When visiting Japan, especially during New Year’s season or at souvenir shops near shrines, you’re likely to come across cute figurines or decorations of animals like tigers, rabbits, or dragons. These aren’t just random animals—they’re part of Japan’s zodiac system, known as the “Eto ‘干支’ “.
But what exactly is the Japanese zodiac? And how did it become such an integral part of Japanese culture’? Let’s dive into the origins, the legends, and yes—how a certain muscle-bound tiger mascot named KeeeeN-G was born from this ancient tradition.
Index
🐭 What Is the Japanese Zodiac?
The Japanese zodiac, or “Eto,” is a 12-year cycle where each year is associated with a specific animal. These twelve animals, in order, are:
🐭 Rat “ne’子’ “, 🐮 Ox “ushi’丑’ “, 🐯 Tiger “tora’寅’ “, 🐰 Rabbit “u’卯’ “, 🐲 Dragon “tatsu’辰’ “, 🐍 Snake “mi’巳’ “, 🐴 Horse “uma’午’ “, 🐑 Sheep “hitsuji’未’ “, 🐵 Monkey “saru’申’ “, 🐔 Rooster “tori’酉’ “, 🐶 Dog “inu’戌’ “, 🐗 Boar “i’亥’ “
Each year, one animal is celebrated and believed to influence the character of people born that year. For example, someone born in the Year of the Rabbit might be described as gentle and kind, while those born in the Year of the Dragon are thought to be passionate and strong-willed.
The zodiac isn’t just about personality, though. These animals are deeply woven into Japanese customs, superstitions, and even architecture “more on that in Part 2!”.
📅 Where Did It Come From? The Origins of the Zodiac
The zodiac system didn’t originate in Japan. It actually came from ancient China, where a combination of two systems—the Ten Heavenly Stems “Jikkan” and the Twelve Earthly Branches “Junishi”—was used to mark time.
The Twelve Earthly Branches were each assigned an animal, and this 12-animal cycle gradually spread across East Asia. Japan adopted it as early as the 6th century “some say even earlier”, and over time, the system took on uniquely Japanese characteristics. For example, the Chinese zodiac features a pig, but Japan’s version uses a boar “inoshishi” instead.
As Japan embraced Buddhism and Shintoism, the zodiac became more than a calendar. It was tied to birth years, character traits, good luck, and directional protection “like northeast being an unlucky direction—a topic we’ll explore in Part 3”.
🎌 The Legend of the Zodiac Race
One of the most popular stories about the zodiac is the Great Race. According to legend, the Jade Emperor “or Buddha, depending on the version” summoned all the animals to a grand contest. The first twelve to arrive would be honored with a spot in the zodiac.
The clever Rat tricked the Cat into missing the event by giving it the wrong date, then hitched a ride on the back of the Ox to cross a river, leaping off at the last moment to claim first place. The Cat, upon realizing the betrayal, vowed revenge—and that’s why cats are said to hate rats to this day.
It’s a playful myth, but it also hints at something deeper: the way cultures use storytelling to explain natural behaviors and social values.
🐯So Why Is the Tiger So Special?
Let’s talk about one animal in particular: the Tiger.
In many Asian cultures, the tiger is a symbol of courage, power, and protection. In Japan, it is also associated with the “demon gate ‘Kimon’ “, a spiritual concept that ties the northeast direction to danger or misfortune. Interestingly, the direction of the Tiger “Tora” is northeast—making it a powerful guardian.
As someone born in the Year of the Tiger myself, I’ve always felt a connection to this fierce and majestic animal. And when I started this blog to share Japanese culture with the world, it felt only natural to create a mascot that embodied that same spirit.
Enter KeeeeN-G, a muscle-bound, energetic tiger with a warm smile and a traditional Japanese soul. He represents strength, curiosity, and a slightly cheeky sense of humor—everything I hope this blog can offer to readers like you.
📚 What’s Next in the Eto Series?
In Part 2, we’ll explore how the zodiac is used in everyday life in Japan—from New Year’s cards to shrine visits—and how it differs around the world.
Ever wondered why there’s no cat in the Japanese zodiac? Or why some countries have pigs, elephants, or even cats instead of tigers or rabbits?
Stick around to find out more in the next post!
P.S.
Sorry for the long wait about the mascot character being a tiger.
If I am going to write a blog, I want it to be a cute mascot character. But what should I do about the character? When I thought about it, the year that came to mind was the year of my birth, the year of the tiger. I also made him muscular because I like muscle training, and I made him wear a kimono because I like history and the tea ceremony. The blog will continue with a little more about the Chinese zodiac.
またね(Matane)!
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