Mouse/rat (nezumi - 子)
The rat or mouse is one of the twelve Chinese zodiac signs which are also used in Japan. In the Chinese zodiac, it's the year of birth which determines the sign as follows :
In Japan, mice or rats are often paired with daikons (white radish) to express the symbol of fertility. Some daikons grow with two pointed ends looking like ladies legs and mice/rats are known to be very prolific animals.
Hashiokis linked to this subject :
