In Japan, years are not expressed only by Western calendar numbers like 2025.

Japan has two unique systems to name years that are still actively used today:

• 元号（げんごう） – the era name
• 干支（えと） – the zodiac cycle

Let’s take a clear and simple look at how both systems work 🌸

1. 元号（げんごう）– Japanese Era Names

元号げんごう is a system where years are counted based on the reign of the emperor.

When a new emperor begins his reign, a new era name starts, and the year count resets to 1.

Recent Japanese Eras

Examples

• 2025 → 令和7年（れいわ ななねん）
• 2018 → 平成30年（へいせい さんじゅうねん）

📌 元号 is commonly used in:

• Official documents
• Bank forms
• Driver’s licenses
• Government and news websites

2. 干支（えと）– Japanese Zodiac (12-Year Cycle)

干支 is a traditional zodiac system based on 12 animals, repeating every 12 years.

This system came from ancient China and became deeply rooted in Japanese culture.

You’ll see 干支 especially around New Year.

The 12 Zodiac Animals（干支）

⚠️ Important

The readings below are special readings used only for 干支えと.

They are different from normal kanji readings.

Examples

• 2024 → 辰年（たつどし）Year of the Dragon
• 2025 → 巳年（みどし）Year of the Snake

!https://n-flexo.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/nengajo_scattered_100-300×300.jpg

📌 干支 is often used in:

• 年賀状ねんがじょう（New Year cards）
• Shrine decorations
• おみくじ (fortune slips)
• New Year TV programs and advertisements

2026 will be 午年うまどし (horse year)🐎 What about your 干支えと?

元号 vs 干支 – What’s the Difference?

They are sometimes used together, especially in New Year greetings.

How Japanese People Usually Say the Year

In daily conversation, people often use:

• 西暦（せいれき） → 2025
• Or 元号 (げんごう) → 令和7年

干支 is symbolic and cultural, and is not used for official dates.

However, many Japanese people still know their zodiac sign and enjoy talking about it, especially around New Year. You might hear people say things like:

• 「私わたしは辰年たつどしです」
• 「今年ことしは巳年みどしだね」

It is often used in greetings, casual conversations, and traditional events rather than in practical situations.

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