As I settled into 2026 with my first cup of matcha tea on New Year's morning, I found myself thinking about what this year might bring. In Japan, we don't wait for the lunar calendar to turn—1st January marks our new beginning, and it's the start of the Fire Horse year. It's a year I'm particularly looking forward to, and I wanted to share some thoughts about why this ancient belief system still matters to so many of us, and what we might expect as we move through these twelve months.
Why Do Japanese People Believe in the Chinese Zodiac?
People often assume that because we're Japanese, we wouldn't care about Chinese traditions. But that's not quite how it works. The Chinese zodiac came to Japan centuries ago, woven in along with so many other cultural exchanges—Buddhism, calligraphy, philosophy, and cooking techniques. Over time, it became thoroughly Japanese. It's not that we follow China's way of celebrating; rather, we've made it our own.
For Japanese people, the zodiac isn't really about superstition in the way some might think. It's more about understanding patterns and energies. We use it as a framework for reflection—it offers a lens through which to view the year ahead and ourselves. In Japan, you'll find it mentioned in everything from business meetings to casual conversations. Knowing someone's zodiac sign is as natural as knowing their age; it says something about their character, their likely strengths and challenges.
The twelve animals each carry distinct qualities, and every sixty years, the cycle repeats with different elemental influences—fire, water, wood, metal, earth. This layering of meaning makes it both practical and poetic.
What Is the Fire Horse?
The Horse is known for being spirited, energetic, and freedom-loving. Horses are honest, they move quickly, and they bring vitality wherever they go. But fire? Fire amplifies all of this. A Fire Horse year is bold, passionate, and intense. It's a year of movement, change, and dynamic energy.
In Japanese understanding, 2026 is a year that calls us to action. It's not a year for sitting still or playing it safe. The Fire Horse brings opportunity, but it demands engagement. Things move faster; decisions feel more urgent. There's an almost magnetic quality to the year—people are drawn to new beginnings, projects feel more possible, and there's a natural momentum if you're willing to ride it.
What We Can Look Forward to in 2026
If you're someone who's been sitting on an idea or waiting for the right moment, the Fire Horse year is practically pushing you forward. This is excellent energy for:
Starting new ventures—whether that's a business, a creative project, or a significant life change. The momentum is there; the question is whether you'll step into it.
Strengthening relationships and connections. The Fire Horse brings people together. It's a good year for deepening bonds, having important conversations, and building community.
Travel and exploration. Horses are about movement, and fire gives it urgency. If you've been meaning to visit somewhere, reconnect with family abroad, or explore something new, 2026 feels like it's inviting you to do it.
Personal growth and courage. This year rewards those who are brave enough to be themselves more fully. It's not a year for hiding or playing small.
What We Should Be Mindful of in 2026
But fire can also burn if we're not careful. The Fire Horse year asks us to channel its energy wisely.
Be thoughtful about impulsive decisions. The speed and excitement of Fire Horse energy can sometimes push us to move faster than is wise. Not every opportunity needs to be seized immediately. Pause before committing.
Watch for overcommitment. The energy of this year can make us say yes to too many things. It's easy to find yourself stretched thin. Being selective about where you invest your time and energy matters.
Manage stress and burnout. All this intensity can be exhausting if you don't build in rest. The Horse moves fast, but even a horse needs to stop and graze.
Be honest in your dealings. The Fire Horse values authenticity, but fire also reveals what's hidden. It's a year where dishonesty or shortcuts tend to come to light. Integrity matters more than usual.
Moving Into 2026
As I look at this year ahead, I feel the same sense of possibility I always do at the turning of the calendar, but heightened somehow. There's an invitation in the Fire Horse energy—not a demand, but an invitation to engage more fully, to pursue what matters, to move toward what calls to us.
For me, 2026 is a year of real momentum. I'm publishing three new books this year—a stir fry cookbook, a matcha book, and most significantly, the autism book I've been working on with my co-author about my son's journey. These projects represent so much more than recipes or words on a page; they're about sharing the parts of my world that matter most. The Fire Horse energy feels perfect for this—it's bold, it's honest, and it demands that we show up fully for what we believe in.
Beyond the books, there's an adventure to it all. Each one opens a door to sharing something different—the speed and simplicity of stir fry, the quiet ritual of matcha, the deep and personal story of raising my son and our family's path. I'm genuinely excited to introduce these different facets of my world to my readers, and to see where this energy takes the conversations we have around food, culture, and family.
I hope you'll find your own way to work with this Fire Horse energy, rather than against it. Whatever calls to you this year, whatever you've been thinking about—this is the moment to step toward it.
Here's to 2026!
Please share your goal in 2026!
