Photo: Angela Roma

What is the Chinese zodiac called in Japanese?

The zodiac's animals vary slightly in different Asian countries. In Japan, where they are called eto, they consist of the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and boar.

nippon.com - “Eto” | Nippon.com

What to do with $30,000?

The Best Ways To Invest $30K Right Now Stocks & ETFs. Unsurprisingly, one of the best ways to invest $30,000 is to invest in a variety of stocks...

Last updated Mar 15, 2019

How old would Noah's Ark be today?

Given this perceived overestimation in radiocarbon dating, the wood the Noah's Ark Ministries International team found should have a "traditional"...

Last updated Apr 18, 2020

Awaken your dormant DNA ability to attract wealth effortlessly

The simple yet scientifically proven Wealth DNA method laid out in the report allows you to effortlessly start attracting the wealth and abundance you deserve.

Learn More »

Promotion

Japan Glances

The eto are zodiacal animals that form a 12-year cycle. Around November and December, the animal connected with the upcoming year starts to appear in stores on New Year nengajō cards and a range of seasonal products on sale in Japan’s stores.

From Rat to Boar

The idea of zodiacal animals representing different years in a 12-year cycle originally came from China. The first system to appear was a simple set of kanji characters representing 12 numbers. It was originally used to reckon years, but later came into use to describe times of day and compass directions, and was even used in fortune-telling. Eventually, a set of a dozen animals came to be associated with the cycle. The zodiac’s animals vary slightly in different Asian countries. In Japan, where they are called eto, they consist of the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and boar. Illustrations and photographs of the 12 animals appear on nengajō New Year cards and calendars. Fortunetellers make predictions about the year’s events based on the eto, and some people think personalities are connected to the beast of their birth year. For example, 2017 was said to be good for business, as the rooster is connected with prosperity. Meanwhile, babies born in 2018, the year of the dog, will grow up to be loyal and sociable, according to these beliefs.

Communication and Good Fortune

In November and December, Japanese people start looking ahead to the next year, buying nengajō cards and stamps adorned with designs of its corresponding animal. The custom of sending postcards or letters at New Year replaced the earlier tradition of making visits around the neighborhood. In the first few days of January, during the shōgatsu period, many people make their first visit of the year, or hatsumōde, to a shrine or temple to pray for good luck for the 12 months to come. This typically means writing one’s wishes on a wooden ema tablet, which often has a picture of the year’s animal on one side. The festive iwaibashi chopsticks used at the start of the year may also come in a special bag with an eto design. Earthenware dorei bells shaped like eto animals are a traditional charm against bad luck. These bells are a traditional purchase during the year-end and New Year period. Different regions boast their own local designs.

Pop Culture Connections

The 12 eto are frequently a motif in popular culture, such as in manga like Furūtsu basuketto (trans. Fruits Basket) by Takaya Natsuki and the novel Jūni taisen (trans. Juni Taisen: Zodiac War) by Nisio Isin. The long-running manga Naruto by Kishimoto Masashi also featured 12 guardian ninja each associated with a different zodiacal animal. Visitors to Tokyo Station can see eight of the eto sculpted on the ceiling of an octagonal dome by the Marunouchi North exit. They are made of glass fiber reinforced gypsum and stand against gray-green backgrounds. For many years, it was a mystery why there were four animals missing. Then in 2013, the remaining eto were discovered during renovation work on a tower gate at Takeo Onsen in Saga Prefecture, the hometown of Tokyo Station building designer Tatsuno Kingo.

The 12 Eto and Their Fortune-Telling Associations

What is the 99% IQ?

A percentile score of 99% means that you are in the top 1%, a percentile score of 98% puts you in the top 2% and so on. Mensa membership is offered...

Last updated Apr 27, 2018

Is myrrh good for hair growth?

Used in hair, Myrrh Essential Oil's astringency strengthens the roots and thus reduces hair loss. Along with addressing dandruff, its scent also...

Last updated Feb 13, 2020

Awaken your dormant DNA ability to attract wealth effortlessly

The simple yet scientifically proven Wealth DNA method laid out in the report allows you to effortlessly start attracting the wealth and abundance you deserve.

Learn More »

Promotion

Are Virgos hot in bed?

Virgo is a very sensual sign. They like touching their partner slowly to feel every inch of their body, in a slow and sensual way. One might even say, they love to tease!

timesofindia.indiatimes.com - 7 truths about sex with Virgos | The Times of India

Virgos are usually considered to be uptight people who are all about perfection in everything. But, that’s actually not the case. They can be freaky and kinky in bed, provided their partner is completely transparent with them. People of this sign have a healthy attitude towards sex that helps them connect better with their partner. Numerologist Sidhharrth S Kumaar shares an interesting insight that Virgos love to be perfect, even in bed. They aim to provide maximum pleasure to their partner by taking the process slow and enjoying every part of it. They like to ensure that the pleasure is both ways and that their partner can enjoy every bit of it. For them, it is important that the act is indulgent and that they reach the maximum pleasure in bed. Now, aren’t you curious to know more about sex with a Virgo? The following points will help you understand just what you need!

What does money do to power?

In economic terms, money is the ultimate power, because, as Clower (2) forcefully stated, 'money buys goods'. In a market economy you can get...

Last updated Aug 16, 2020

Can you be born under two zodiac signs?

No matter your birth date, there's only one answer -- no one actually has two signs. But if you were born within a few days of the Sun's move from...

Last updated Sep 7, 2021

Awaken your dormant DNA ability to attract wealth effortlessly

The simple yet scientifically proven Wealth DNA method laid out in the report allows you to effortlessly start attracting the wealth and abundance you deserve.

Learn More »

Promotion

What is a hobo penny?

A hobo coin is a generic term applied a certain type of coin that has been altered to change the appearance of the subject on the coin. It may have...

Last updated Jul 7, 2018

Awaken your dormant DNA ability to attract wealth effortlessly

The simple yet scientifically proven Wealth DNA method laid out in the report allows you to effortlessly start attracting the wealth and abundance you deserve.

Learn More »

Promotion

How do Virgos flirt?

Virgo. Virgos can be cautious when it comes to flirtation. You're naturally one of the sweetest zodiac signs, and your flirting style is all about...

Last updated Sep 5, 2021