The Japanese zodiac term Tora represents the Tiger.
Tora is the third animal in the Japanese zodiac sequence, following Ne, the Rat, and Ushi, the Ox. Japan’s eto system preserves the same 12-animal order as the Chinese zodiac, although the language, calendar customs, and popular interpretations are Japanese.
The Tiger is often depicted in Japanese New Year imagery, calendars, crafts, and shrine-related cultural displays. It traditionally symbolizes bravery, strength, and protection. Japanese zodiac labels are commonly written with kanji as well as romanized forms, so readers may encounter Tora alongside the character for tiger.
A frequent confusion involves Tora and Tatsumi or Tatsu. Tatsu is the Japanese zodiac name associated with the Dragon, while Tora specifically means Tiger in the zodiac sequence. The modern Japanese zodiac year generally changes at New Year, unlike Chinese lunar-year usage, though both systems descend from related East Asian calendrical traditions.