The 2013 Oshogatsu Family Festival at the Japanese American National Museum included a reptile petting zoo featuring lizards, turtles and, of course, snakes. There are 12 animals in the Asian zodiac, so 2025 is also the Year of the Snake.
By Mary Uyematsu Kao
While we like to think that the new year brings the chance to start anew, with resolutions to boost the idealism that we can restart with a clean slate — the old baggage from 2024 and many more years past are all too evident once the New Year’s food coma wears off. We can’t wipe away what has happened in the world and in our lives any more than we can pretend it didn’t happen.
So what is a positive spin on the new year? My mind has been blank and I’m writing this past deadline since I don’t know how to start off the new year on an upbeat note.
Last year was particularly distressing as we watched the first live-streamed genocide take place in the Gaza strip. It continues with no end in sight. And now the war has expanded into Lebanon and a total regime change in Syria, with Israel grabbing more land for its settlers.
And on the domestic front, Luigi Mangione has set off a firestorm of criticism of the U.S. health care system with his controversial killing of United Health’s CEO. And the anticipation of what Trump’s second term might look like … if there are any happy campers out there, what are you smokin’?
Even closer to home, we contemplate what will be the future of The Rafu, now that Gwen Muranaka is no longer at the helm. We all owe a debt of gratitude to the remaining staff at The Rafu who are keeping the ship afloat, with increased workloads and no extra pay. It is overdue for me to thank you and The Rafu for the honor and privilege to share my views with you.
While it’s hard for me to tell what readers think of the stuff I put out, I take it as my mission to say what is not commonly said but important for you to know or think about. There are surely differences of opinion and that is as it should be. But if you are open to alternative ways of looking at the world, I do my best to give you that.
I don’t believe in New Year’s resolutions, but I do believe in the importance of change. The coming Year of the Yin/Wood Snake looks to be a promising year of change. Lainey Loh of the Tatler website has given us a breakdown of what 2025 has in store for us. I have edited it down, but I thought it offered some useful insights and hope you find it useful for your 2025. https://www.tatlerasia.com/lifestyle/others/2025-year-of-the-wood-snake
“2025 is the Year of the Wood Snake, emphasizing adaptability, diversity, and lateral growth. This year bridges the energy of past upheavals with the need for thoughtful recalibration. It’s a year that invites us to shed what no longer serves, much like a snake casting off its skin, to embrace the opportunities ahead.
“The Snake, paired with Yin Wood … represents a time to build a pathway between conflicting ideas, fractured systems, or new opportunities.
“In the real world, 2025 will be marked by discontent and uncertainty. The aftereffects of numerous 2024 elections are starting to shape new policies, while calls for reform grow louder. Economies are adapting to technological disruptions and shifting geopolitical alliances. AI continues to redefine industries and global tensions — be it trade conflicts or environmental crises — place immense pressure on institutions and individuals alike.
“Astrologically, the year reflects this unrest. The year’s energy brings an undercurrent of rebellion and a readiness to challenge the status quo. As governments implement new policies, societal pushback is inevitable, fostering periods of transformation and upheaval. It remains to be seen in what shape or form this may occur, but preparations for it are necessary.
“2025 is about expanding your horizons–learning new skills, exploring untapped opportunities, and building connections that fortify your position in a volatile environment. Diversification is a necessity.
“2025 is what you make of it. … Recognize the challenges, but also the chances to connect, grow, and transform. Success lies in navigating the year with precision, adaptability, and strategic foresight. The choices you make today will define the path you walk tomorrow.”
Best wishes for your coming Year of the Yin/Wood Snake!
Mary Uyematsu Kao is the former publications coordinator of the UCLA Asian American Studies Center (1987-2018). She is the author/photographer of “Rockin’ the Boat: Flashbacks of the 1970s Asian Movement.” She welcomes comments, questions, and/or criticisms at uyematsu72@gmail.com.