12 Japanese Zodiac Signs: Animals And Their Characteristics

Nezumi represents the year 2020, 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960, 1948, 1936, 1924. According to the Japanese horoscope, people born in the year of Rat are optimistic, energetic, and likable by all. They are stubborn with their opinions yet sensible to other's feelings.

In addition, they're natural problem solvers, able to think their way out of tricky situations with their sharp minds and resourcefulness. This makes them excellent strategists, capable of devising clever plans and navigating complex challenges. With a tremendous capacity to pursue a course to its end, they will work hard for their desired goals.

Among the Japanese zodiac animals, the Ox (ushi) has to be the one with an alert mindset and patience. People born in 2021, 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961, 1949, 1937, and 1925, belong to the Year of the Ox. It is the second or the periodic cycle of animals appearing in the horoscope of Japan.

Born with an inner strength that belies their calm demeanor, Oxen possesses a quiet confidence that inspires trust and admiration. They are the steady hand in a storm, the reliable friend who always shows up, the ones you know will see things through to the very end. Many people look up to them for inspiration and the reason lies behind their never-giving-up attitude. 

Japanese zodiac years are similar to the Chinese wheel and the years. For instance, people born in 2022, 2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962, 1950, 1938, and 1926 belong to the Year of the Tiger in both cultures. It is the symbol of courage and charisma.

Tigers are natural leaders who possess unwavering confidence, and a "go-big or-go-home" mentality. They are the first to charge into battle, the ones who scale the highest mountains and won't have second thoughts before dancing with the danger. They are fiercely loyal and extra protective of their loved ones. These generous and courageous individuals can spark inspiration in others as well.

As mentioned earlier, this is the last month (December) of the Year of the Rabbit (Usagi). Besides, it includes years 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963, 1951, 1939, and 1927. Bunnies are known as gentle, smooth talkers, patients, and elegant individuals. People believe they are the luckiest among the zodiac signs.

Rabbits are masters of diplomacy, navigating delicate situations with grace and tact. They possess an uncanny ability to sense emotions, reading people like open books and offering soothing words or a calming presence when needed. But don't mistake their gentleness for weakness. When faced with challenges, they channel their inner strength, using cunning strategies perfectly on time to overcome the obstacles no matter how tough might get.

Soaring high above the clouds, the Year of the Dragon descends, a magnificent creature cloaked in scales and fire. Their presence crackles with energy, an undeniable aura of power and ambition that electrifies the room. After a few days left, the year of the Dragon will begin in 2024.

2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964, 1952, 1940, 1928, if any of these is your birth year, your zodiac sign is represented by a dragon in Japanese culture. Dragons are natural-born leaders, charismatic and confident, with a presence that demands attention. Beneath the fiery exterior, a surprising depth awaits, where their hearts are bound by an invisible thread of affection for those they deem worthy. 

The Year of Snake ( Hebi) includes 2025, 2013, 1001, 1989, 1977, 1965, 1953, 1941, 1929, and 1917. Individuals under this sign are deep thinkers and talk less. Along with that, they are considered lucky in the matter of wealth and prosperity.

Contradicting the flashy dragons and boisterous tigers, the snake prefers the shadows and tends to observe and analyze before they put their opinions on the table. They possess a dry wit and a sharp tongue, but their words are chosen carefully, often carrying hidden meanings and veiled truths. This self-sufficiency can manifest as stubbornness or even ruthlessness when they feel cornered.

Once you earn a Horse's trust, you've got a friend for life. They will stand by you through thick and thin, showing you the beauty of living life on the edge and the joy of spontaneity. Their unwavering loyalty makes them one of the most treasured signs in the Japanese wheel.

Born 2014, 1012, 1990, 1978, 1966, 1954, 1942, 1930, 1918, and 1906, people born in the year of Horse are slightly talkative and always express their thoughts beforehand. Also, they are top-notch when it comes to handling finances, decision-making, and quick thinking. Watch out horse people might easily get angry and lose their patience.

Born 2015, 2003, 1991, 1979, 1967, 1955, 1943, 1931, 1919, 1907. Born in the year of the Sheep (hitsuji), people are an artist of serenity. At first glance, these individuals seem to be better off than the people born in other years. Their soul hums with the quiet grace of rolling meadows and moonlit pastures.

The sheep's determination is a hidden ember, ready to flare when faced with injustice. They are the protector of the flock, the voice that rises against the shearing shears, the shepherd who leads with compassion etched in every bleat. Likewise, they are religious and passionate about whatever they do.

Monkeys (Saru) are the ninth animal sign on the 12-year cycle, the most active ones. Born in 2016, 2004, 1992, 1980, 1956, 1944, 1932, and 1920, people are recognized for their cleverness and adaptability. Their curiosity is boundless, and they have a knack for sniffing out adventure in every corner.

They're the life of the party, the ones who always have a new story to tell or a daring challenge to propose. But beneath the playful exterior lies a cunning intellect, capable of strategizing and solving problems with the swiftness of a simian ninja. They're a natural leader, able to inspire and motivate others with their infectious enthusiasm and quick wit. 

Born 2017, 2005, 1981, 1969, 1957, 1945, 1933, 1921, 1909, Rooster (tori) is the tenth animal sign in the 12-year wheel. People born in the year of Roster are deep thinkers who are devoted to their work. They can't keep something on their minds for long so speak out directly whenever they feel something is wrong.

Whether gracing the stage or the boardroom, people command attention with their natural charisma and unwavering self-belief. Yet, beneath the flamboyant feathers lies a heart that craves order and justice. They are the champion of the underdog who stands against the tide of complacency and fights for what is right. They don't mind standing alone for something correct.

A dog (inu) has all the fine qualities of human nature. Extremely honest with a sense of duty and loyalty, they are on to do their best in relationships with other people. Their soul radiated warmth, attracting those who seek comfort and unwavering support. Want to know the years of Dog?

They are 2018, 2006, 1982, 1970, 1958, 1946, 1922, and 1910. They inspire confidence in others and are a good secret keeper. Though gentle, the Dog possesses a bark that can freeze the blood of evildoers. They are the first to spring into action when danger threatens, the one who throws themselves headfirst into the fray without a second thought. 

People born in the year of the Boar (inoshishi), 2019, 2009, 1983, 1971, 1959, 1947, 1935, 1923 and 1911, are brave and vocal. Much like their symbolic animal, they possess a deep-rooted connection to the earth, finding solace in the simple pleasures of life and drawing power from its stability. They may be short-tempered but hate to have arguments for long.

Just as the Boar patiently roots for nourishment, those born under its sign approach life with a steady, focused stride. This year, their gentle influence encourages us to tap into this same reserve of inner strength. It's a year to listen with empathy, to offer support without expecting anything in return, and to celebrate the small victories that pave the way for greater harmony.