, 2013, 2025
Traits: Wise, analytical, determined, and sometimes secretive
Famous Figure: Hayao Miyazaki (Director of Studio Ghibli)

Horse

Born: 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026, 2038
Traits: Independent, adventurous, energetic, and free-spirited
Famous Figure: Oda Nobunaga (influential feudal lord)

Sheep

Born: 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027, 2039
Traits: Artistic, kind, gentle, and sometimes insecure
Famous Figure: Akira Toriyama (creator of Dragon Ball)

Monkey

Born: 1908, 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028
Traits: Intelligent, curious, playful, and quick-witted
Famous Figure: Doraemon (ingenious but mischievous!)

Rooster

Born: 1909, 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029
Traits: Hardworking, confident, honest, and sometimes perfectionist
Famous Figure: Murasaki Shikibu (Famous Novelist from the Heian period)

Dog

Born: 1910, 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030
Traits: Loyal, protective, kind, and responsible
Famous Figure: Shinichi Suzuki (musician and inventor of the Suzuki method)

Boar/Wild pig

Born: 1911, 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031
Traits: Brave, determined, honest, and sometimes impulsive
Famous Figure: Kawabata Yasunari (First Japanese writer to win the Nobel Prize for Literature.)

Discover Your Sign and Share with Friends!

Now that you know your Japanese zodiac sign, explore how it aligns with your personality and those of your friends and family. Whether you believe in astrology or not, the Japanese zodiac is a fun and insightful way to connect with Japanese culture.

Are you ready to embrace your destiny according to the Eto(干支)?