Jūnishi: The 12 Animals

Japanese culture has a long tradition of finding meaning in symbols, seasons, nature, and the world around us. Among its most recognisable traditions is Jūnishi (十二支), the Japanese zodiac, represented by twelve animals that form a repeating twelve-year cycle.

At Astré, we wanted to explore this tradition through clothing, translating the symbolism of the Jūnishi into a contemporary collection of embroidered sweatshirts.

The Jūnishi Collection

The twelve animals of the Japanese zodiac are the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Boar.

Each animal holds its own place within the zodiac and carries traditional associations that have developed through Japanese and wider East Asian culture. Rather than treating these symbols simply as illustrations, the Jūnishi collection interprets them through carefully considered embroidery, colour, and composition.

Each sweatshirt represents one animal in the twelve-part series, creating a collection that can be explored individually or as a complete set.

Twelve Animals, Twelve Designs

The collection begins with the Rat (子), the first animal of the zodiac, followed by the Ox (丑), Tiger (寅), Rabbit (卯), Dragon (辰), Snake (巳), Horse (午), Goat (未), Monkey (申), Rooster (酉), Dog (戌), and Boar (亥).

Each design uses its own colour palette and visual treatment while maintaining the same overall construction and relaxed silhouette. This gives the collection a consistent identity while allowing every animal to have its own character.

From deep and muted tones to brighter combinations, the embroidery is designed to sit naturally within everyday wardrobes, bringing a subtle reference to Japanese culture into contemporary fashion.

A Contemporary Take on a Traditional Symbol

The Jūnishi has existed as part of Japanese culture for centuries, yet its imagery remains instantly recognisable today. It can be found across art, festivals, architecture, everyday objects, and celebrations of the New Year.

Astré approaches these familiar symbols from a fashion perspective. The focus is on composition, colour, texture, and the relationship between the embroidered motif and the garment itself.

The result is a collection rooted in Japanese tradition while designed for modern everyday wear.

Find Your Animal

The Jūnishi collection is made up of twelve individual pieces, each representing a different animal and position within the zodiac.

Whether you choose the animal associated with your birth year, connect with a particular symbol, or simply appreciate the design, each piece offers its own interpretation of the tradition. Not sure which animal is best for you? Read the blog What Does Your Japanese Zodiac Animal Say About You?

Explore the twelve animals of Astré Jūnishi and discover the one that speaks to you.