Year of the Snake 2025: The 12 Animals of the Zodiac in Japan

The Japanese and Chinese zodiacs share similarities in the concept of a 12-year cycle with each year represented by an animal sign, but they have distinct differences in the animals and years used in their respective zodiac systems. While both zodiacs originate from ancient Chinese astrology, the Japanese zodiac, known as "Eto," has unique animal symbols and cycle elements compared to the Chinese zodiac.
The Chinese zodiac animals in order are: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.
In contrast, the Japanese zodiac animals are: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Boar.
Each zodiac system has unique characteristics, beliefs, and cultural significance associated with the animal signs, making them distinct interpretations of the 12-year cycle. While the concept of a zodiac cycle based on animal signs is shared between Japanese and Chinese cultures, their specific animals, attributes, and interpretations vary, reflecting the cultural diversity and historical influences of each tradition.

Determining your Japanese zodiac sign, known as Eto in Japan, follows a 12-year cycle with each year corresponding to a specific animal sign. To find your Japanese zodiac sign, first, locate your birth year on a list of the 12 animal years in the Eto system. Match your birth year with the associated animal sign to identify your zodiac sign. Alternatively, online resources, zodiac calculators, and charts offer quick and accessible ways to discover your Japanese zodiac sign based on your birth year. By following these steps or using online tools, you can easily ascertain your Eto animal sign, allowing you to explore the traditional astrological associations and characteristics linked to your zodiac symbol.

In the Japanese zodiac system, the year 2024 corresponds to the Dragon. The Dragon is the fifth animal in the Japanese zodiac cycle, following the Sheep (Hitsuji) and preceding the Snake (Hebi). Individuals born in 2024 will be associated with the traits and characteristics traditionally linked to the Dragon in Japanese astrology and culture.

While Japan does not have an official celebration dedicated specifically to the Chinese zodiac, the influence of the Chinese zodiac is prevalent in Japanese culture, particularly during the New Year period. In Japan, the Chinese zodiac animals are incorporated into various aspects of traditional customs, including nengajo (New Year's postcards), decorations, and symbols used to represent each year's animal sign.

Japanese people are generally aware of and familiar with the concept of zodiac signs, both the Western zodiac and the Chinese zodiac. While belief in zodiac signs and astrology varies among individuals in Japan as it does in many cultures, there is a cultural appreciation for the symbolism and characteristics associated with zodiac signs.
In Japan, the Chinese zodiac, known as Eto in Japanese, is particularly influential and commonly used in various aspects of life, such as determining one's personality traits based on their zodiac sign, compatibility with others, and even making predictions for the upcoming year. Many people enjoy reading horoscopes and learning about the traits and fortunes associated with their zodiac sign.
While not everyone may take zodiac signs and astrology seriously, the zodiac retains a popular and cultural significance in Japan, with many individuals engaging with zodiac-related content for entertainment, insights, and a touch of tradition in daily life.