In Japan, the concept of the zodiac, known as eto, is deeply rooted in everyday life.
More than a simple system for marking years, it is a form of wisdom that understands time as something that “circulates,” closely connected to nature and spiritual belief.
In this article, we explore the origins and meanings of the zodiac, introduce the Hatsu-uma Festival at Fushimi Inari Taisha, and present auspicious items inspired by the zodiac.
We hope you will find something that quietly accompanies your daily life at a turning point in this cycle of time.
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1. The Origins of the Zodiac — The Ten Heavenly Stems and Twelve Earthly Branches
The Zodiac as a Way of Reading Time
When we casually say, “This year’s zodiac sign is ○○,”
we are in fact referring to a remarkably profound way of understanding time.
Originally, the zodiac is a calendrical system that combines two measures of time:
the Ten Heavenly Stems and the Twelve Earthly Branches.
Rather than merely dividing years into labels,
it was created as a way to interpret the qualities of time as it moves and returns.
The Ten Heavenly Stems｜Symbols of the Stages of Growth
The Ten Heavenly Stems consist of the following ten elements:
Jia, Yi, Bing, Ding, Wu
Ji, Geng, Xin, Ren, Gui
They may seem complex at first glance, but in simple terms,
the Ten Heavenly Stems represent the process of growth—from beginning to end, and onward to the next cycle.
Using the life of a plant as an example—
A sprout emerges → grows → blooms → bears fruit → withers and leaves seeds for the next cycle
The Ten Heavenly Stems describe this natural rhythm in finely divided stages.
The Meanings of the Ten Heavenly Stems (An Image-Based Guide)
Jia: A sprout breaking through its shell — beginnings, new starts
Yi: A flexible sprout growing upward — development in progress
Bing: Bathed in sunlight — vitality and expansion
Ding: Taking shape — stability before maturity
Wu: The earth — foundation and center
Ji: Strength gathering within — preparation for change
Geng: A turning point — reform and renewal
Xin: Trial and hardship — growth through challenge
Ren: Nurturing and embracing — preparation for the next generation
Gui: Completion and closure — leading quietly to a new beginning
The Ten Heavenly Stems teach us
a way of observing the entire arc from beginning to end with care.
The Twelve Earthly Branches｜Symbols of Time’s Rhythm
The Twelve Earthly Branches are as follows:
Zi, Chou, Yin, Mao, Chen, Si
Wu, Wei, Shen, You, Xu, Hai
Today, they are closely associated with animal imagery,
but originally they were symbols used to indicate years, months, days, hours, and directions.
Expressions such as “the hour of the Horse” or “the Ox hour”
are remnants of a time when the branches divided the day into segments.
In Japan, they gradually became associated with birth years and protective symbolism,
and came to be linked with ideas of fortune, character, and destiny.
The Zodiac as a Philosophy of Cyclical Time
Strictly speaking, the zodiac refers to the Sexagenary Cycle,
which combines the Ten Heavenly Stems and Twelve Earthly Branches.
This 60-year cycle reflects an East Asian view of time:
that life and history repeat themselves in similar, yet subtly different forms.
This is why the age of 60 is called kanreki in Japan—
it marks a return to the zodiac sign of one’s birth year.
The zodiac is not only a system for counting time,
but also a cultural framework for reflecting on where we stand within it.
2. The Hatsu-uma Festival at Fushimi Inari Taisha
A Day Where the Zodiac and Faith Intersect
One event deeply connected to the zodiac is the Hatsu-uma Festival,
held at Fushimi Inari Taisha.
The Hatsu-uma Festival takes place on the first Day of the Horse in February.
It commemorates the year 711, when the Inari deity was enshrined on Mount Inari on a Horse day.
Prayers for abundant harvests, business prosperity, and household safety are offered,
and the tradition continues to be observed at Inari shrines across Japan.
Hatsu-uma in 2026: February 1
In 2026, Hatsu-uma falls on February 1.
On this day, Fushimi Inari Taisha welcomes many visitors,
and the shrine is filled with a unique atmosphere of prayer at the beginning of the year.
Visiting the shrine on Hatsu-uma is more than an annual event;
it is a way of quietly placing one’s hopes into the flow of the year ahead.
3. Zodiac-Inspired Auspicious Gifts
Giving Form to Wishes
The zodiac symbolizes the flow of time,
and has long served as a vessel for people’s hopes and prayers.
In Japan, there is a tradition of choosing auspicious items at life’s turning points,
leaving one’s intentions in a visible, tangible form.
Things to wear.
Things to place on the table.
Things that quietly catch the eye in daily life.
Auspicious items are not meant to stand out loudly,
but to gently support our wishes within everyday living.
Auspicious Items Selected at Our Shop
Here, we introduce items from our collection through two perspectives:
auspicious pieces to wear,
and auspicious pieces to bring into daily life.
A charming zodiac piece for this year, featuring unique and delightful colors.
Due to limited availability, this item is available in-store only.
Accessories inspired by torii gates, evoking a quiet sense of prayer.
A piece unique to Fushimi Inari, made with wooden beads in the same color as votive torii gates.
An everyday auspicious item imbued with the meaning of “grasping good fortune.”
Easy-to-use chopsticks in packaging featuring the Horse, the auspicious zodiac sign of 2026.
Lucky motifs such as pine, bamboo, plum, crane, and turtle, designed to blend naturally into daily life.
Each of these items is not meant only for special occasions,
but to be used and appreciated as part of everyday life.
4. Conclusion
A Small Marker Within the Flow of Time
The zodiac is more than a calendrical system;
it reflects the Japanese sense of time and prayer shaped by living close to nature.
The Hatsu-uma Festival is a symbolic expression of this culture.
On February 1, 2026, perhaps a visit to Fushimi Inari Taisha can be an opportunity
to rediscover the meaning of the zodiac and auspicious objects.
On your way back from the shrine,
choosing a single item to gently carry the feelings of the day with you.
At our shop located near Fushimi Inari Shrine,
we look forward to welcoming you with items that will accompany your year ahead.