The boar is the twelfth symbol in the Japanese Zodiac. Legend has it that the boar outpaced the ox in the race to God, but it ran headlong and shot past God, which was why it ended up in the twelfth place. This sign represents “courage” and “adventure”.

Personality traits

Boars are honest, helpful, and have the spirit of pioneer. They put emphasis on fair play, and do not like play tricks. On the negative side, they are short-tempered, and like to see everything in black and white.

You can identify a boar if they:

• Are not good at telling lies.
• Interfere in other people’s business.
• Affectionate and kind to their loved ones.

Compatibility with other signs

Boars are compatible with rabbits and sheep. If these three come together, it generates a great positive power. Boars also have a mutually beneficial relationship with tigers. Snakes are the least compatible with boars.

In Japanese

In Japanese, a boar is “inoshishi” in romaji, and is written as “猪” in kanji. In the Japanese Zodiac, however, it is often called “ii” and is written as 亥”.

The ox is the second symbol in the Japanese zodiac. Legend has it that although the scheming rat snatched the first place in the race to God, God appreciated the patience and determination of the ox, who arrived in the second with a slow but steady pace. This symbol represents “loyalty” and “patience”.

Personality traits

Oxen are calm, good-tempered, and trustworthy. They do things steadily, and do not spare any effort in achieving their goals. On the negative side, they can be quite stubborn and lack the flexibility to adapt to drastic changes.

You can identify an ox if they:

• Like to wear plain clothes.
• Think too much before taking action.
• Do not listen to others once they set their mind.

Compatibility with other signs

Oxen are most compatible with snakes and roosters. If these three come together, it generates a great positive power. Oxen also have a mutually beneficial relationship with rats. Sheep are the least compatible with oxen.

In Japanese

In Japanese, an ox is “ushi” in romaji and is written as “牛” in kanji. In the Japanese Zodiac, however, an ox is written as “丑”.

The tiger is the third symbol in the Japanese Zodiac. People in ancient Japan believed that tigers used to be stars in the sky because of their beautiful fur. This symbol represents “decisiveness” and “wit”.

Personality traits

Tigers are proud, courageous, and generous. Being decisive and quick-witted, they are potentially great leaders. On the negative side, they do not like to follow orders, and can cause interpersonal friction with others.

You can identify a tiger if they:

• Do not make plans.
• Sometimes fail due to overconfidence.
• Have great sympathy for those they are close to and love.

Compatibility with other signs

Tigers are most compatible with horses and dogs. If these three come together, it generates a great positive power. Tigers also have a mutually beneficial relationship with boars. Monkeys are the least compatible with tigers.

In Japanese
In Japanese, a tiger is “tora” in romaji and is written as “虎” in kanji. In the Japanese Zodiac, however, a tiger is written as “寅”.

The rabbit is the fourth symbol in the Japanese Zodiac. In ancient China, white rabbits were considered as a propitious augury. As rabbits live peacefully in groups, this symbol represents “well-being of a family”. It also represents “great progress in business” because of the way they leap forward.

Personality traits

Rabbits are optimistic, warm, virtuous and broad-minded. While they are lovable and are regarded with admiration and trust most of the time, their trusting nature means they can be deceived easily.

You can identify a rabbit if they:

• Cannot say no to others.
• Have exceedingly fine taste.
• Are heavy sleepers and wake up in a bad mood.

Compatibility with other signs

Rabbits are most compatible with sheep and boars. If these three come together, it generates a great positive power. Rabbits also have a mutually beneficial relationship with dogs. Roosters are the least compatible with rabbits.

In Japanese

In Japanese, a rabbit is “usagi” in romaji and is written as “兎” in kanji. In the Japanese Zodiac, however, it is often called “u” and is written as “卯”.

The dragon is the fifth symbol in the Japanese Zodiac. In ancient China, dragons were associated with power, and only the Emperors were allowed to use the symbol. This sign represents “justice” and “trust”.

Personality traits

Dragons are energetic, brave, honest, and can inspire trust in almost everyone. However, they are also short-tempered and very competitive, so they tend to have as many enemies as friends.

You can identify a dragon if they:

• Work better as individuals than in groups
• Speak their mind without reservations.

Compatibility with other signs

Dragons are most compatible with monkeys and rats. If these three come together, it generates a great positive power. Dragons also have a mutually beneficial relationship with roosters. Dogs are the least compatible with dragons.

In Japanese

In Japanese, a dragon is “tatsu” in romaji, and is written as “龍” or “竜”in kanji. In the Japanese Zodiac, however, it is written as “辰”.

The snake is the sixth symbol in the Japanese Zodiac. It’s said that snakes do not forget any good and bad deed done to them. Legend has it that when a fisherman saved a white snake, it repaid him with treasure. This symbol represents “inquisitiveness” and “passion”.

Personality traits

Snakes are deep thinkers, great observers, and possess tremendous wisdom. They do not like conflicts, and get along with anyone. However, their tendency to avoid conflicts can put them under considerable stress. They are also the jealous type, and can do something mean behind people’s backs.

You can identify a snake if they:

• Are always fortunate in money matters.
• Have introverted nature and are not good at expressing themselves.

Compatibility with other signs

Snakes are most compatible with oxen and roosters. If these three come together, it generates a great positive power. Snakes also have a mutually beneficial relationship with monkeys. Boars are the least compatible with snakes.

In Japanese

In Japanese, a snake is “hebi” in romaji, and is written as “蛇” in kanji. In the Japanese Zodiac, however, it is often called “mi” and is written as “巳”.

The horse is the seventh symbol in the Japanese Zodiac. In the past, horses and people lived and worked side by side, and their mighty bodies and their power made them the symbol of “life”. This sign represents “liveliness” and “openness”.

Personality traits

Horses are cheerful, sociable, and decisive. They are also versatile and excel in many fields, but tend to get bored easily and leave things unfinished. They exhibit a vain streak and are big spenders.

You can identify a horse if they:

• Are skillful in paying compliments.
• Get into troubles for the slip of the tongue.
• Are quick to catch on to a trend.

Compatibility with other signs

Horses are most compatible with tigers and dogs. If these three come together, it generates a great positive power. Horses also have a mutually beneficial relationship with sheep. Rats are the least compatible with horses.

In Japanese

In Japanese, a horse is “uma” in romaji, and is written as “馬” in kanji. In the Japanese Zodiac, however, it is written as “午”.

The sheep is the eighth symbol in the Japanese Zodiac. As sheep live in flocks peacefully, they were considered as the symbol of a happy family life. This sign represents “peace” and “security”.

Personality traits

Sheep are caring, considerate, sympathetic, and they cherish friendship. They are endowed with artistic talent, and are passionate in whatever they do and believe in. However, they are very sensitive and tend to worry unnecessarily over small matters.

You can identify sheep if they:

• Are keen to learn new things.
• Are always complaining.
• Suffer from insomnia.

Compatibility with other signs

Sheep are compatible with rabbits and boars. If these three come together, it generates a great positive power. Sheep also have a mutually beneficial relationship with horses. Oxen are the least compatible with sheep.

In Japanese

In Japanese, a sheep is “hitsuji” in romaji, and is written as “羊” in kanji. In the Japanese Zodiac, however, it is written as “未”.

The monkey is the ninth symbol in the Japanese Zodiac. Monkeys were believed to be the wise of mountains and messengers of God. This sign represents “cleverness” and “curiosity”.

Personality traits

Monkeys are clever, inventive, flexible, and decisive. Although they are perfectionists and do not hesitate to use every trick to achieve their aims, they tend to be preoccupied with a short-term gain and fail to see the whole picture.

You can identify a monkey if they:

• Put themselves before others.
• Have excellent skills of negotiation.
• Tend to make a snap decision.

Compatibility with other signs

Monkeys are compatible with rats and dragons. If these three come together, it generates a great positive power. Monkeys also have a mutually beneficial relationship with snakes. Tigers are the least compatible with monkeys.

In Japanese

In Japanese, a monkey is “saru” in romaji, and is written as “猿” in kanji. In the Japanese Zodiac, however, it is written as “申”.

The rooster is the tenth symbol in the Japanese Zodiac. As a rooster (“tori” in Japanese) is associated with gain (“torikomu” in Japanese), it was considered as a lucky animal for business. This symbol represents “kindness” and “hospitality”.

Personality traits

Roosters are quick-witted, efficient, and confident. They thrive on challenge and change, and are devoted to work. On the negative side, they have a suspicious nature and can be quite aggressive to others.

You can identify a rooster if they:

• Bite off more than they can chew.
• Do not think before they speak.
• Always have a packed schedule.

Compatibility with other signs

Roosters are compatible with oxen and snakes. If these three come together, it generates a great positive power. Roosters also have a mutually beneficial relationship with dragons. Rabbits are the least compatible with roosters.

In Japanese

In Japanese, a rooster is “niwatori” in romaji, and is written as “鶏” in kanji. In the Japanese Zodiac, however, it is often called “tori” and is written as “酉”.