Born in 1996 (Heisei 8 / 平成8年)
Chinese Zodiac (12-year cycle): Rat — 子 (ね)
Sexagenary cycle (60-year): 丙子
Events & Milestones This Year
- Coming of Age
- N/A
※ Yakudoshi uses 'counting age' (kazoedoshi): current year − birth year + 1
1996 Events
Politics & Economy
- Jusen cleanup problem - Parliament in turmoil over public fund injection
- Hashimoto Ryutaro Cabinet formed - January 11, promoted administrative and fiscal reform
- Consumption tax increase to 5% decided - Implementation from April next year
Society & Lifestyle
- O157 food poisoning outbreak - Mass outbreak in Sakai City. Over 9,000 infected from school lunches
- Pokémon released - February 27, released for Game Boy. Became worldwide boom
- Purikura boom - Print Club became essential item for high school girls
- Loose socks fashion - Symbol of schoolgirl fashion
- Tamagotchi boom - Released by Bandai. Became social phenomenon due to shortage
Sports & Entertainment
- Atlanta Olympics - Arimori Yuko won marathon bronze. “I want to praise myself”
- Orix BlueWave becomes Japan champion - Ichiro and others thrived
- Takanohana’s comeback victory - Overcame injury
- Amuro Namie “CAN YOU CELEBRATE?” huge hit - Peak of Amurer era
- SMAP “SMAP×SMAP” broadcast begins - Thrived in variety too
School Enrollment & Graduation Chart
※ Adjust for gap years, repeating grades, or leave of absence
※ Those born Jan 1 - Apr 1 (early-born) enter school one year earlier