It is generally believed that the Zodiac originated in China sometime before 1100 BC and has grown from those humble beginnings to it's present incarnation over many centuries. It's popularity was such that is was a huge sucess all over Asia and when Buddhism arrived in Japan in the mid-6th century,the calendar followed and was officially adopted in 604.

In Japan, this Zodiac system is know as Jikkan Jûnishi 十干十二支, also called Eto えと. Jikkan-jûnishi literally means ten stems and twelve branches. This calendar is also known in modern times as Kanshi 干支.

Following are the 10 Stems or Elemental signs known as the Jikkan 十干. After these are the twelve animal signs of the Jûnishi 十干十二支.

Somethines, Zodiac readings are mixed in with standard Nenki dates and sometimes, the Zodiac dates are on their own so finding the date for a sword with only a Zodiac inscription can be a bit of back tracking, as we need a reference point to know what year the sword was made in. If dated, the sword will most likely be signed. Find the smith or smiths that sign that way, and through Kantei, determine the period of the sword, then try to dertimine the correct period of the Zodiac reading.

This list of 60 Year Cycles begins at the year 1024 and are as follows: