In Japan, Sanskrit seed syllables are written in a script called Siddham. All Japanese Buddhist deities’ statuary are typically assigned a special seed syllable.

Siddham script is easy to spot in Japan. They are found on Japanese Buddhist amulets, gravestones, religious statuary, mandala artwork, and also appears in zodiac animals.

Each of the zodiac signs linked to one of the Buddhist patron deity. There are eight Buddhist deities who protect the 12 Zodiac symbols. In Japan they are known as the Eight Buddhist Protectors of the Zodiac.

Avalokitesvara (Jp: Kannon Bosatsu) - Buddhist Protector of People Born in the Zodiac Year of the Rat
Akasagarbha (Jp: Kokuzo Bosatsu) - Buddhist Protector of People Born in the Zodiac Year of the Ox and the Tiger
Manjusri (Jp: Monju Bosatsu) - Buddhist Protector of People Born in the Zodiac Year of the Rabbit
Samantabhadra (Jp: Fugen Bosatsu) - Buddhist Protector of People Born in the Zodiac Year of the Dragon and the Snake
Mahasthamaprapta (Jp: Seishi Bosatsu) - Buddhist Protector of People Born in the Zodiac Year of the Horse
Buddha Mahavairocana (Jp: Dainichi Nyorai) - Buddhist Protector of People Born in the Zodiac Year of the Sheep and the Monkey
Acalanatha (Jp: Fudo Myo-o) - Buddhist Protector of People Born in the Zodiac Year of the Roster
Amitabha (Jp: Amida Nyorai) - Buddhist Protector of People Born in the Zodiac Year of the Dog and the Pig

At many Japanese temples, visitors can easy find those protective amulets of their patron.

Amulets of each Buddhist Zodiac Protector available for Online Purchase