tora

tiger

The tiger is one of the zodiac characters. Because it is not native to Japan, some of its earlier depictions in paintings are anatomically unusual. Most of the attributes of the tiger were adopted from Chinese culture. As with many other cultures, the tiger is viewed as king and a symbol of courage. In China, the tiger also symbolizes the west.

Symbols of Japan: Thematic Motifs in Art and Design
Merrily Baird