People in Japan believe in a wide variety of different forms of fortune telling, including astrology, the Chinese or Japanese animal zodiac, blood type, tarot, and Doubutsu Uranai (animal fortune). It wasn’t until the Showa Era that Western horoscopes became widespread, but you can readily come across them in magazines or on television programs these days. Let’s take a look at the factors that contributed to the meteoric rise of western-style horoscope fortune telling in Japanese culture.
There are four different elements that are used in astrology, and they are fire, earth, air, and water. It is believed that the element of the relative zodiac sign can have an impact on people’s qualities and personality, which is why many people consider it to be a reliable method for determining one’s personality traits as well. Each of the 12 horoscopes corresponds to one of these signs.
The Fire Signs: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
Those born under a fire sign are fiery personalities who are intuitive, passionate, and dynamic. Aside from the fact that they are always willing to help others, they are people who are expressive, creative, and charming. On the other hand, due to the fact that they have a short temper, they might be hostile at times and act in a rash manner.
The Earth Signs: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn
Earth signs are known for being sensible, disciplined, grounded, and critical in their thinking. They enjoy being provided with directions, a set of guidelines, and a reliable schedule. They are extremely well organized, and they constantly want to do the task in the manner that best suits them.
The Air Signs: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
People born under the sign of the air sign are bright, inquisitive, outgoing, and self-reliant. Their exceptional social and verbal communication skills are one of their most prominent traits. In addition to this, when they are thinking logically rather than emotionally, they have a greater tendency to come up with original concepts.
The Water Signs: Cancer, Scorpio Pisces
People whose zodiac signs are associated with water are known for their sensitivity, emotion, creativity, and empathy. They are naturally intuitive, and because they live in their own imaginative world, they frequently experience vivid dreams. People who are water are compassionate and connect well with others, but they also have a tendency to experience mood swings and be overly skeptical of others.
History of Horoscopes in Japan
Horoscope Fortune Telling is Popular in Japan
Horoscope reading is popular around the world. It is no different in Japan. Horoscope fortune telling is often found in magazines, television programs, and even daily newscasts. Actually, Japanese people enjoy fortune telling, whether it be through horoscopes, tarot, Omikuji (), Dobutsu Uranai, or other methods. They feel that fortune telling outcomes will help them forecast the future, avoid mistakes, and make the right decision. Aside from future prediction, they believe fortune telling traits can indicate one’s personality and compatibility with others. Blood type and horoscopes are the most commonly used ones.