Eto Kuyō (Zodiac Charm Memorial Day)

What Is Eto Kuyō Day?

February 11 is "Eto Kuyō no Hi" (Zodiac Figurine Memorial Day). It was established in 2001 by Chugai Toen Co., Ltd., a maker of zodiac figurines and Hina and May dolls headquartered in Seto, Aichi Prefecture, and is certified and registered by the Japan Anniversary Association. It is a day to thank the zodiac (eto) figurines that watched over the household for a year, and to return them to the earth.

Why February 11?

The date was chosen because it falls just after Risshun (around February 4), traditionally regarded as the start of the new year on the old calendar, and because the characters for "eleven" (十一), stacked vertically, form the character for "earth" (土). The idea of "returning ceramic figurines to the earth" fits perfectly with Seto, a town famous for its pottery.

What Is the Chinese Zodiac (Junishi)?

The Chinese zodiac (junishi) consists of twelve animals: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Boar, based on an ancient Chinese calendar system. Besides years, it has long been used to indicate directions and times of day.

The Eto Kuyō Ceremony in Seto

Since 1989 — before the day itself was established — Chugai Toen has held an "Eto Kuyō" ceremony every February 11 at 11:00, returning retired zodiac figurines to the earth with gratitude. It takes place at the company's "Eto-zuka" (zodiac mound), led by the priest of Hōsen-ji Temple, which is connected to the Yakushi kiln; the 2026 ceremony was the 37th.

"Kando Eto": Figurines Reborn

The figurines offered at the ceremony are crushed and reused as recycled material ("kando," or returned earth), making up 50% of the raw material for new zodiac figurines. These reborn figurines are called "Kando Eto," turning the idea that "the zodiac figure that watched over you comes back as the next one" into a real cycle — a blend of gratitude toward objects and resource-saving ingenuity.

Caring for Zodiac Figurines

• Clean retired figurines and let them go with gratitude.
• Check the organizer's guidance in advance for how and when offerings are accepted.
• Display the new year's figurine where it is easy to see, such as the entrance or living room.
• Review the reading and order of the twelve zodiac animals with your family.

Things to Do on Eto Kuyō Day

• Sort through old zodiac figurines still on display at home.
• Reflect on the past year and set goals for the new one with a grateful heart.
• Learn about the history of "setomono," the pottery of Seto.
• Choose new zodiac decorations with family or friends, wishing for happiness in the year ahead.

A Day to Express Gratitude

Eto Kuyō Day is a day to say "thank you" to the small figurines that have been part of our daily lives. Returning pottery born from the earth back to the earth, and letting it be reborn as the next zodiac figure — this idea of a cycle offers a hint for living with objects and using them with care for a long time.