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Buy a Japanese Zodiac calligraphy wall scroll here!
Personalize your custom “Japanese Zodiac” project by clicking the button next to your favorite “Japanese Zodiac” title below...
See also: Chinese Zodiac / Animal Years | Selections of just Japanese Kanji Calligraphy
1. Cancer
2. Pisces
3. Scorpio
4. Aquarius
5. Aries
6. Capricorn
7. Gemini
8. Leo
9. Libra
10. Sagittarius
11. Taurus
12. Virgo
13. Earth
14. Fire Tiger
15. Tiger
16. Dragon
17. Rat / Mouse
18. Ox / Bull / Cow
19. Rabbit / Hare
20. Snake / Serpent
21. Horse
22. Goat / Sheep
23. Dog
24. Boar / Pig
蟹座 is the Japanese way to write Cancer (crab) of western astrology.
Please note this version is only used in Japanese (see the other version if Chinese is your audience).
See Also: Chinese Zodiac
魚座 is the Japanese way to write Pisces (fish) of western astrology.
Please note this version is only used in Japanese (see the other version if Chinese is your audience).
See Also: Chinese Zodiac
蠍座 is the Japanese way to write Scorpio (scorpion) of western astrology.
Please note this version is only used in Japanese (see the other version if Chinese is your audience).
See Also: Chinese Zodiac
水瓶座 is the Chinese and Japanese way to write Aquarius (water bearer) of western astrology.
See Also: Chinese Zodiac
牡羊座 is the Chinese and Japanese way to write Aries (ram) of western astrology.
See Also: Chinese Zodiac
山羊座 is the Chinese and Japanese way to write Capricorn (horned goat) from western astrology.
See Also: Chinese Zodiac
雙子座 is the Chinese way to write Gemini (twins) of western astrology.
This was also the version used in Japan until they simplified the first Kanji to 双 after WWII. If you need the modern Japanese 双子座 instead of the older 雙子座, just let me know when you place your order.
See Also: Chinese Zodiac
雙子座 is the Japanese way to write Gemini (twins) from western astrology.
This also happens to be the Simplified Chinese version of this title - however, I recommend the Traditional Chinese version if your audience is Chinese.
See Also: Chinese Zodiac
獅子座 is the Chinese and Japanese way to write Leo (lion) of western astrology.
See Also: Chinese Zodiac
天秤座 is the Chinese and Japanese way to write Libra (scales) of western astrology.
See Also: Chinese Zodiac
射手座 is the Chinese and Japanese way to write Sagittarius (archer) of western astrology.
See Also: Chinese Zodiac
牡牛座 is the Japanese way to write Taurus (bull) from western astrology.
Please note this version is only used in Japanese (see the other version if Chinese is your audience).
See Also: Chinese Zodiac
乙女座 is the Japanese way to write Virgo (virgin) from western astrology.
Please note this version is only used in Japanese (see the other version if Chinese is your audience).
See Also: Chinese Zodiac
(One of the five elements)
土 is earth, soil, ground, or Terra.
Earth is one of the five elements that ancient Chinese believed all things were composed of. These elements are also part of the cycle of Chinese astrology. Every person has both an animal sign, and one of the five elements according to the date of their birth.
See Also: Five Elements | Chinese Zodiac
火虎 is the Chinese and Japanese title for “fire tiger.”
If you were born between 9 Feb 1986 and 28 Jan 1987, or between 13 Feb 1926 and 1 Feb 1927, you are a fire tiger according to the Chinese Zodiac.
There are 12 animals and 5 elements in the cycle. Therefore, the fire tiger comes around once every 60 years. The next will be in 2046.
The branch of the zodiac for tiger is written 寅 when dating ancient documents and artwork, but 虎 is the way to write the character for an actual tiger.
Year of the Tiger / Zodiac Sign
虎 is the character for tiger in Chinese, old Korean Hanja, and Japanese Kanji.
Since you already know what a tiger is, here's some trivia: If you look at the Japanese pronunciation, you might remember a movie called “Tora Tora Tora” which was the code word used to initiate the attack on Pearl Harbor. It simply means “Tiger Tiger Tiger.”
In Chinese culture, the tiger is considered to be the king of all animals (in much the way we see the lion in western culture).
From the Chinese Zodiac, if you were born in the year of the tiger, you . . .
Have a strong personality.
Are full of self-confidence.
Love adventure
Don't like to obey others.
See also our Chinese Zodiac or Tiger Calligraphy pages.
Year of the Dragon / Zodiac Sign
龍 is the character for dragon in Chinese, old Korean Hanja, and Japanese Kanji.
The dragon is a creature of myth and legend that dominates Chinese, Japanese, and even European folklore. In China, the dragon is the symbol of the Emperor, strength, and power, and the Chinese dragon is known as the god of water.
From the Chinese Zodiac, if you were born in the year of the Dragon, you . . .
Have a strong body and spirit.
Are full of energy.
Have vast goals.
Have a deep level of self-awareness.
Will do whatever you can to “save face.”
See also our Chinese Zodiac or Dragon Calligraphy pages.
Year of the Rat / Zodiac Sign
鼠 is the character for rat (and sometimes mouse) in Chinese, old Korean, and Japanese.
If you were born in the year of the Rat, you . . .
Are sensitive and smart.
Easily adapting to new environments.
Have a curious nature.
Are good at using the opportunities that are presented to you.
In some contexts, this character could mean “mouse.”
See also our Chinese Zodiac page.
Year of the Ox / Bull - Zodiac Sign
牛 is the character for bull, cow, ox, or bovine creature in Chinese, old Korean, and Japanese.
If you were born in the year of the ox/bull/cow, you . . .
Are dedicated to your work.
Are discrete, careful and conscientious.
Value work and family.
Note that in this Chinese character, there is no distinction between bull and cow. All bovine creatures fit into the definition of this character. To distinguish between male and female, another sex-designating character is added in front of this character. Therefore, in China, the energy drink “Red Bull” (Hong Niu) is often translated in the minds of Chinese people as “Red Cow” or even “Red Ox.”
See also our Chinese Zodiac page.
Year of the Rabbit / Zodiac Sign
兔 is the character for rabbit or hare in Chinese, old Korean, and Japanese.
If you were born in the year of the rabbit, you...
Are gentle and full of sympathy.
Love to help others.
Enjoy a quiet life.
Are a good worker.
Are, however, a bit of a pushover.
See also our Chinese Zodiac page.
Year of the Snake / Zodiac Sign
蛇 is the character for snake or serpent in Chinese, old Korean, and Japanese.
If you were born in the year of the snake, you . . .
Are calm.
Are an inspiration to others.
Have a stubborn nature like a mule (you do not like to concede).
See also our Chinese Zodiac page.
Year of the Horse / Zodiac Sign
馬 is the character for a horse in Chinese, old Korean, and Japanese.
If you were born in the year of the horse, you . . .
Are outgoing and active.
Don't give up easily.
Are known to have a bad temper.
See also our Chinese Zodiac page.
Year of the Goat / Zodiac Sign
羊 is the character for goat or sheep in Chinese, old Korean, and Japanese.
If you were born in the year of the goat (sheep), you . . .
Are sophisticated and considerate
Can always find the best solution to problems.
Are tolerant.
Are not afraid of hardship.
Know how to save money (thrifty).
See also our Chinese Zodiac page.
Year of the Dog / Zodiac Sign
狗 is the character for dog, canine, or hound in Chinese.
If you were born in the year of the dog, you . . .
Are strong-willed
Loyal to your friends and mate.
Never compromise when you think you are right.
Note: Can be pronounced, and means dog in Japanese but feels like a very old word (see our other dog if you need a Japanese dog).
See also our Chinese Zodiac page.
Year of the Pig / Zodiac Sign
豬 is the character for boar, pig, or swine in Chinese and old Korean.
If you were born in the year of the boar/year of the pig, you...
Are optimistic.
Have good luck with wealth and money.
Are honest, generous, and warm-hearted.
The character shown to the right is the Japanese Kanji for "wild boar."
it’s
an alternate/simplified form of pig/boar in Chinese (can be read by both Chinese and Japanese people). Click on that character instead of the button above if you want this version.
See also our Chinese Zodiac page.
Year of the Rooster / Zodiac Sign
鷄 or 雞 is the character for rooster or chicken in Chinese, old Korean, and Japanese.
If you were born in the year of the rooster (chicken), you . . .
Have a unique sense of color.
Are highly principled and responsible.
Have persuasive power.
Are honest.
Have a great ability to communicate.
Please note: There are a few different ways to write rooster/chicken, as shown to the right. If you are particular about the form, please let us know when you place your order.
See also our Chinese Zodiac page.
This in-stock artwork might be what you are looking for, and ships right away...
Gallery Price: $200.00
Your Price: $122.88
The following table may be helpful for those studying Chinese or Japanese...
Title | Characters | Romaji (Romanized Japanese) | Various forms of Romanized Chinese | |
Cancer Zodiac Symbol Sign | 蟹座 | kani-za | xiè zuò / xie4 zuo4 / xie zuo / xiezuo | hsieh tso / hsiehtso |
Pisces Zodiac Symbol Sign | 魚座 鱼座 | uo-za | yú zuò / yu2 zuo4 / yu zuo / yuzuo | yü tso / yütso |
Scorpio Zodiac Symbol Sign | 蠍座 蝎座 | sasori-za | ||
Aquarius Zodiac Symbol Sign | 水瓶座 | mizugame-za | shuǐ píng zuò shui3 ping2 zuo4 shui ping zuo shuipingzuo | shui p`ing tso shuipingtso shui ping tso |
Aries Zodiac Symbol Sign | 牡羊座 | ohitsuji-za | mù yáng zuò mu4 yang2 zuo4 mu yang zuo muyangzuo | mu yang tso muyangtso |
Capricorn Zodiac Symbol Sign | 山羊座 | yagi-za | shān yáng zuò shan1 yang2 zuo4 shan yang zuo shanyangzuo | shan yang tso shanyangtso |
Gemini Zodiac Symbol Sign | 雙子座 双子座 | futago-za | shuāng zǐ zuò shuang1 zi3 zuo4 shuang zi zuo shuangzizuo | shuang tzu tso shuangtzutso |
Gemini Zodiac Symbol Sign | 雙子座 双子座 | futago-za | shuāng zǐ zuò shuang1 zi3 zuo4 shuang zi zuo shuangzizuo | shuang tzu tso shuangtzutso |
Leo Zodiac Symbol Sign | 獅子座 狮子座 | shishi-za | shī zǐ zuò shi1 zi3 zuo4 shi zi zuo shizizuo | shih tzu tso shihtzutso |
Libra Zodiac Symbol Sign | 天秤座 | tenbin-za | tiān chèng zuò tian1 cheng4 zuo4 tian cheng zuo tianchengzuo | t`ien ch`eng tso tienchengtso tien cheng tso |
Sagittarius Zodiac Symbol Sign | 射手座 | ite-za | shè shǒu zuò she4 shou3 zuo4 she shou zuo sheshouzuo | she shou tso sheshoutso |
Taurus Zodiac Symbol Sign | 牡牛座 | oushi-za / oshi-za | ||
Virgo Zodiac Symbol Sign | 乙女座 | otome-za | yǐ nǚ zuò yi3 nv3 zuo4 yi nv zuo yinvzuo | i nü tso inütso |
Earth | 土 | tsuchi | tǔ / tu3 / tu | t`u / tu |
Fire Tiger | 火虎 | hi tora / hitora | huǒ hǔ / huo3 hu3 / huo hu / huohu | |
Tiger | 虎 | tora | hǔ / hu3 / hu | |
Dragon | 龍 龙 | ryuu / tatsu ryu / tatsu | lóng / long2 / long | lung |
Rat Mouse | 鼠 | nezumi | shǔ / shu3 / shu | |
Ox Bull Cow | 牛 | ushi | niú / niu2 / niu | |
Rabbit Hare | 兔 | usagi | tù / tu4 / tu | t`u / tu |
Snake Serpent | 蛇 | hebi | shé / she2 / she | |
Horse | 馬 马 | uma | mǎ / ma3 / ma | |
Goat Sheep | 羊 | hitsuji | yáng / yang2 / yang | |
Dog | 狗 | inu / ku | gǒu / gou3 / gou | kou |
Boar Pig | 豬 猪 | inoshishi | zhū / zhu1 / zhu | chu |
Rooster Chicken | 鷄 or 雞 鸡 or 鶏 | niwatori | jī / ji1 / ji | chi |
In some entries above you will see that characters have different versions above and below a line. In these cases, the characters above the line are Traditional Chinese, while the ones below are Simplified Chinese. |
Successful Chinese Character and Japanese Kanji calligraphy searches within the last few hours...
All of our calligraphy wall scrolls are handmade.
When the calligrapher finishes creating your artwork, it is taken to my art mounting workshop in Beijing where a wall scroll is made by hand from a combination of silk, rice paper, and wood.
After we create your wall scroll, it takes at least two weeks for air mail delivery from Beijing to you.
Allow a few weeks for delivery. Rush service speeds it up by a week or two for $10!
When you select your calligraphy, you'll be taken to another page where you can choose various custom options.
The wall scroll that Sandy is holding in this picture is a "large size"
single-character wall scroll.
We also offer custom wall scrolls in small, medium, and an even-larger jumbo size.
Professional calligraphers are getting to be hard to find these days.
Instead of drawing characters by hand, the new generation in China merely type roman letters into their computer keyboards and pick the character that they want from a list that pops up.
There is some fear that true Chinese calligraphy may become a lost art in the coming years. Many art institutes in China are now promoting calligraphy programs in hopes of keeping this unique form
of art alive.
Even with the teachings of a top-ranked calligrapher in China, my calligraphy will never be good enough to sell. I will leave that to the experts.
The same calligrapher who gave me those lessons also attracted a crowd of thousands and a TV crew as he created characters over 6-feet high. He happens to be ranked as one of the top 100 calligraphers in all of China. He is also one of very few that would actually attempt such a feat.
Check out my lists of Japanese Kanji Calligraphy Wall Scrolls and Old Korean Hanja Calligraphy Wall Scrolls.
Some people may refer to this entry as Japanese Zodiac Kanji, Japanese Zodiac Characters, Japanese Zodiac in Mandarin Chinese, Japanese Zodiac Characters, Japanese Zodiac in Chinese Writing, Japanese Zodiac in Japanese Writing, Japanese Zodiac in Asian Writing, Japanese Zodiac Ideograms, Chinese Japanese Zodiac symbols, Japanese Zodiac Hieroglyphics, Japanese Zodiac Glyphs, Japanese Zodiac in Chinese Letters, Japanese Zodiac Hanzi, Japanese Zodiac in Japanese Kanji, Japanese Zodiac Pictograms, Japanese Zodiac in the Chinese Written-Language, or Japanese Zodiac in the Japanese Written-Language.