The Japanese zodiac term Ne represents the Rat.
Japanese zodiac terminology derives from the Chinese system of 12 earthly branches and their animal associations. Ne is the first branch in Japanese readings of the cycle and corresponds to the Rat, which begins the familiar sequence of 12 animals.
The Japanese zodiac is called eto, and its animals are used in year names, New Year decorations, greeting cards, and cultural references. The cycle follows the same broad order as the Chinese zodiac, although Japanese naming and pronunciation differ.
A common translation issue concerns the final animal: Japanese often uses I for Boar, while English sources may say Pig. That difference does not affect Ne, whose standard animal correspondence is Rat. The branch names can also appear in calendrical contexts beyond birth years.