When most people hear about the Japanese zodiac, they might think of colorful New Year’s cards or cute animal figurines sold at temple gift shops. But the truth is, the zodiac—called the “Eto” in Japan—is far more than just decoration. It plays a quiet, but meaningful role in many aspects of daily life in Japan.
In this article, we’ll explore how the zodiac is used in Japanese culture, how it differs from other countries, and uncover the mystery of why there’s no cat in the Japanese zodiac… despite being one of Japan’s most beloved animals.
Index
🎍 Everyday Uses of the Japanese Zodiac
🎅 New Year’s Greetings
One of the most visible uses of the zodiac is on New Year’s postcards (nengajō). Each year, millions of Japanese people send these cards to friends, family, and colleagues, featuring the animal of the year. If it’s the Year of the Rabbit, you can bet rabbits will appear everywhere: in stationery, stamps, even chocolates.
🏮Temple Talismans and Charms
Visit a shrine or temple during the New Year, and you’ll find charms and ema (wooden prayer plaques) featuring that year’s zodiac animal. People often choose their charms based on their birth animal or the current year’s animal to bring good luck and protection.
♟ Fortune-Telling and Compatibility
Japanese magazines, websites, and even matchmaking services often use the zodiac for personality profiling and compatibility. While it might not be taken too seriously, many people still enjoy reading what the stars (and animals) say about their love life.
💼 Business and Marketing
Many companies in Japan launch zodiac-themed products—from convenience store desserts to luxury watches. Department stores and banks might decorate with the year’s animal, reinforcing the feeling of seasonal celebration.
🌢 Birth Years and “Toshi-otoko / Toshi-onna”
Each person’s birth year corresponds to one of the twelve animals. This becomes part of their identity, especially among older generations. Some even refer to themselves as a “Toshi-otoko” or “Toshi-onna”—people born under the same animal as the current year, which is considered especially lucky.
🌏 The Zodiac Around the World
The zodiac system didn’t stay the same as it traveled across Asia. While it originated in China, different countries made their own edits:
- China: The original 12 animals include the Pig instead of Japan’s Boar.
- Vietnam: The Cat replaces the Rabbit. Some say it’s because the word for Rabbit (“Mão”) was confused with “Mèo” (cat) in Vietnamese.
- Thailand: Sometimes includes a Naga “serpent deity” or even Elephants in local versions.
- Tibet & Mongolia: Often have regional animals and incorporate local myths.
These variations highlight how each culture adapted the system to match its environment, language, and values.
🐱★ So… Where Is the Cat?
It’s a question many ask: Why isn’t the cat one of the 12 zodiac animals in Japan?
The answer comes from a well-known legend: the Zodiac Race.
In the story, the Jade Emperor (or Buddha in some versions) calls all animals to a race. The first 12 to arrive will be honored with a place in the zodiac. The clever Rat, knowing it was small and not very fast, tricks the Cat by telling it the wrong date. Then, the Rat hops on the back of the Ox and jumps off at the finish line, securing first place.
The Cat arrives too late and is disqualified. Ever since, it’s said that cats hate rats—a mythological explanation for a real-world behavior.
This story isn’t just fun; it’s also a way cultures use fables to explain the unexplainable, or to assign meaning to animal traits and social values.
🗾 A Quiet Presence in Modern Japan
Despite its ancient roots, the zodiac still holds relevance in Japan today. It’s not loudly celebrated, but it lives quietly in our rituals, our marketing, and even the small choices we make—like which charm to buy, or which animal figurine to place on our desk.
You might not see the zodiac every day, but it sees you.
📘★ What’s Next in the Eto Series?
In Part 3, we’ll take a turn into the mystical: exploring how the zodiac links to directions, demons, and the spiritual geography of Japan. What is the “Kimon” (demon gate)? And why is the Tiger seen as both a guardian and a feared symbol?
Stay tuned to find out!
P.S.
I learned for the first time that the Chinese zodiac, a culture that is very familiar in Japan, is also found in Thailand and China, and that other countries have different animals…. After all, learning is important, isn’t it? I am glad I started writing this blog.
またね(Matane)!
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