According to the lunar calendar, 2023 was the year symbol of the rabbit. Other years related to this cute animal are 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, and 2011.

Lucky animals, they represent cleverness and devotion. Rabbits are also associated with spring, birth, growth and renewal.

An old tale says that rabbits inhabit the moon and they prepare “mochi”, rice based confectionery, there.

Japanese people see the shape of a rabbit in the moon and during “Tsukimi”, the moon festival held in September, people watch the moon with their family while eating mochi.

The rabbit is present in many ancient fairytales and it is generally symbol of advancement and the future as it only jumps forward.

Chōjū-giga, the oldest manga in the world, was drawn in the 12-13th centuries, it describes social conditions of those days and rabbits are among the main characters.

Rabbit Island, Okunoshima, is the home of over 1000 wild rabbits that roam the forests and fields. It is known as a place to seek good fortune.

To see similar content, consult the complete list of Japanese symbols HERE .