An interesting encounter with the Juunishi (十二支) 👹🍣🎎 Wonderful Japan

Most people are familiar with the twelve signs of the zodiac, and there are quite a few among us who try to predict their future based on them. They originated in ancient Babylon, from where they made their way into our Western culture over time.

As acounterpart, in East Asia there is another twelve signs of the zodiac. Those can also be found in Japan, and they appear everywhere – on New Year's cards, in temples, on lucky charms, and of course in horoscopes. They are known here as Juunishi (十二支) – the twelve Earthly Branches – which date back to an ancient Chinese numbering system.

Although the zodiac signs originated in China, they have become deeply embedded in Japanese culture over the centuries and are now much more than just astrological symbols. Each year is assigned an animal—from the energetic rat to the calm boar—and each animal brings its own characteristics, meanings, and stories. The Japanese version of the zodiac signs has its own unique nuances, which influence not only the New Year celebrations, but also name choices, life philosophies, and even architecture.

During our last visit to the Japanese capital, we passed a shrine where we encountered statues of all twelve zodiac signs, but in a unique, almost cult-like religious form. The figures were standing in front of a sign with the inscription:

あなたと神が出会います 堀切十二支神

You and the gods will meet - Horikiri Twelve Zodiac Gods

As mentioned, the twelve figures represent the animals of the Chinese zodiac, but not only as symbolic animals, but as divine beings, as Kami 神, depicted with human bodies and individual attributes.

But let's take a closer look at the individual statues...

The first three statues can be identified from left to right as follows:

🐗 Boar (Inoshishi) - it symbolizes courage, directness, and down-to-earthness

🐶 Dog (Inu) - it stands for loyalty, honesty, and defense

🐔 Rooster (Tori) - it symbolizes vigilance, pride, and order

Here we have:

🐵 Monkey (Saru) - in Japanese symbolism, it represents protection from evil spirits and communication.

🐐 Sheep (Hitsuji) (often with horns) - it symbolizes peace, harmony, and artistic sensitivity.

🐴 Horse (Uma) - it stand for freedom, energy, and wanderlust

Next we see:

🐍 Snake (Mi) - in Japanese symbolism, it stands for transformation, healing, and hidden powers

🐲 Dragon (Tatsu) - it is a symbol of power, protection, and heavenly authority - often associated with water and rain in Japan.

🐰 Rabbit (Usagi) - in Japanese mythology, the rabbit is closely associated with the moon and represents speed, intelligence, and purity

And finally, we have:

🐯 Tiger (Tora) – symbolizes courage, strength, and protection, and he is often revered as a guardian figure

🐮 Ox (Ushi) – it embodies patience, strength, and consistency

🐭 Rat (Ne) – it stands for intelligence, curiosity, and adaptability.

Depending on the year you were born, you can pin the corresponding attributes to your chest and carry them around with pride. Or you can try to live by them and do justice to your own zodiac sign.

But in the end, just do as you please. Times have changed in Japan too, and people are much less religious and superstitious than they used to be. Although people still like to visit one of the many shrines and temples that can be found throughout the country.

In the end, the thing about the zodiac signs is probably just like we handele the star signs – in most cases, it's just a nice idea that you occasionally remember. And usually with a smile rather than serious thoughts. That's how I feel too, which is why, after looking at the twelve statues, I decided to turn my attention to the cherry blossoms, which suited this shrine much better. Queen Sakura is simply unbeatable, and even coming in a dozen won't help....