In the Japanese zodiac, the kanji 辰, traditionally read as Tatsu, corresponds to the Dragon.
Japan’s zodiac, known as the Eto or Junishi, uses the same 12 earthly-branch positions as the Chinese zodiac. Tatsu is the fifth sign and is represented by the Dragon, a creature associated with strength, authority, water, and auspicious power in East Asian traditions.
The Japanese sequence begins with Ne, the Rat, and continues through Ushi, Tora, U, Tatsu, Mi, Uma, Hitsuji, Saru, Tori, Inu, and I. The Japanese names can therefore look quite different from English animal names even when the underlying sign is shared.
Japanese zodiac years traditionally follow the lunisolar calendar, although modern public calendars commonly label years by the Gregorian calendar. The Dragon’s position remains fifth in the cycle, while local pronunciation and cultural associations distinguish the Japanese tradition from Chinese usage.