Your very untraditional Japanese horoscope, 2011, revealed

In the first part of a regular new series, Time Out Tokyo brings you 'hybrid horoscopes' straight from the seven-man fortune-telling group, Not For Sale. The group has four fortune-tellers: Juno, Hoshi and Sugar are astrologists, with Juno specialising in Western astrology and Hoshi in Eastern, and Solla is a palm reader. During performances they are joined by MC Ryoz, DJ M'osawa and VJ Sogen, who bring the tidy number up to seven.

'Hybrid what, now?' Yes, we're glad you asked. Hybrid fortune-telling involves a mix of Eastern methods, which emphasise creating a harmony between people and nature (the universe), and Western styles, which look at how to apply the rules of nature (the universe) to people. Each type of astrology has its pluses and minuses, but used in combination they're said to offset each other for even better predictions. The Western and Chinese zodiac can produce conflicting results, so it’s up to you to choose which to follow for a better 2011.

January birthdays: the Ox + Capricorn

You’ll have a year of being loved. Introversion will have negative results. All signs point to 2011 being a pretty good year.

Eastern astrology
You’ll be supported by all those around you. Even if you run into difficulties, you’ll not be particularly troubled by them: the people around you will step in so that everything seems to go your way. In particular, you’ll become a favourite at work with your superiors, including your boss, and there is a big chance of promotion. You’re set to receive some high praise, and be given some important projects to work on. You may also receive an expensive present as congratulations or thanks.

Western astrology
Signs point to your coming into some incredible good fortune in the latter half of the year through to the Christmas season. You may be given an award or headhunted; either way, it’s likely that something will make you extremely happy. This period will be your luckiest, so it’s the best time for new challenges or big decisions. Until then there is no need to rush, and it’s best just to sit back and make careful preparations for the time ahead.

February birthdays: the Tiger + Aquarius

Throw away your fixed ideas. Flexibility is the key to good fortune. Overall, 2011 looks to be a quiet year for you.

Eastern astrology
The year there will lack big events in your life, but there will be a tendency for you to become pressured by certain decisions or choices that need to be made. You may also be worried by the choice between your work and private life. But your fortune for the year looks very positive, so the signs show that in tough situations there will always be someone close at hand to give you advice. Don’t keep your troubles to yourself. If you feel unsure about something, go straight to a friend or superior for help.

Western astrology
Around the time of your birthday your luck will suddenly increase. There is a strong possibility that you’ll get a surprise or present from an unexpected quarter. A seemingly inconsequential event could lead to your making a lot of new friends. You may build up a broad network of contacts, irrespective of age, class or nationality.

March birthdays: the Rabbit + Pisces

Be brave and don’t give in to pressure. 2011 should be a fairly good year.

Eastern astrology
The signs are bright and show that you will be blessed with good friends and always surrounded by many people. It will be easy, for those who can help, to gather around you, and it will be a year full of luck. There is a great possibility that an invitation from a friend will take you to the party of someone famous, and that you will meet someone who will help you gain new qualifications or lead you to a new career. You will be given many opportunities with projects that are a little beyond your abilities and as a result there may be hard work ahead. So cooperativeness is essential and you should aim to please those around you.

Western astrology
Your luck will be at its peak from spring into summer. The bud will flower into a blossom and your season will have truly arrived. One after another your wishes will come true and nothing will stand in your way. You may be catapulted into a very important position, so be prepared.

April birthdays: the Dragon + Aries

This is the year to make the ideal a reality. 2011 will be a fantastic year for you.

Eastern astrology
Everything points to this being one of the best years of your life. For those of you who want to change yourselves, or perhaps lacked confidence in yourself, this year is your chance to become a completely different person. This will be followed by changes in your surroundings, such as a career change, and you will meet a flood of new people. You can expect good relationships to develop not just in a romantic sense, but also with people who will steer your life onto a much better course. You will be inspired by superiors and senior workmates who you respect, as well as the friends who you aspire to be like, and you should be motivated to challenge yourself in many ways.

Western astrology
From autumn into winter your luck will gather pace. You will see results from the projects you have been working so hard on. Even if you've been feeling that your efforts haven’t born fruit, new paths will open up for you during this period, so keep trying.

May birthdays: the Snake + Taurus

Happiness is close at hand, rather than in the distant future, but your luck will tend to hang a little low.

Eastern astrology
The signs point to things that have been going well, up until now, coming to a sudden stop. You may lose sight of your aims and ideals and find yourself in a deep pool of anxiety. However, if you find yourself feeling like you need concrete results you mustn't let yourself think that you need to produce them quickly and consequently act hastily. Rather than expecting results this year, you should put your personal desires aside and see the year as the first step towards something better, or as building the foundations for what is to come.

Western astrology
Your luck will be at its peak at the beginning of the year. Assistance or an offer will come from an unexpected quarter and you will be helped out of a difficult predicament. You will often find yourself surrounded by friends at parties and events, and you should have a lot fun this year. If you went to hatsumode (the first visit to a shrine or temple in the New Year) at your local shrine and prayed for a year of happiness, your prayers will have been heard. We hope you made a money offering...

June birthdays: the Horse + Gemini

Important matters should be settled quickly. 2011 will be a year of mixed fortunes.

Eastern astrology
If you are overconfident about your good fortune, you may find yourself suddenly running into trouble. You mustn’t get carried away because things are going well at the moment. In particular, you need to be careful about making inappropriate remarks. Something you may have said lightly may become the cause of a big problem later on, and even if it was never your intention, you could end up betraying someone important to you. You should get into the habit of stopping and thinking before you speak.

Western astrology
Your luck will improve from the spring on, and things will stay steady until the end of summer. The things you have wished for will come to you smoothly, without any particular hardship, and it seems that you will have a lot to be happy about. During this time you may see a sudden improvement in your study or work, so it’s the perfect time to take exams for new qualifications. This concentrated effort, over a short time period, could put you way ahead of your rivals.

July birthdays: the Ram + Cancer

Take a new step forward and don’t be too concerned about the past. 2011 will be an excellent year.

Eastern astrology
It seems as if you are emerging from a dark tunnel to see the bright light ahead. New dreams and aims for the future will come into focus, and you’ll have both the desire and the motivation to make things happen. It may be the opportunity you need to start along a new path in your life. You may also meet a person (be it a senior at work or a friend) who will become a mentor and model for your own life. If you meet someone whose words resonate with you, and have a special meaning for you, don’t hesitate to talk with them. If you really listen to what they have to say, over time you will be able to cast off your old self and may discover an even better, more complete person within.

Western astrology
Your luck will be at its peak towards the end of the year. During this period, the faint at heart will lose out. The more work you put in, the more results you will see in the future. Believe in yourself and be proactive.

August birthdays: the Monkey + Leo

Put your energy into the beginning of the year. 2011 looks to be a steady year.

Eastern astrology
While you shouldn't expect any particular good luck or favourable winds to blow through, you'll also avoid being caught up in any significant accidents or misfortune. It should be a steady year, where you move forward with the power of your own momentum. It seems as if those around you will be very busy, but you'll be the calm at the centre of the storm. Don’t be swayed by others. Move at your own pace.

Western astrology
There will be positive powers behind you at the very start of the year. Beginning any challenges or changes you’d like to make during this time should bring good results. If you get started on the right track you may have a very fulfilling year. If you feel like you’ve reached a dead end, clean your house, or put your things in order. Looking back over your memories and revisiting the past could have positive outcomes. You may be able to re-evaluate where your life is at the moment.

September birthdays: the Rooster + Virgo

Trust your close friends and be thankful for them. You may see a little turmoil in 2011.

Eastern astrology
It seems that there may be many moments in 2011 when you feel bound up, like you can’t move. You may have nasty words thrown at you, or face fierce criticism from your boss, friends, lover or family. Situations where you are caught between your own wishes and the opinions of those around you may arise easily.

Western astrology
Things will be at their best for you from April onwards. Your good fortune will be on the increase until autumn, so during this period move forward without any hesitation. Even if you are lacking some of the strength needed to keep progressing, the people around you are likely to lend a helping hand. Make sure you stay in close contact with co-workers and new and old friends. If you maintain an awareness of cooperation and solidarity, it may help you out of a difficult situation.

October birthdays: the Dog + Libra

Anxiety and doubts will ultimately be rewarded. 2011 looks to be a pretty good year.

Eastern astrology
Signs show that if you are able to sweep away all of your doubts, everything in front of you will suddenly seem brighter and clearer. Worries that had you going round in circles will disappear, and new roads will open up ahead of you. In terms of relationships, you may meet many new people. If you are someone with few acquaintances, an invitation from someone in a different circle should definitely be followed up on. It may help you see the world in a completely different light.

Western astrology
Autumn, particularly October, looks to be a time of success. All your efforts up until now will be recognised and a considerable result may be achieved. There is a high probability that you will reap the greatest rewards of your life. In the first half of the year you may frequently be troubled by unexpected problems, but ultimately the more anxiety you suffer, the greater the returns.

November birthdays: the Boar + Scorpio

It will be a year to re-evaluate who you are. Maintain your self-reliance. 2011 looks to be a quiet year.

Eastern astrology
You may sense some friction between yourself and those around you which may lead you to think more about the future and become more aware of your independence. Your everyday life may begin to bore you, and your relationships with friends and co-workers may feel tiresome. Friends who were close may become distant, and people may treat you coldly, so there is a tendency for you to become isolated. However, you may not be particularly worried about the situation yourself. You are likely to be so absorbed in finding your own way, and figuring out your future, that you pay little attention to the criticisms and noise coming from others.

Western astrology
You are likely to have a chance encounter with a former teacher or possible mentor in February or March, while it is still cold. You should make an active effort to go out to places that stimulate your curiosity, or act if there is something you are particularly interested in.

December birthdays: the Rat + Sagittarius

A friendship with an unexpected character is the key to good fortune. 2011 will be quite a good year.

Eastern astrology
The indications are that you will have more charm than ever before, and people will naturally gravitate towards you. Even relatively trivial comments and actions will be a hit with those around you, and it seems that you will often be the centre of attention in a new career, department or environment. Despite your popularity, reconsidering your friendships will lead to better fortune. You can expect new encounters to create new chemistry. You’ll be able to relate to people you weren’t able to before, like those from other groups or those of a completely different type than your current friends, so you should try to build new relationships with them. Help will come from unexpected places, and some surprising information may come your way. Your future aspirations and goals may change, so it’s possible your life could take a different direction.

Western astrology
Summer will be the peak of your good fortune, and a big chance may be coming your way. There may even be an amazing, life-changing event.

Text: Not For Sale