Zodiac Signs in Japanese
Zodiac Signs in Japanese: Names, Meanings, and Cultural Understanding
The topic zodiac signs in Japanese is often searched by people curious about how Western astrology is expressed in the Japanese language and culture. While Japan has its own traditional belief systems, Western zodiac signs are widely recognized and used in modern Japanese media, education, and daily conversation.
This article provides a clear, educational explanation of zodiac signs in Japanese, including their names, meanings, and cultural context. The focus remains informational and balanced, respecting both astrology’s symbolism and its limitations.
Astrology and Zodiac Signs in Japan
Japan does not historically originate Western astrology, but it has adopted it over time through cultural exchange. Today, zodiac signs are commonly seen in:
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Horoscopes in magazines
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Television programs
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Casual personality discussions
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Popular culture
In Japanese, Western zodiac signs are usually called 星座(せいざ / seiza), which means “constellation.”
Difference Between Western Zodiac and Japanese Zodiac
It is important to clarify that Japan traditionally follows the Chinese zodiac, known as 干支(えと / eto), which is based on birth years. Western zodiac signs, however, are based on birth dates.
This article focuses only on Western zodiac signs in Japanese, not the Chinese zodiac.
Zodiac Signs in Japanese Language
Each Western zodiac sign has a Japanese name, usually translated from Latin or Greek meanings and written in kanji. These names are commonly taught in schools and used in astrology-related content.
Below is an overview of all twelve zodiac signs in Japanese.
Aries Zodiac Sign in Japanese
Aries: 牡羊座(おひつじざ / Ohitsuji-za)
Aries is known as the “Ram constellation.”
Symbolic traits traditionally associated include:
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Initiative
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Energy
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Leadership
The kanji 牡羊 literally means “male sheep,” representing strength and movement.
Taurus Zodiac Sign in Japanese
Taurus: 牡牛座(おうしざ / Oushi-za)
Taurus translates to the “Bull constellation.”
Symbolic qualities include:
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Stability
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Patience
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Determination
The bull imagery reflects strength and reliability.
Gemini Zodiac Sign in Japanese
Gemini: 双子座(ふたござ / Futago-za)
Gemini means the “Twin constellation.”
Common symbolic traits include:
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Communication
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Curiosity
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Adaptability
The kanji 双子 means twins, highlighting duality.
Cancer Zodiac Sign in Japanese
Cancer: 蟹座(かにざ / Kani-za)
Cancer is known as the “Crab constellation.”
Symbolic meanings often include:
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Emotional depth
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Care
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Protection
The crab represents emotional sensitivity and defense.
Leo Zodiac Sign in Japanese
Leo: 獅子座(ししざ / Shishi-za)
Leo translates to the “Lion constellation.”
Symbolic traits include:
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Confidence
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Creativity
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Leadership
The lion symbolizes courage and presence.
Virgo Zodiac Sign in Japanese
Virgo: 乙女座(おとめざ / Otome-za)
Virgo means the “Maiden constellation.”
Symbolic qualities include:
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Precision
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Modesty
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Thoughtfulness
The word 乙女 refers to a young woman or maiden.
Libra Zodiac Sign in Japanese
Libra: 天秤座(てんびんざ / Tenbin-za)
Libra is known as the “Scales constellation.”
Symbolic meanings include:
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Balance
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Fairness
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Harmony
The scales represent justice and equilibrium.
Scorpio Zodiac Sign in Japanese
Scorpio: 蠍座(さそりざ / Sasori-za)
Scorpio translates to the “Scorpion constellation.”
Symbolic traits include:
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Intensity
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Focus
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Transformation
The scorpion reflects depth and emotional strength.
Sagittarius Zodiac Sign in Japanese
Sagittarius: 射手座(いてざ / Ite-za)
Sagittarius means the “Archer constellation.”
Symbolic associations include:
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Exploration
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Optimism
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Learning
The archer represents direction and vision.
Capricorn Zodiac Sign in Japanese
Capricorn: 山羊座(やぎざ / Yagi-za)
Capricorn translates to the “Goat constellation.”
Symbolic traits include:
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Discipline
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Responsibility
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Persistence
The mountain goat reflects steady progress.
Aquarius Zodiac Sign in Japanese
Aquarius: 水瓶座(みずがめざ / Mizugame-za)
Aquarius means the “Water Jug constellation.”
Symbolic meanings include:
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Innovation
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Independence
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Humanitarian thinking
The water jug represents sharing and ideas.
Pisces Zodiac Sign in Japanese
Pisces: 魚座(うおざ / Uo-za)
Pisces translates to the “Fish constellation.”
Symbolic traits include:
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Sensitivity
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Imagination
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Compassion
Fish imagery reflects emotional flow.
How Zodiac Signs Are Used in Japan
In modern Japan, zodiac signs are mostly used for entertainment and light self-reflection rather than serious life decisions.
Common uses include:
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Daily horoscope sections
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Personality discussions
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Casual social conversations
Astrology is generally treated as fun and reflective.
Japanese View on Astrology
Japanese culture tends to approach astrology in a balanced and non-extreme way. Most people view zodiac signs as symbolic rather than factual.
Key characteristics of this approach include:
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Avoidance of rigid belief
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Emphasis on personal responsibility
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Cultural curiosity
Astrology is not commonly used for major life choices.
Language Learning and Zodiac Signs
Learning zodiac signs in Japanese is also helpful for language learners. It introduces:
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Kanji related to animals and symbols
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Cultural vocabulary
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Reading practice
Zodiac signs often appear in textbooks and quizzes.
Symbolism vs Reality in Astrology
Astrology, including zodiac signs, is symbolic in nature. It does not scientifically determine personality or fate.
Important limitations include:
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Personality is shaped by many factors
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Astrology cannot predict outcomes
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Cultural context matters
Understanding this helps maintain a healthy perspective.
Cultural Respect and Interpretation
When exploring zodiac signs in Japanese, it is important to respect cultural differences. Japanese astrology usage is more observational than prescriptive.
This encourages:
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Open-minded learning
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Cultural appreciation
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Thoughtful self-reflection
Astrology becomes a tool for understanding, not labeling.
Zodiac Signs and Self-Awareness
Zodiac signs can be used as a starting point for self-reflection.
They may encourage people to think about:
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Communication style
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Emotional responses
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Personal strengths
This reflection remains subjective and personal.
Conclusion: Understanding Zodiac Signs in Japanese Context
The topic zodiac signs in Japanese offers a fascinating blend of language, culture, and symbolic astrology. Each zodiac sign has a clear Japanese name rooted in meaningful kanji that reflect traditional imagery.
While astrology plays a light and cultural role in Japan, learning zodiac signs in Japanese can deepen language skills and cultural understanding. When approached thoughtfully, zodiac signs become tools for reflection rather than fixed definitions, encouraging curiosity about both oneself and other cultures.
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