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December 16, 2024
Discover hints for a better 2025 with the trending principle of Bansho Riho Gaku.
LOUNGE | The Study of Universal Principles
The principle of Bansho Riho Gaku, or Kyuusei Kigaku, which is said to be practiced even by top ski jumpers like Ryoyu Kobayashi, can turn one's life around. As previously reported by OPENERS, it combines the 'Kojiritsu' classification derived from an individual's birthdate with Kyuusei Kigaku to more accurately select auspicious directions. This time, we spoke with Tetsuro Saito, a master of Bansho Riho Gaku, to reflect on 2024 and discuss the trends for 2025. Of course, we also received advice for OPENERS readers on how to improve their luck in 2025, along with auspicious directions to guide them.
Text by TSUZUMI Aoyama | Photography by TAKAYANAGI Ken
What Kind of Year Was 2024 from a Kyuusei Kigaku Perspective?
Before we divine the fortunes of OPENERS readers, Mr. Saito offered a brief review of 2024 and an outlook for 2025, explaining how society appears through the lens of Bansho Riho Gaku.
"2024 was the year of Sanpiki Mokusei (Three Green Wood Star). Summers tend to be very hot, and indeed, 2024 saw the hottest summer since meteorological records began, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. Also, as the name 'Sanpiki Mokusei' suggests, it was a year where 'green' became prominent. Shohei Ohtani's team, the LA Dodgers, won the World Series after a close match against the NY Yankees. In Japan, the Yokohama DeNA BayStars achieved an upset victory after 26 years. Perhaps people or companies associated with 'green' in your vicinity also achieved great results? Another interpretation is that 'opaque things become trendy.' The fact that Bitcoin reached a record high and space businesses like SpaceX grew are also trends characteristic of the Sanpiki Mokusei year."
So, what about 2025?
"2025 will be the year of Jikoku Dosei (Two Black Earth Star). The general trend is for a subdued economy with little growth, and an increase in corporate bankruptcies. Some worry that Trump's return to the presidency in the US could lead to major global shifts, but I don't foresee significant changes. What I'd like you to focus on in your daily lives are colors. Black, beige, and yellow will hold strong power. In fashion, earth tones are trending, and beige is particularly recommended."
While individual fortunes will vary according to one's star sign, Mr. Saito predicts a period of stability for society as a whole. He also offered a hint: watch out for trends like dark-colored items dominating the streets, and the popularity of small, square objects, or small, sweet treats.
Understand Your Birth Star to Navigate 2025
Now, let's delve into individual fortunes. But first, please refer to the table below to check your birth star.
*In Kigaku, the year is considered to change at the beginning of spring (early February) according to the 'Nijushihasseki' (24 Solar Terms). Therefore, individuals born between January 1st and early February are considered to belong to the previous year's birth cycle.
What Awaits Ippaku Suisei (One White Water Star) in 2025?
In contrast to last year, this will be a year of strong fortune. Your long-held wishes are likely to begin bearing fruit, and things will start to fall into place, leading to a stable environment that will continue into the future. While a calm mindset is generally beneficial, adopting an aggressive attitude will help you harness this strong fortune and open up possibilities for greater achievements. Financial luck also appears to be favorable.
In contrast to last year, this will be a year of strong fortune. Your long-held wishes are likely to begin bearing fruit, and things will start to fall into place, leading to a stable environment that will continue into the future. While a calm mindset is generally beneficial, adopting an aggressive attitude will help you harness this strong fortune and open up possibilities for greater achievements. Financial luck also appears to be favorable.
What Awaits Jikoku Dosei (Two Black Earth Star) in 2025?
The fourth and final period of prosperity arrives. Your position allows for favorable relationships with all other star signs, and in 2025, Jikoku Dosei will tend to be at the center of attention. This year may bring significant life events such as starting a business, marriage, or purchasing a home. If there was something you wanted to achieve over the past three years, 2025 is the perfect year to take on the challenge.
The fourth and final period of prosperity arrives. Your position allows for favorable relationships with all other star signs, and in 2025, Jikoku Dosei will tend to be at the center of attention. This year may bring significant life events such as starting a business, marriage, or purchasing a home. If there was something you wanted to achieve over the past three years, 2025 is the perfect year to take on the challenge.
What Awaits Sanpiki Mokusei (Three Green Wood Star) in 2025?
This is a year to receive the rewards for what you have built over the past four years. Your dedicated efforts and consistent endeavors will yield positive results. After a period of intense activity, try slowing down your pace and enjoying your days with a sense of leisurely grace. You may realize that good fortune was closer than you thought.
This is a year to receive the rewards for what you have built over the past four years. Your dedicated efforts and consistent endeavors will yield positive results. After a period of intense activity, try slowing down your pace and enjoying your days with a sense of leisurely grace. You may realize that good fortune was closer than you thought.
What Awaits Shiroku Mokusei (Four Green Wood Star) in 2025?
You enter the "Palace of Joy." By focusing on small pleasures rather than solely pursuing large returns, you can achieve long-term prosperity. While celebrations and exciting events may increase, be careful not to get carried away. Be particularly mindful of potential troubles related to finances and relationships. Losing your composure could lead to a loss of trust. Stay true to your guiding principles.
You enter the "Palace of Joy." By focusing on small pleasures rather than solely pursuing large returns, you can achieve long-term prosperity. While celebrations and exciting events may increase, be careful not to get carried away. Be particularly mindful of potential troubles related to finances and relationships. Losing your composure could lead to a loss of trust. Stay true to your guiding principles.
What Awaits Go-o Dosei (Five Yellow Earth Star) in 2025?
This year is likely to bring significant changes in your environment. You might experience a change of location, such as an overseas assignment or a move, or a shift in your personal style, reflecting inner transformations. Maintain a sense of ease and enjoyment amidst these changes, rather than becoming rigid. Actively embracing new pursuits, like starting to learn English or going to the gym, which you may have been postponing, can lead to positive outcomes.
This year is likely to bring significant changes in your environment. You might experience a change of location, such as an overseas assignment or a move, or a shift in your personal style, reflecting inner transformations. Maintain a sense of ease and enjoyment amidst these changes, rather than becoming rigid. Actively embracing new pursuits, like starting to learn English or going to the gym, which you may have been postponing, can lead to positive outcomes.
What Awaits Ropaku Kinsei (Six White Metal Star) in 2025?
Entering the fourth and final period of decline, the keyword for Ropaku Kinsei is "revelation." Secrets may be exposed, betrayals from loved ones may surface, or illnesses within yourself or your family may become apparent. This is a year for tidying up your affairs and focusing on your health. It's an ideal time to prepare for your next step, and also a good period for purchasing a new car. As you are likely to be in the spotlight both personally and professionally, opportunities may arise.
Entering the fourth and final period of decline, the keyword for Ropaku Kinsei is "revelation." Secrets may be exposed, betrayals from loved ones may surface, or illnesses within yourself or your family may become apparent. This is a year for tidying up your affairs and focusing on your health. It's an ideal time to prepare for your next step, and also a good period for purchasing a new car. As you are likely to be in the spotlight both personally and professionally, opportunities may arise.
What Awaits Shichiseki Kinsei (Seven Red Metal Star) in 2025?
You enter the "Palace of Worries and Study." Brace yourself for a somewhat challenging year as you prepare for the prosperous period that awaits in the coming years. The key mindset is "acceptance and relaxation." Embrace things as they are without letting your mental state drop too low. Learning is highly favored this year, making it a good time to obtain licenses. How you face yourself and develop your skills this year without running away will determine the scale of your prosperity in the years to come.
You enter the "Palace of Worries and Study." Brace yourself for a somewhat challenging year as you prepare for the prosperous period that awaits in the coming years. The key mindset is "acceptance and relaxation." Embrace things as they are without letting your mental state drop too low. Learning is highly favored this year, making it a good time to obtain licenses. How you face yourself and develop your skills this year without running away will determine the scale of your prosperity in the years to come.
What Awaits Hachihaku Dosei (Eight White Earth Star) in 2025?
After a long period of decline, prosperity finally arrives. However, this is also a year of "Anken Satsu" (disaster star), which requires the utmost caution over the next nine years. Be wary of unexpected troubles and conflicts. Avoid flashy actions and focus on laying the groundwork and preparing behind the scenes. Refrain from posting on social media and prioritize small gatherings, adopting a "narrow and deep" approach. If you can navigate 2025 with quiet activity and without encountering major issues, you will experience a powerful two-year period of prosperity starting in 2026.
After a long period of decline, prosperity finally arrives. However, this is also a year of "Anken Satsu" (disaster star), which requires the utmost caution over the next nine years. Be wary of unexpected troubles and conflicts. Avoid flashy actions and focus on laying the groundwork and preparing behind the scenes. Refrain from posting on social media and prioritize small gatherings, adopting a "narrow and deep" approach. If you can navigate 2025 with quiet activity and without encountering major issues, you will experience a powerful two-year period of prosperity starting in 2026.
What Awaits Kyushi Kasei (Nine Purple Fire Star) in 2025?
In the second period of prosperity, Kyushi Kasei will experience a year of strong fortune. It is recommended to be proactive and aggressive. This is a time for taking action, so even if you are naturally cautious, don't hesitate to act on your thoughts in 2025. Things will progress beyond your expectations.
In the second period of prosperity, Kyushi Kasei will experience a year of strong fortune. It is recommended to be proactive and aggressive. This is a time for taking action, so even if you are naturally cautious, don't hesitate to act on your thoughts in 2025. Things will progress beyond your expectations.
Enhance Your Luck by Understanding Monthly Auspicious Directions
Kyuusei Kigaku, an ancient Chinese system of directional studies, traditionally predicted fortune based on one's birth star. It included the concept of auspicious directions for improving luck, as well as inauspicious directions associated with illness and injury. Bansho Riho Gaku, an evolution of this system, emphasizes proactive actions to enhance luck by utilizing auspicious directions. By repeatedly moving to or traveling to auspicious locations, you can improve your fortune.
Furthermore, by forming a connection with Tositoku Jin (the deity of the year), whose location changes annually, you can receive strong fortune for the entire year. Tositoku Jin, who will be in the west-southwest starting February 3, 2025, moves to each birth star monthly. Be sure to visit the west-southwest during the months when Tositoku Jin visits your birth star.
Below is a list of auspicious directions for each birth star by month. Please save it for easy reference.
What are the Auspicious Directions for Ippaku Suisei (One White Water Star) in 2025?
February: North, West, South
September: West
October: South
November: North, West, South
Tositoku Jin: April
February: North, West, South
September: West
October: South
November: North, West, South
Tositoku Jin: April
What are the Auspicious Directions for Jikoku Dosei (Two Black Earth Star) in 2025?
February: North, East, South
March: East
November: North, East, South
Tositoku Jin: March
February: North, East, South
March: East
November: North, East, South
Tositoku Jin: March
What are the Auspicious Directions for Sanpiki Mokusei (Three Green Wood Star) in 2025?
February: West, East
May: West
July: East
November: West, East
Tositoku Jin: March
February: West, East
May: West
July: East
November: West, East
Tositoku Jin: March
What are the Auspicious Directions for Shiroku Mokusei (Four Green Wood Star) in 2025?
February: West-Northwest, East-Southeast
November: West-Northwest, East-Southeast
December: East-Southeast
Tositoku Jin: July
February: West-Northwest, East-Southeast
November: West-Northwest, East-Southeast
December: East-Southeast
Tositoku Jin: July
What are the Auspicious Directions for Go-o Dosei (Five Yellow Earth Star) in 2025?
February: North, East, South
March: East
June: South
October: South
November: North, East, South
Tositoku Jin: March
February: North, East, South
March: East
June: South
October: South
November: North, East, South
Tositoku Jin: March
What are the Auspicious Directions for Ropaku Kinsei (Six White Metal Star) in 2025?
February: East-Southeast
April: East-Southeast
May: East-Southeast
November: East-Southeast
Tositoku Jin: March
February: East-Southeast
April: East-Southeast
May: East-Southeast
November: East-Southeast
Tositoku Jin: March
What are the Auspicious Directions for Shichiseki Kinsei (Seven Red Metal Star) in 2025?
February: East-Southeast
April: East-Southeast
November: East-Southeast
Tositoku Jin: April
February: East-Southeast
April: East-Southeast
November: East-Southeast
Tositoku Jin: April
What are the Auspicious Directions for Hachihaku Dosei (Eight White Earth Star) in 2025?
February: North, East, South
June: East
November: North, East, South
Tositoku Jin: March
February: North, East, South
June: East
November: North, East, South
Tositoku Jin: March
What are the Auspicious Directions for Kyushi Kasei (Nine Purple Fire Star) in 2025?
February: West-Northwest
June: West-Northwest
October: West-Northwest
November: West-Northwest
Tositoku Jin: March
February: West-Northwest
June: West-Northwest
October: West-Northwest
November: West-Northwest
Tositoku Jin: March
While it is important to be prepared for the destiny that awaits each birth star, the crucial point is that you can attract good fortune through your own will and actions, regardless of what fate brings. To that end, consciously utilizing auspicious directions for your movements and actions is highly recommended.
The effectiveness of seeking auspicious directions extends even to short distances. "In urban areas, visiting a shrine about two train stops away from your home is recommended," says Mr. Saito.
Mr. Saito describes Bansho Riho Gaku not as fortune-telling, but as a "philosophy for living." Even if 2025 proves to be a year of decline, there is no need to give up entirely. He encourages you to actively pursue a happy life through your own actions.
Tetsuro Saito
Master of Bansho Riho Gaku | A disciple of the late Koyu Sasaki, a master of Kigaku and a doctor of philosophy. He began studying Kigaku and philosophy under his grandfather, Koyu Sasaki, in the third grade of elementary school. At the age of 20, he moved to the United States to study media communication. After returning to Japan, he worked as an interpreter for politicians and athletes before becoming an independent Kigaku instructor in 2013. He has provided Kigaku instruction to a wide range of clients, including politicians, chairpersons of listed companies, celebrities, Olympic athletes, and housewives. As of March 2024, he has instructed 8,583 Kigaku practitioners and conducted 17,000 Kigaku readings.
Master of Bansho Riho Gaku | A disciple of the late Koyu Sasaki, a master of Kigaku and a doctor of philosophy. He began studying Kigaku and philosophy under his grandfather, Koyu Sasaki, in the third grade of elementary school. At the age of 20, he moved to the United States to study media communication. After returning to Japan, he worked as an interpreter for politicians and athletes before becoming an independent Kigaku instructor in 2013. He has provided Kigaku instruction to a wide range of clients, including politicians, chairpersons of listed companies, celebrities, Olympic athletes, and housewives. As of March 2024, he has instructed 8,583 Kigaku practitioners and conducted 17,000 Kigaku readings.