The Japanese calendar, influenced by the Chinese one, associates each year with an animal and its characteristics, creating a 12-year cycle. Discover which animal represents you and the qualities it brings with it!
1. The Rat (Nezumi - 子) Typical years: 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020
Characteristics: Smart, intelligent and ambitious. Those born under the sign of the Rat are often resourceful, adaptable and very attentive to detail. They can also be a bit reserved and tend to conserve.
2. The Ox (Ushi - 丑) Typical years: 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
Characteristics: Strong, determined and reliable. Oxes are hardworking, patient and traditional. They can sometimes appear stubborn, but they are loyal and honest.
3. The Tiger (Tora - 寅) Typical years: 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022
Characteristics: Courageous, adventurous and full of energy. Tigers are born leaders, charismatic and passionate. They enjoy challenges and can be a bit impulsive.
4. The Rabbit (Usagi - 卯) Typical years: 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023
Characteristics: Gentle, sensitive and peaceful. Rabbits are refined, discreet and love harmony. They have good taste and are often lucky, but can be a little shy.
5. The Dragon (Tatsu - 辰) Typical years: 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
Characteristics: Powerful, charismatic and ambitious. Dragons are born leaders, full of vitality and great energy. They are honorable and generous, but can sometimes be a little domineering.
6. The Snake (Hebi - 巳) Typical years: 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025
Characteristics: Intelligent, enigmatic and intuitive. Snakes are deep thinkers, wise and discreet. They can be charming and sensual, but also a bit vindictive if provoked.
7. The Horse (Uma - 午) Typical years: 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026
Characteristics: Free-spirited, energetic and sociable. Horses love adventure and independence, are optimistic and popular. They can be impulsive and restless.
8. The Goat (Hitsuji - 未) / The Sheep Typical years: 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027
Characteristics: Creative, kind and compassionate. Goats are artistic, sensitive and peace-loving. They can be a bit insecure and tend to worry excessively.
9. The Monkey (Saru - 申) Typical years: 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028
Characteristics: Intelligent, cunning and curious. Monkeys are playful, innovative and have a great sense of humor. They can be a bit opportunistic and prone to dishonesty.
10. The Rooster (Tori - 酉) Typical years: 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029
Characteristics: Organized, precise and conscientious. Roosters are detail-oriented, hard-working and honest. They like to be the center of attention and can be a bit critical.
11. The Dog (Inu - 戌) Typical years: 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030
Characteristics: Loyal, faithful and protective. Dogs are sincere, honest and reliable friends. They have a strong sense of justice and can be a bit pessimistic or anxious.
12. The Boar (Inoshishi - 亥) Typical years: 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031
Characteristics: Honest, generous and sincere. Boars are good friends, forgiving and hard working. They can be a bit naive and not very good at saying no.