Yen & Zen · For travelers
Japanese zodiac (eto)
Find your animal of the twelve earthly branches based on your birth year — the 干支 system you'll see on imperial years, calendars and New Year postcards.
The twelve animals
Ne · Rat
Resourceful, adaptable, charming. Said to be quick-witted and sociable.
Ushi · Ox
Steady, dependable, hard-working. Patient and methodical.
Tora · Tiger
Brave, competitive, charismatic. Natural-born leaders.
U · Rabbit
Gentle, refined, lucky. Diplomatic and aesthetic.
Tatsu · Dragon
Ambitious, energetic, charismatic. The only mythical sign in the cycle.
Mi · Snake
Wise, mysterious, intuitive. Thoughtful and reserved.
Uma · Horse
Free-spirited, energetic, social. Loves travel and movement.
Hitsuji · Sheep
Kind, artistic, calm. Gentle and creative.
Saru · Monkey
Clever, playful, inventive. Sharp problem-solvers.
Tori · Rooster
Honest, hard-working, observant. Punctual and detail-oriented.
Inu · Dog
Loyal, honest, protective. A trustworthy friend.
I · Boar
Generous, sincere, determined. Courageous and warm-hearted.
About the Japanese zodiac
The twelve earthly branches (十二支, jūnishi) form a twelve-year cycle inherited from China. In Japan it's commonly used to refer to years, indicate age indirectly, and decorate New Year postcards (年賀状, nengajō). Each branch is paired with an animal whose folk symbolism is said to reflect a typical character — though, like all sign attributions, it's cultural rather than scientific.