
JAPANESE HOROSCOPE – LEARN THE ZODIAC SIGNS FROM THE COUNTRY OF CHERRY BLOSSOMS
All around the world people believe that the arrangement of celestial bodies influences their life and determines the character, and that knowledge about planets and stars helps predict the future. Asian and European cultures differ in many aspects, such as religion and customs. This is also the case when it comes to the calendar and to zodiac signs. If you are curious about a Japanese horoscope, you must read this article.
Japanese blood type horoscope
It is widely believed in the Country of Cherry Blossoms that blood types determines the personality, predispositions and behaviours, as well as relations with others. The origins of this theory are attributed to Japanese professor Takeji Furukawa, who published an article characterising people with specific blood types in 1930. The ketsueki-gata idea is so popular to this day that horoscopes in newspapers and TV shows are based on blood types, and books about this subject are true bestsellers. Besides, blood types are used to choose the right partner. The best couples are made of people with the same blood types, while people with AB blood cells can partner with anyone.
Character according to blood types
40% of the Japanese have blood type A. According to horoscope, they are peaceful, polite, responsible and patient. They do not feel comfortable in large groups of people, they tend to be stubborn and they become stressed easily. People with blood type B are individuals focused on pursuing their own goals. They are guided by reason, and may appear as indifferent and distanced. Type 0 is believed to entail optimism and leadership skills. Those who have it are seen as energetic and open. But they have a problem with punctuality. People with blood type AB combine the features attributed to both A and B, which is why they are considered complicated, unpredictable and eccentric.
Japanese zodiac signs
Japan follows the Chinese astrological system divided into 12 signs (Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig). Such division is connected with the Jupiter cycle around the Sun, which lasts about 12 years. Every year is represented by a different zodiac sign and the related characteristics. There are additionally 5 elements, known as Celestial Stems (water, earth wood, fire, metal), which change every year, giving a different spiritual colour to a particular sign.
Animal nature
According to Chinese horoscope, people born under a particular zodiac sign have qualities characteristic of the assigned animals. Rat – it is meticulous, intelligent, clever, ambitious and practical. Its vices are obstinacy and vindictiveness.
Ox – responsible, thorough, generous and caring but also jealous, stubborn and petty.
Tiger – its virtues are: courage, confidence, honesty and thoroughness. Unfortunately, it also tends to be reckless, selfish and impulsive.
Rabbit – it is sensitive, well-mannered, modest and tactful but also shy and prone to hypochondria.
Dragon – noble, ambitious and dignified, vigorous and strong but also ruthless, lordly and arrogant.
Snake – characterised by wisdom and empathy, sharp and honourable. Its negative qualities are seriousness and indifference.
Horse – pleasant, intelligent, independent and cheerful, tends to be restless, fickle and selfish.
Goat – the strengths of this sign are: creativity, generosity and empathy, and vices: irresponsibility and laziness.
Monkey – it is versatile, witty, intelligent and full of life but also headstrong, conceited and manipulative.
Rooster – brave, witty, loyal and hard-working. Its greatest vices are: pretentiousness, tendency not to honour its promises.
Dog – people born under this zodiac sign are honest, loyal and devoted to their loved ones. Still, they can be mean and unpleasant.
Pig – very social, honest and funny. Its greatest vices are: lack of self-discipline and hot-headedness.
Japanese numerology
Legend has it that Hideyoshi’s horoscope originated in the court of the first shogun almost a thousand five hundred years ago. A numerology horoscope assumes assigning the right planet or star to a specific number. To find your Japanese zodiac sign, add all the digits from your date of birth, and keep adding up the digits of the result until you get a one-digit value. Horoscopes and fortune telling have accompanied people for thousands of years. Some are based on ancient traditions and science, and others – on completely new observations. Regardless of their type and origin, even very modern societies want to believe that this will help them take a peek into the future.



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2021 is the Year of the Ox! Learn about the Japanese Zodiac
The Chinese animal zodiac (eto) was introduced in Japan around the third to the fourth century. It was mainly employed as a way of indicating the day, month, year, time of the day, orientation in space, as well as the order in a sequence of events in a symbolical form.
As there are twelve animals in the zodiac, it is also referred to as juni-shi ("the twelve branches", with juni meaning "twelve" in Japanese), as the cycle rotates every twelve years. The animal of the year changes on January first.
Picture from 3 Recommended Routes to Take in Ueno Zoo
子 (Ne): Rat
丑 (Ushi): Ox
寅 (Tora): Tiger
卯 (U): Rabbit
辰 (Tatsu): Dragon
巳 (Mi): Snake
午 (Uma): Horse
未 (Hitsuji): Sheep
申 (Saru): Monkey
酉 (Tori): Rooster
戌 (Inu): Dog
亥 (Inoshishi): Wild Boar
Finding the Twelve Zodiac Signs at a Shrine
At Japanese shrines, you will often see a lot of objects related to the twelve animals of the zodiac. For example, at Hakuto Shrine (Tottori Prefecture) you'll find the rabbit, while Gou Shrine (Kyoto) is dedicated to the sign of the wild boar.
These zodiac symbols are often found around shrines throughout Japan, so be sure to look when visiting. If you research the myths and legends regarding the connection between eto and the shrines you will get a sense of just how long their history really is.
Picture from Try an Omikuji (Paper Fortune) at Sensoji (Asakusa)
During Hatsumode (the first shrine visit of the year), many people purchase omikuji (paper fortune slip). Though many kinds of omikuji exist, the eto-mikuji, which means drawing out the fortune-telling paper for the year you were born in, is one of the most popular.
The paper eto oracles found at Shimogamo Shrine and the Toyokuni Shrine in Kyoto, are placed inside a small ceramic animal-shaped object. After you've had fun reading them, you can look forward to taking this cute item home and placing it in your room. They are of course wonderful souvenirs.
The Twelve Animals of the Zodiac and the New Year
You will encounter objects reminding of the Twelve Animals of the Zodiac especially around the New Year, especially when it comes to writing New Years' greeting cards (nengajo). The Twelve Animal Signs of the Asian Zodiac are incorporated into the New Year postcards and stamps, so it's something that everybody naturally becomes aware of during this time of the year.
Picture from 3 Recommended Routes to Take in Ueno Zoo
During the New Year season, women and men who were born in the same year as the current juni-shi are called "toshi-otoko" (men), and "toshi-onna" (women). The word "toshi" means year, and "otoko" and "onna" mean "man" and "woman" respectively. It marks a critical turning point in their lives and it feels a little bit special.
2020 is the Year of the Rat (nezumi-doshi in Japanese), so any cards and talismans with illustrations of mice (nezumi) and hedgehogs (harinezumi) are considered auspicious this year. 2021 is the Year of Ox (ushi-doshi) so look out for seasonal greeting cards decorated with cute cows.
The Japanese are not always consciously aware of the zodiac signs. However, it is something that remains rooted in everyday life.
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The Twelve Signs of the Japanese Zodiac
The Japanese zodiac (Juunishi) is divided into 12 blocks with each block containing a group of years. The years in each block are 12 years apart from the previous or following year (in that block only). Each block is given a name of an animal based on the ancient Chinese concept that all time shifts are based on these twelve units. In Japan, the adoption of the twelve-year cycle, with a different animal representing each block, is fairly common.
Those individuals born during a particular year were said to inherit some of the personalities of that year's animal. Have a look below to see what year and animal you are.
Rat (nezumi)
Born 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960, 1948, 1936, 1924, 1912. People born in the year of the Rat are charming, honest, ambitious, and have a tremendous capacity for pursuing a course to its end. They will work hard for their goals. They are easily angered but maintain an outward show of control.
Ox (ushi)
Born 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961, 1949, 1937, 1925, 1913. People born in the year of the Ox are patient, mentally alert and when required to speak are skillful. They have a gift for inspiring confidence in others. This allows them to achieve a great deal of success.
Tiger (tora)
Born 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962, 1950, 1938, 1926, 1914. People born in the year of the Tiger are sensitive, stubborn, short-tempered, courageous, selfish and slightly mean ... yet they are deep thinkers and are capable of great sympathy for those they are close to and love.
Rabbit (usagi)
Born 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963, 1951, 1939, 1927, 1915. People born in the year of the Rabbit are the most fortunate. They are smooth talkers, talented, ambitious, virtuous and reserved. They have exceedingly fine taste and are regarded with admiration and trust.
Dragon (tatsu)
Born 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964, 1952, 1940, 1928, 1916. People born in the year of the Dragon are healthy, energetic, excitable, short-tempered and stubborn. However, they are honest, sensitive, brave and can inspire trust in most anyone. They are the most peculiar of the 12 signs of the Zodiac cycle.
Snake (hebi)
Born 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965, 1953, 1941, 1929, 1917. People born in the year of the Snake are deep thinkers, speak very little and possess tremendous wisdom. They are fortunate in money matters and will always be able to obtain it. They are determined in what they do and hate to fail.
Horse (uma)
Born 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966, 1954, 1942, 1930, 1918, 1906. People born in the year of the Horse are skillful in paying compliments and talk too much. They are skillful with money and handle finances well. They are quick thinkers, wise and talented. Horse people anger easily and are very impatient.
Sheep (hitsuji)
Born 2003, 1991, 1979, 1967, 1955, 1943, 1931, 1919, 1907. People born in the year of the Sheep are elegant, highly accomplished in the arts, passionate about nature. At first glance, they seem to be better off than the people born in other years. They are deeply religious and passionate in whatever they do and believe in.
Monkey (saru)
Born 2004, 1992, 1980, 1968, 1956, 1944, 1932, 1920, 1908. People born in the year of the Monkey are the erratic geniuses of the Zodiac cycle. They are clever and skillful in grand-scale operations and are smart when making financial deals. They are inventive, original and are able to solve the most difficult problems with ease.
Rooster (tori)
Born 2005, 1981, 1969, 1957, 1945, 1933, 1921, 1909. People born in the year of the Rooster are deep thinkers and are always busy and devoted to their work. They always want to do more than they are able, and if they undertake a task beyond their abilities, they are disappointed. Rooster people have a habit of speaking out directly whenever they have something on their minds.
Dog (inu)
Born 2006, 1982, 1970, 1958, 1946, 1934, 1922, 1910. People born in the year of the Dog have all the fine qualities of human nature. They have a sense of duty and loyalty, they are extremely honest and always do their best in their relationship with other people. Dog people inspire confidence in others and know how to keep secrets.
Boar (inoshishi)
Born 2007, 1983, 1971, 1959, 1947, 1935, 1923, 1911. People born in the year of the Boar are brave. They have tremendous inner strength which no one can overcome. They display great honesty. They are short-tempered, yet hate to quarrel or have arguments. They are affectionate and kind to their loved ones.
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Last Update: July 2014, Added photo; also added note on constellations
ZODIAC CALENDAR & LORE
Kanshi (or Eto) 干支 = Zodiac Calendar
Jūnishi (Junishi) 十二支 = 12 Zodiac Animals
Origin = China
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The Chinese Zodiac is the preeminent calendar of old-world Asia. Its 60-year (sexagenary) cycle is still of crucial importance to modern art historians, for it helps them pinpoint the date of artwork made in earlier times. Although the Chinese Zodiac is based on a 60-year cycle, most folks only know about the 12-year cycle associated with 12 Zodiac animals.
The Chinese Zodiac differs in many crucial respects from the Western Zodiac, and the two should not be confused. The former is based on a lunar year and five 12-year sub-cycles, while the latter revolves around a 12-month solar year. The Chinese zodiac, moreover, is not equated with constellations, as is the occidental zodiac. However, Chinese astrology does in fact incorporate numerous concepts from the Hellenistic zodiac and from Indo-Iranian astrology, including the Nine Luminaries & the 28 Lunar Mansions.
Most scholars believe the Chinese Zodiac originated well before the Historical Buddha’s birth in India (who was born around 500 BC). In China, the earliest depictions of the 12 Zodiac animals appear in tomb-ceiling paintings dated to 533 BC <source: NY Metropolitan Museum of Art>. China’s Zodiac system grew more elaborate and complex over the centuries, but its importance in China ensured its acceptance elsewhere, and thus it greatly influenced and colored the subsequent development of Buddhist traditions throughout Asia. In China, where Buddhism was introduced in the 1st & 2nd centuries AD, the 12 Zodiac animals became associated with Buddhism’s 12 Heavenly Generals as early as the Sui Dynasty (581-618).
When Buddhism arrived in Japan in the mid-6th century AD, the Japanese eagerly imported both the Buddhist teachings and the Zodiac calendar -- the calendar was officially adopted in 604 AD. In Japan, the Zodiac calendar is known as Kanshi 干支 (also read Eto), and the 12 animals of the Zodiac are known as the Jūni Shi (Juni Shi) 十二支. The Zodiac’s popularity in Japan peaked during the Edo Era (1600-1868 AD), by which time each of the 12 animals were commonly associated with one of eight Buddhist patron protector deities (four guarding the four cardinal directions and four guarding the four semi-directions; the latter four are each associated with two animals, thus covering all 12 animals). At many Japanese temples even today, visitors can purchase small protective amulets or carvings of their patron Buddhist-Zodiac deity. In Japan, the lunar calendar was abandoned in 1872 in favor of the solar (Gregorian) calendar, but even today many temples and shrines continue to use the lunar calendar for important festivals and events. For details, see Zodiac Lunar Trivia in Japan below.
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ZODIAC COMPONENTS
The Zodiac is based on a number of important Chinese systems of thought that were transmitted to Japan along with Confucian, Taoist, and Buddhist philosophies between the 6th and 8th centuries AD. The main components are discussed in order below, followed by a calenderic chart that combines all these elements for the years 1924 through 2043:
TEN STEMS or TEN HEAVENLY STEMS. The ten stems are a cyclic numeric system that date back to China’s Shang Dynasty (1600 - 1046 BC). They correspond to the ten days of the ten-day week used by Shang rulers (these days relate to ten suns that appeared in a ten-day cycle in ancient Chinese mythology). The stem names also appear in the names given the early Shang kings. The ten are combined with the 12 zodiac animals (the “12 Branches,” see below) to form 60 two-symbol units. Each unit represents a year in the Zodiac calendar, and the 60-year cycle is known as the sexagenary cycle. The cycle was repeated ad infinitum for counting years in China. In Japan, the sexagenary system was adopted in 604 AD by Empress Suiko, and is known as Jikkan Jūnishi 十干十二支 (literally “10 stems and 12 branches”). The current 60-year cycle started in 1984. Alternate readings (names) for the ten stems were derived by combining the Five Elements with yin-yang dualism, yielding ten “alternate” combinations. For a complete listing of the 10 stems and 12 branches, see lunar charts below.
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TWELVE BRANCHES, TWELVE ANIMALS
The 12 branches (animals) are combined with the above 10 stems to form 60 two-symbol units. Each unit represents a year in the zodiac calendar, and the 60-year cycle is known as the sexagenary cycle. The twelve branches correspond to the twelve stations Jupiter passes through in one revolution around the sun, which were in turn associated with the 12 animals. At the same time, each Zodiac animal represents one year of a twelve-year cycle, a day in a twelve-day cycle, a two-hour period in each day, and a compass direction. Says the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York: “The twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac are well-known symbols associated with forecasting people's futures and determining their character. By the 4th century BC, they were well established in Chinese thought. The earliest depictions appear in ceiling paintings from a tomb dated 533 BC. During the Tang dynasty, pottery representations of these symbols were placed in tombs, reflecting the court's fascination with divination and astrology.” <End quote by Metropolitan Museum of Art. The above photo of the Twelve Zodiac Animals comes from the museum as well; Qing dynasty (1644-1911); 19th century; Nephrite; Gift of Heber R. Bishop, 1902>
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Japanese zodiac 1993
Japanese horoscope
The 12 signs of the Japanese zodiac
Ten - 干支
In Japan, many people believe that the year of a person's birth, to some extent affects his character, and it may even be useful to consult an astrologer if someone should find love.
On the other hand, being interested in someone else's sign can often be a polite way to find out their age. If we give credit to this theory, it is not surprising that many women choose not to give a direct answer.
In addition to their amazing customs, the Japanese are different from the rest of the world with astrology and the things they believe in, the signs of the Japanese horoscope are a perfect invitation for all people who want to know what the predictions for their life are.
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The Origin Story of the Zodiac
The origins of the Japanese Zodiac beliefs are derived from the Chinese concept of the zodiac and the adoption of the twelve-year cycle.
A long, long time ago God decided to gather 12 animals in order to create the zodiac.
He asked the animals to meet on January 1st letting them know that the selection would be in accordance with the order in which they were arriving.
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During the talk, the cat was late and asked the mouse what was going on.
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The mouse replied that the animals were going to meet on January 2nd for the selection of the animals of the zodiac.
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When the date arrived, the animals began to move for the meeting, of all the animals the cow was the slowest of all, so he decided to get up very early to start the road and arrive on time. The mouse took advantage of the fact that the cow left early and climbed on the back of the cow, upon arriving in front of the God who had summoned them, the mouse jumped from the cow's back to be the first animal to arrive.
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Then came the cow, the tiger, the rabbit, the dragon, the snake, the horse, the sheep, the monkey, the rooster, the dog and finally the wild pig.
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When the cat arrived, he realized that he had been deceived by the mouse and that is how he began to chase the mouse to this day swearing that he would never forgive the mouse for his deceit.
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After reading this story, would you like to know what is your sign? Then you can find what it is your friends sign too.
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Mouse/Rat
Born in 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, 2032
The people of the year of the mouse are people with a lot of intuition and stealthy attitude, they are very good leaders and it is very difficult to deceive them. They are very charismatic and passionate people, they like money and power very much, they are very observant and live in the pursuit of perfection. Two very famous people from Japan born in the year of the mouse are Crown Prince Naruhito and Emperor Meiji.
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Cow/Ox
Born: 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021, 2033
People born in the year of the cow are very serious and modest, in addition to that every time they embark on a new project they do not give up until they complete their goal, but at the same time, they are usually closed-minded and do not like to listen to opinions. They know the meaning of a promise, and they are very patient. One of Japan's famous characters of the year of the cow is Mario from Super Mario Bros. Now we know why he doesn't mind going through 8 worlds until he manages to rescue the princess.
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Tiger
Born in 1902, 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1988, 2010, 2022
The people of the year of the tiger follow their impulses to give into their emotion, whether its to make friends or to make a work group and even when they want to take revenge in some situations. They are very competitive; they don't give up, and they really like the feeling of winning. They are usually rebellious. A very famous character from Japan that is of the year of the tiger is Hello Kitty although she is never fighting or is not a rebel, perhaps for being a very happy and cheerful cat.
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Rabbit
Born: 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023, 2035
People of the year of the rabbit are usually sweet, tender and can be said in a few words that they are kawaii. But sometimes they are reserved, though regarded with trust. They hate conflicts, as well as difficult situations. Another feature they have is that they are very sentimental and always try to see the positive aspects of life, although sometimes they build their own fantasy world. Two celebrities from Japan who were born in the year of the rabbit are Kumamon and Tokugawa Ieyasu.
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Dragon
Born: 1904, 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
People born in the year of the dragon are unique, original, as well as ambitious in the sense of self-improvement. They are also charismatic- nothing stops them from achieving their success, when others think that something is impossible or simply cannot, they do anything to achieve it. They feel very strong and powerful with extraordinary self-confidence and a quick-temper, and never forget to help the weakest. Two famous people from Japan of the year of the dragon are ASIMO and Shigeru Miyamoto who is considered the father of video games because, at a time when nobody knew how to route the market, he knew how to do it and took control.
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Snake
Born in 1905, 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2011, 2013, 2025
The people of the year of the snake think things well before speaking and are also very thoughtful people, but when they are going to give their opinion, they become frivolous and distant making their words very precise.
They reach their goals, even if they do not reach them directly because they always look for the right moment to reach them, they are usually very wise, distrustful and logical. A very famous person from Japan who is of the year of the snake is Hayao Miyazaki, he is reputed to be distant from people and sometimes he is taken as an unfriendly person, but this really is because he surely wants to be focused on his work without distractions.
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Horse
Born: 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026, 2038
People born in the year of the horse do not like to work for other people because they appreciate their freedom very much, they do not like ties, they like unforeseen change and never let opportunities pass, although sometimes they tend to be a bit imprudent. They are people of free, charismatic and elegant spirits. One of the famous people of Japan-born in the year of the horse was Oda Nobunaga Daimyou (an important feudal lord).
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Sheep
Born: 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027, 2039
People born in the year of the sheep are very artistic and creative people always seeking other people. Sometimes they are a little insecure of themselves, but they are also noble and generous. A famous person in Japan born in the year of the sheep is Akira Toriyama, author of Dragon Ball.
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Monkey
Born in 1908, 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028
People of the year of the monkey can only be happy when they are in constant movement and with a lot of stimulation, they are very curious, versatile and intelligent, but sometimes they are conniving and calculating, though this makes them excellent problem solvers.
They are very funny and love carefree life, this sometimes seems arrogance, but it's just simplicity. They are very witty and inventive, but they get bored very fast and are always in search of something new. A very famous character from Japan who is of the year of the monkey is Doraemon who is intelligent but also sometimes a little cheater.
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Rooster
Born: 1909, 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029
People of the year of the rooster do not accept advice and are extremely independent, they trust themselves 100%, they are very organized and precise, but sometimes they suffer from ignoring the advice of others, they always defend the rights of other people, they are very brave and resourceful. One of the very famous people in Japan born in the year of the rooster was Murasaki Shikebu, a famous novelist.
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Dog
Born: 1910, 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030
Those born in the year of the dog constantly change their mood and like to be abroad in contact with nature even one of their best activities is to read books in a park. They are protectors of their family and their friends are very loyal, honest, intelligent, eloquent and protectors of the weak with a strong sense of duty. A famous person from Japan born in the year of the dog is Suzuki Shinishi, musician and inventor of the Suzuki method for children to learn to play the violin, the piano among other instruments.
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Boar/Wild pig
Born in 1911, 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031
People born in the year of the wild boar are very intelligent and enjoy the study, they love the good things in life especially eating and resting, they are specialists in being happy even for the simplest things in life. Sometimes they may seem lazy but the reality is that they know when and how to rest. They are tolerant, sensitive and optimistic, always happy and relaxed. A famous person in Japan of the year of the wild pig was Kawabata Yasunari, a writer who marked history in 1968, as he was the first Japanese to win the Nobel Prize for Literature.
Is there a lot of similarity with you and your Japanese zodiac sign? (干支 - Ten)
Thank you for reading, until next time!
Japanese Birth Year Animals
were originally adopted from Chinese astrology following the arrival of Buddhism in Japan in the mid-6th Century AD. Although this lunar calendar has since been replaced by the solar (Gregorian) calendar in everyday use, it is still used by many Japanese temples and shrines for important events and retains its role in the practice of divination throughout Asia and much of the western world.
Here we give a brief introduction to Japanese birth year animals followed by a description of the personality traits associated with each one.
Introduction to the Japanese Zodiac calendar
This information has been extracted from the popular A-to-Z Photo Dictionary of Japan's Buddhist & Shinto Deities by Mark Schumacher, an independent scholar of Japanese Buddhist statuary.
Based on the lunar cycle, this complex astrological system was devised to mark the date and time in the Chinese imperial court and civil calendar, and as a means of determining one’s character and forecasting one’s future.
The Chinese Zodiac calendar, and by extension the Japanese astrological system (known as kanshi), is far more elaborate than popular western assumption allows. Japanese Zodiac animals (juni shi) are not only assigned by year, but also by month (‘inner animals’), by day (‘true animals’) and by hour of the day (‘secret animals’).
So a Dragon may be a Snake internally, an Ox truly, and a Sheep secretly. In total, Japanese astrology allows for 103,680 possible combinations (60 year cycle (5 elements × 12 animals) × 12 months × 12 days × 12 periods of the day).
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. To get a better understanding of the complexity of the Japanese Zodiac system, check out Schumacher’s detailed guide: Zodiac Calendar and Lore.
The 12 Japanese birth year animals
In contrast to the Chinese system, the Japanese Zodiac includes the Mouse instead of the Rat, the Wild Boar instead of the Pig, and the Sheep instead of the Goat.
What is your Japanese birth year animal?

Personality traits associated with each Zodiac animal
Source: Thought Co.
1. Mouse
Forthright, tenacious, intense, meticulous, charismatic, sensitive, intellectual, industrious, charming, eloquent, sociable, artistic, and shrewd. Can be manipulative, vindictive, self-destructive, envious, mendacious, venal, obstinate, critical, over-ambitious, ruthless, intolerant, and scheming.
2. Cow
Dependable, ambitious, calm, methodical, born leader, patient, hardworking, conventional, steady, modest, logical, resolute, tenacious. Can be stubborn, dogmatic, hot-tempered, narrow-minded, materialistic, rigid, demanding.
3. Tiger
Unpredictable, rebellious, colorful, powerful, passionate, daring, impulsive, vigorous, stimulating, sincere, affectionate, humanitarian, generous. Can be restless, reckless, impatient, quick-tempered, obstinate, selfish, aggressive, moody.
4. Rabbit
Gracious, good friend, kind, sensitive, soft-spoken, amiable, elegant, reserved, cautious, artistic, thorough, tender, self-assured, shy, astute, compassionate, lucky, flexible. Can be moody, detached, superficial, self-indulgent, opportunistic, stubborn.
5. Dragon
Magnanimous, stately, vigorous, strong, self-assured, proud, noble, direct, dignified, eccentric, intellectual, fiery, passionate, decisive, pioneering, artistic, generous, loyal. Can be tactless, arrogant, imperious, tyrannical, demanding, intolerant, dogmatic, violent, impetuous, brash.
6. Snake
Deep thinker, wise, mystic, graceful, soft-spoken, sensual, creative, prudent, shrewd, elegant, cautious, responsible, calm, strong, constant, purposeful. Can be loner, bad communicator, possessive, hedonistic, self-doubting, distrustful, mendacious, suffocating, cold.
7. Horse
Cheerful, popular, quick-witted, changeable, earthy, perceptive, talkative, agile, magnetic, intelligent, astute, flexible, open-minded. Can be fickle, arrogant, childish, anxious, rude, gullible, stubborn.
8. Sheep
Righteous, sincere, sympathetic, mild-mannered, shy, artistic, creative, gentle, compassionate, understanding, mothering, peaceful, generous, seeks security. Can be moody, indecisive, over-passive, worrier, pessimistic, over-sensitive, complainer, weak-willed.
9. Monkey
Inventor, motivator, improviser, quick-witted, inquisitive, flexible, innovative, problem solver, self-assured, sociable, artistic, polite, dignified, competitive, objective, factual, intellectual. Can be egotistical, vain, arrogant, selfish, reckless, snobbish, deceptive, manipulative, cunning, jealous, suspicious.
10. Bird
Neat, meticulous, organized, self-assured, decisive, conservative, critical, perfectionist, alert, zealous, practical, scientific, responsible. Can be over zealous and critical, puritanical, egotistical, abrasive, proud, opinionated, given to empty bravado.
11. Dog
Honest, intelligent, straightforward, loyal, sense of justice and fair play, attractive, amicable, unpretentious, sociable, open-minded, idealistic, moralistic, practical, affectionate, sensitive, easy going. Can be cynical, lazy, cold, judgmental, pessimistic, worrier, stubborn, quarrelsome.
12. Boar
Honest, gallant, sturdy, sociable, peace-loving, patient, loyal, hard-working, trusting, sincere, calm, understanding, thoughtful, scrupulous, passionate, intelligent. Can be naïve, over-reliant, self-indulgent, gullible, fatalistic, materialistic.
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1993 Chinese Zodiac - Water Rooster
Which type of Rooster are people born in 1993 Chinese Zodiac year?
Referring to Gregorian calendar, the Water Rooster year starts from January 23, 1993 to February 9, 1994, and those people who born from January 1 to January 22 in 1993 belong to the Water Monkey.
Lucky Signs for 1993 Water Rooster
Lucky Numbers: 4, 9
Lucky Colors: gold, white
2021 Horoscope for Water Rooster Born in 1993
In general, 2021 is a good year for Water Roosters. They needn’t handle demanding workload or the complex interpersonal relationships. Also, many of them are free from financial problems this year. Noticeable change may occur in their love relationship. Single people are likely to meet their perfect match in 2021.
Water Roosters born in 1993 can efficiently finish their work assignments in 2021, owing to their accumulated experience in the previous years. Also, according to the Rooster fortune prediction in 2021, their optimistic attitude and helpfulness make them a popular figure in the company. So, they will have many opportunities to build positive interpersonal relationships. Anyway, it is as little as possible for them to suffer layoff or salary reduction.
Many of them are satisfied with their monthly income and are able to use it wisely, so there is no way for them to feel cash-strapped. In other cases, if some people want to earn more to cover more expenditures, they may consider buying financial products under the professional people’s guidance.
The Rooster fortune in 2021 shows that their best news may be the end of singlehood this year. Even the fickle people may change their personalities and treat their companion with utmost sincerity. In addition, some married men born in 1993 will pay more attention to career this year, and this needs their wives’ great understanding.
Considering the age, it is inevitable for Water Roosters to attend various social occasions in 2021, so they should be wary of the excessive alcohol consumption. Besides, it is suggested to have vitamins or more exercises to boost metabolism. See more about Rooster Fortune in 2021
Personality Traits of the 1993 Chinese Zodiac Water Rooster
However, the Water Rooster are self-centered and born with pride. They are often strict with others but not themselves. They often help others, but they also want to get rewarded from them. Moreover, they are very sensitive and don’t like criticism from others.

The Water Rooster have a relatively good fortune in career. For office workers, they will not encounter many setbacks in the workplace, and they are easily appreciated by leaders, so they can display their talents well. And if they grasp the opportunities well, they may work abroad, which can lay a better foundation for future development. For entrepreneurs, although there will be basically no twists and turns on the way to start a business, it still requires some efforts to achieve better development. It is suggested that they take part in more parties and activities, so that they can make more friends and maybe get some big orders.

The wealth fortune is pretty smooth in their life. For office workers, wages are basically on the average level. After accumulating some money, they will have a larger expenditure, so it is difficult for them to save money. For entrepreneurs, although the development of the enterprise is good, there are not too many big orders and income. And remember that they must be cautious before investing, and never invest at will, which is likely to lead to a big loss.
The 1993 Rooster people will experience some ups and downs in love. It is not very easy for them to meet the right person, so that they need to go through several relationships before they finally get married. After marriage, because of their busy career, they may neglect their lover, so they often quarrel with them. Therefore, it is suggested that they should communicate with each other in time and spend more time with their spouses in their spare time.

They need to be careful of the harm caused by chronic diseases. Some bad living habits such as staying up late, drinking, smoking and irregular diet are very harmful to their health. Therefore, they must develop a good living habit and arrange their work and life well, otherwise they will have serious health problems.
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- Last modified on Jan. 06, 2021 -