Zodiac Signs in Japanese: What Your Japanese Birth Year, Birthdate and Blood Type Say About You

If you have some knowledge of Japanese culture and language, you might already be familiar with 干支 (えと) — the 12-animal zodiac. According to the ancient story, a Chinese deity organized a race for animals, and the first 12 to finish became the zodiac signs. Their finishing order was: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Boar.

This zodiac system is common in many East Asian societies, and numerous people know their animal sign and the current "animal year." So let's explore the zodiac signs in Japanese (covering both Eastern and Western astrology), Japanese blood type beliefs, Japanese imperial eras, and how you can use this knowledge to improve your Japanese skills.

What Is the Japanese Zodiac?

The Japanese zodiac originated in China, where it was a component of traditional Chinese astrology. Initially, it served as a method for tracking time, among other uses.

The 12 animals of the ancient zodiac were also referred to as the 十二支 (じゅうにし) — 12 Earthly Branches. These were paired with the 十干 (じっかん) — 10 Heavenly Stems, representing the five natural elements of Earth, Wood, Water, Fire, and Metal in their yin and yang forms. Together, the Earthly Branches and Heavenly Stems formed a working calendar.

The Japanese zodiac varies from the original Chinese version in a few key aspects:

• The Boar took the place of the Pig.
• The Sheep replaced the Goat (or Ram).
• The solar (Gregorian) calendar was adopted instead of the original lunar calendar used in traditional Chinese timekeeping.

By the way, using a calendar or calculator, you can quickly determine your Japanese zodiac sign.

The 12 Zodiac Signs in Japanese

Rat: 子 (ね)

Animal kanji: 鼠 (ねずみ)

Birth years: 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020

Positive attributes: outgoing, energetic, resourceful

Negative attributes: rude, greedy

As the first sign in the zodiac, the Rat possesses some remarkable traits. Legend says the clever Rat rode on the Ox's back and jumped across the finish line to secure first place.

The Rat represents luck and achievement, so a Rat year is believed to be excellent for new beginnings. While a Rat individual can be highly capable and smart, they might also be difficult to understand and show a tendency toward stinginess.

Ox: 丑 (うし)

Animal kanji: 牛 (うし)

Birth years: 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021

Positive attributes: hardworking, earnest, trustworthy

Negative attributes: narrow-minded, constrained

Given Asia's strong agricultural history, it's understandable that many of its cultures attach importance to the ever-reliable Ox.

The Ox rejects idleness and recognizes the value of combining patience with diligent effort. However, Ox people can also be quite obstinate and prefer to stick to their chosen course, making it challenging to convince them to change their views or consider different perspectives.

Tiger: 寅 (とら)

Animal kanji: 虎 (とら)

Birth years: 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022

Positive attributes: brave, confident, passionate

Negative attributes: temperamental, impulsive

The fierce Tiger is a highly respected animal in East Asian culture, often portrayed as a creature that rivals or is just below the powerful Dragon.

A Tiger person will accomplish tasks with energy and intelligence. They are not afraid to express their care for others, giving them great leadership potential. However, they often have fluctuating and unpredictable natures that can create problems in their lives and relationships.

Rabbit: 卯 (う)

Animal kanji: 兎 (うさぎ)

Birth years: 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023

Positive attributes: elegant, talented, tactful

Negative attributes: gullible, bendable will

Those born in the Year of the Rabbit are often seen as respectable and motivated individuals.

You can certainly rely on a Rabbit person to perform a task gracefully. Conversely, they could be easily tricked or find themselves being taken advantage of by dishonest people.

Dragon: 辰 (たつ)

Animal kanji: 竜 (りゅう)

Birth years: 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024

Positive attributes: steadfast, noble, brave

Negative attributes: short-tempered, uncontrollable

The Dragon is a tremendously significant creature in Asian mythology, symbolizing supernatural elegance and power. In fact, the origin story of the zodiac states the Dragon did not come in first because it stopped to assist others during the race.

A Dragon individual tends to be charismatic, distinctive, and inspiring because of their resolute character. However, much like the great lizards of legend, they are inclined to lose control of their emotions and choices.

Snake: 巳 (み)

Animal kanji: 蛇 (へび)

Birth years: 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025

Positive attributes: observant, wise, persistent

Negative attributes: indifferent, negatively introverted

While Western culture frequently portrays snakes negatively, Asian culture views these sleek, graceful creatures more favorably. In the myth, the Snake recognized its physical limitations and rode on the Horse, staying hidden until the finish line.

Snake people are thought to be intelligent and contemplative, as well as particularly adept with finances. But the Snake can also appear aloof, especially since they are not prone to sharing their thoughts and true emotions with others.

Horse: 午 (うま)

Animal kanji: 馬 (うま)

Birth years: 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026

Positive attributes: sociable, charming, determined

Negative attributes: impatient, inconsiderate

Similar to their animal counterpart, a Horse person is lively and enjoys staying active—whether on a personal endeavor or a new social activity. They exude enough charm to attract many admirers.

On the other hand, the Horse can become easily bored and quickly lose motivation when things don't go their way. Their friendly demeanor can sometimes be perceived as intrusive.

Sheep: 未 (ひつじ)

Animal kanji: 羊 (ひつじ)

Birth years: 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027

Positive attributes: creative, kind, considerate, passionate

Negative attributes: indecisive, overly meek

It's interesting to note that the Japanese zodiac often sees the Sheep as least compatible with the Ox, even though both animals are four-legged farm creatures.

Like the animal, the Sheep is said to be peaceful and group-oriented, as well as artistically skilled. But while obedience is a desirable trait in the actual animal, a Sheep person might be viewed as too unsure of themselves.

Monkey: 申 (さる)

Animal kanji: 猿 (さる)

Birth years: 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028

Positive attributes: clever, versatile, resourceful

Negative attributes: manipulative, short-sighted

East Asian cultures hold a particular respect for monkeys. They are often seen as intelligent and agile—creatures that think as quickly as they move.

The zodiac Monkey is one of the most adept of the 12 signs at getting out of tricky situations when necessary. However, the Monkey can also be arrogant and unpredictable, and doesn't always think about the outcomes of their actions. A Monkey is especially compatible with other intelligent zodiac members, such as the Rat and the Snake.

Rooster: 酉 (とり)

Animal kanji: 鶏 (とり)

Birth years: 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029

Positive attributes: diligent, devoted, independent

Negative attributes: overambitious, aggressive

The Japanese term for rooster is technically 雄鶏 (おんどり), but the zodiac form might simply use 鶏 (にわとり) — chicken. More commonly, the Japanese zodiac refers to the rooster as 酉 (とり), which sounds like a reference to a general bird.

A Rooster individual likes to stay occupied, takes satisfaction in their work, and doesn't avoid challenges or voicing their opinions. They can become overly confident or ambitious, however, which might lead to severe disappointment if they don't reach their objectives.

Dog: 戌 (いぬ)

Animal kanji: 犬 (いぬ)

Birth years: 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030

Positive attributes: loyal, honest, down-to-earth

Negative attributes: stubborn, overly critical

Loyalty is the defining trait of humanity's best friend, and the zodiac Dog shares this quality. The Dog is frequently described as the most faithful and conscientious of the zodiac signs.

A Dog person may be careful when building relationships, but once they form a bond, they will value it deeply. The Dog might have trouble giving or receiving criticism, and their occasional inflexibility can make them challenging to handle at times.

Boar: 亥 (い)

Animal kanji: 猪 (いのしし)

Birth years: 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031

Positive attributes: self-empowered, honest, humble

Negative attributes: short-tempered, naïve

Some versions of the zodiac story claim the Boar finished last because of the animal's inherent idleness. Others say it was due to overexertion—in one telling, the Boar actually ran past the presiding god and had to turn back.

A Boar person has commendable inner strength, vitality, and sincerity—all traits that make for good, genuine friends. They can be easily angered and firm in their opinions, though, particularly if you end up on their unfavorable side.

Japanese Horoscopes

Western astrological zodiac signs—known as 星座 (せいざ)—are also part of Japanese horoscope readings. The corresponding dates and traits for each sign stay the same–really, only the names are different.

Aries: 牡羊座 (おひつじざ)

Sign of the Ram

• Dates: March 21—April 19
• Characteristics: Optimistic, bold, genuine, impatient, reckless

Taurus: 牡牛座 (おうしざ)

Sign of the Ox

• Dates: April 20—May 20
• Characteristics: Pragmatic, hardworking, steadfast, stubborn, brooding

Gemini: 双子座 (ふたござ)

Sign of the Twins

• Dates: May 21—June 20
• Characteristics: Creative, curious, adaptable, indecisive, anxious

Cancer: 蟹座 (かにざ)

Sign of the Crab

• Dates: June 21—July 22
• Characteristics: Caring, loyal, protective, suspicious, sensitive

Leo: 獅子座 (ししざ)

Sign of the Lion

• Dates: July 23—August 22
• Characteristics: Passionate, friendly, generous, arrogant, overbearing

Virgo: 乙女座 (おとめざ)

Sign of the Virgin

• Dates: August 23—September 22
• Characteristics: Kind, reliable, humble, critical, uptight

Libra: 天秤座 (てんびんざ)

Sign of the Scales

• Dates: September 23—October 22
• Characteristics: Diplomatic, empathetic, well-tempered, irresponsible, begrudging

Scorpio: 蠍座 (さそりざ)

Sign of the Scorpion

• Dates: October 23—November 21
• Characteristics: Brave, ambitious, honest, jealous, controlling

Sagittarius: 射手座 (いてざ)

Sign of the Archer

• Dates: November 22—December 21
• Characteristics: Adventurous, intelligent, enthusiastic, impatient, disorganized

Capricorn: 山羊座 (やぎざ)

Sign of the Goat

• Dates: December 22—January 19
• Characteristics: Tenacious, grounded, responsible, hard to please, pessimistic

Aquarius: 水瓶座 (みずがめざ)

Sign of the Water Bearer

• Dates: January 20—February 18
• Characteristics: Resourceful, fair, independent, standoffish, rebellious

Pisces: 魚座 (うおざ)

Sign of the Fish

• Dates: February 19—March 20
• Characteristics: Thoughtful, artistic, intuitive, low self-esteem, lazy

Japanese Blood Type Personalities

Genetic blood types, known as 血液型 (けつえきがた ) in Japanese, are also viewed as personality indicators in Japan, as well as in other East Asian nations. Admittedly, the system isn't regarded as a precise science, but it does appear in social settings occasionally.

Most Japanese people have Type A blood, while Type AB is the least common within the population. There are also suggested compatibility systems between the different types. Here are some very general traits for each blood type:

• Type A: A型 (えーがた) — diligent, organized, clever, perfectionist, anxious, sensitive
• Type B: B型 (びーがた) — thoughtful, passionate, creative, selfish, stubborn, impatient
• Type O: O型 (おーがた) — confident, outgoing, generous, condescending, insensitive, jealous
• Type AB: AB型 (えーびーがた) — reliable, practical, adaptable, indecisive, erratic, critical

Japanese Eras and Birth Years

Japan has a unique era calendar based on the reigns of its emperors. The era is named after the emperor, and years are counted sequentially until a new emperor ascends, at which point the count resets to Year 1. This method is known as 元号 (げんごう).

The 1900s to 2000s include these monarchs:

• Emperor Taishō: 大正 (たいしょう) — July 30, 1912 to December 25, 1926
• Emperor Shōwa: 昭和 (しょうわ) — December 25, 1926 to January 7, 1989
• Emperor Heisei: 平成 (へいせい) — January 8, 1989 to April 30, 2019
• Emperor Reiwa: 令和 (れいわ) — May 1, 2019 to present

If you're talking about an era, you would add the term 時代 (じだい) to the emperor's reign name. For instance, the Taishō Era would be the 大正時代 (たいしょうじだい).

Using this system, here are some examples of how your birth years would be converted:

• Birth year 1980 = Shōwa 55 (since 1980 is the 55th year of Emperor Shōwa's reign)
• Birth year 1991 = Heisei 3 (three years after the Heisei era started in 1989)
• Birth year 2020 = Reiwa 2 (two years after Emperor Reiwa's reign began in 2019)

This system is still used in many Japanese contexts, from informal meetings to significant political events. However, there is continuing discussion about its overall relevance in modern times.

Why Learn the Japanese Zodiac?

Of course, learning the zodiac signs is an enjoyable way to pick up some Japanese animal vocabulary. But there's a little more to it than that:

• They help you comprehend superstitions in Japanese culture. For example, it was thought that the year 1966 experienced a sharp drop in Japan's birth rate because of the "curse" of the 丙午 (ひのえうま) — Fire Horse.
• The zodiac remains a method of Japanese fortune telling. Similar to believers in the Western zodiac system, those who trust in the Japanese zodiac depend on their horoscopes for guidance and comfort concerning their fate, relationships, etc.
• Significant zodiac-related ceremonies are still observed today. For example, the 還暦 (かんれき) ceremony is conducted when someone turns 60 years old, as that signifies the completion of one zodiac cycle and the start of a "new cycle" in that person's life.
• The Japanese zodiac remains culturally significant. Some shrines in Japan are devoted to a specific zodiac animal. Visitors can write wishes on prayer boards called 絵馬 (えま), which often feature the relevant animal. You'll also find references to the zodiac in TV programs, films, and other native Japanese media like the kind you'll discover on Lingflix (where you'll also find many other vocabulary and cultural insights). Lingflix uses authentic videos—such as music videos, movie trailers, news, and inspiring talks—and converts them into personalized language learning lessons. You can try Lingflix for free for 2 weeks. Visit the website to learn more. P.S. Click here to take advantage of our current sale! (Expires at the end of this month.)
• Many Japanese people place extra focus on the zodiac during the New Year period. If you visit Japan near the year's end, you'll notice a plethora of items featuring the animal for the upcoming year.

So, how well do you identify with your zodiac animal?

Remember the Japanese zodiac around New Year's as well, to see what the coming year might bring!