子
Rat
helpQuick-witted and resourceful.
2016 · 2004 · 1992
What is the Eto (干支)?
The Chinese zodiac as used in Japan — twelve animals on a 12-year cycle, embedded in everyday life.
The eto (干支) is the East Asian zodiac, with twelve animals rotating year by year. In Japan you'll see it on New Year's cards (nengajō), in horoscopes, and woven into traditional calendars and superstitions.
Origins
Strictly, the eto is a 60-year cycle pairing the ten "celestial stems" (十干 / jikkan) with the twelve "earthly branches" (十二支 / jūnishi). In casual use today, "eto" usually refers to just the twelve animals.
The twelve animals
The order is fixed and the animals each carry traits and symbolism. The table below shows each animal with its kanji, romaji, and the most recent matching Western years.
丑
Ox
helpHonest, patient, hardworking.
2017 · 2005 · 1993
寅
Tiger
helpBrave, confident, charismatic.
2018 · 2006 · 1994
卯
Rabbit
helpGentle, elegant, kind-hearted.
2019 · 2007 · 1995
辰
Dragon
helpCharismatic, lucky, ambitious.
2020 · 2008 · 1996
巳
Snake
helpWise, calm, intuitive.
2021 · 2009 · 1997
午
This year
Horse
helpEnergetic, independent, social.
2022 · 2010 · 1998
未
Sheep
helpGentle, creative, compassionate.
2023 · 2011 · 1999
申
Monkey
helpWitty, curious, sociable.
2024 · 2012 · 2000
酉
Rooster
helpDiligent, observant, frank.
2025 · 2013 · 2001
戌
Dog
helpLoyal, honest, protective.
2026 · 2014 · 2002
亥
Boar
helpSincere, brave, generous.
2015 · 2003 · 1991