The Japanese calendar is based on a traditional Chinese calendar. The account is conducted on 12 zodiac
animals or to "12 heavenly branches" (junishi). In parallel it the account goes as well on "10 terrestrial
runaways" (jikkan) - to the senior and younger symbols ("brothers") of natural elements (Tree, Fire,
Earth, Gold, Water).
Elemlnts (jikkan) | Animals (junishi) |
---|---|
ki-no-e (Senior Three) ![]() |
ne (Mouse)![]() |
ki-no-to (Younger Three)![]() |
Usi (Bull)![]() |
hi-no-e (Senior Fire) ![]() |
Tora (Tiger)![]() |
hi-no-to (Younger Fire)![]() |
U (Hare)![]() |
dzuti-no-e (Senior Earth)![]() |
Tadzu (Dragon)![]() |
dzuti-no-to (Younger Earth)![]() |
Mi (Snake)![]() |
ka-no-e (Senior Gold)![]() |
Uma (Horse)![]() |
ka-no-to (Younger Gold)![]() |
Hidzuji (Sheep)![]() |
midzu-no-e (Senior Water)![]() |
Saru (Monkey)![]() |
midzu-no-to (Younger Water)![]() |
Tori (Cock)![]() |
ki-no-e (Senior Three)![]() |
Inu (Dog)![]() |
ki-no-to (Younger Three)![]() |
I (Wild boar)![]() |
"nichi" (Sun) +
"hon" (Start)
= "Nippon" (Japan)