Japanese tattoos have a practice that has been followed for a significant long time with numerous non-Japanese embracing the Japanese tattoo culture. As indicated by the Japanese, each tattoo worn has its significance and reason and is regularly seen as a way to show cultural status.

Most Japanese tattoos are worn with the aim of driving away evil spirits and getting protection from misfortunes. The tattoos are normally large in size and greatly designed just like the tattoo below.

The Japanese tattoo below is a perfect combination of all the features used in Japanese tattoo designs. The tattoo can be well interpreted to mean courage, heroism, strength and protection. Having all the features well crafted on your back is a sign of maximum protection like having your back covered.

Faces of women is also a common feature in the Japanese tattoo designs. The beautiful face used on the Japanese tattoo below may be having special meaning to the wearer creating a connection that only the wearer can explain given the tattoo is hidden on the back.

The Japanese tattoo design below demonstrates high level of creativity and art. The colours used blends quite well with the girl’s complexion creating such a flowing harmonious artwork. The lady’s symbol on the tattoo can be perceived to mean beauty, elegance and calm.

The Japanese tattoos below portrays the work of great designers. The Japanese tattoo designs does not only enhance the appearance of the wearers but communicates deeper feelings and belief of the wearers.

Having such a magnificent Japanese tattoo crafted on your body can be scaring for a feeble hearted person but quite a demonstration of strength, heroism,  versatility and protection for the wearer. Seeing the tattoo on a person sends  an instant perception that the wearer is not an ordinary person.

This is one of those cool and beautiful Japanese tattoo designs. The wearer has a great complexion and the tattoo design creates such an appealing and sexy look. The blue eyes of the wearer and the blue theme of the tattoo is a perfect match with the arm being a good choice for wearing the tattoo.

Japanese tattoos come in different themes meanings and features. It’s good to do a quality research and be able to ascertain that which perfectly suits you before doing the actual inking. The Japanese tattoo below has a symbol of koi fish which is perceived to embody masculine qualities of strength, determination, desire for success and more.

The Japanese tattoo design below looks more simple when compared to others that are a combination of different themes, features and colours. Th wearer has chosen the perfect place for wearing the tattoo which greatly enhances her overall outlook while enhancing her beauty as well.

The Japanese tattoo design below looks just as beautiful as the wearer. The features and colours used blends so well on the arm of the little girl and can be perceived as a symbol of protection or beauty as the girl symbol on the tattoo design is outstanding in beauty.

The dominant blue colour in the Japanese tattoo below creates such a stunning look making the whole design quite eye-catching and spectacular. The wearer can be mistaken to be wearing some designer shirt given the tattoo is covering the whole body.

The Japanese tattoo symbols are quite predominant that anyone seeing the tattoo can actually interpret the meaning by just looking at the features. Th Japanese tattoo design below is carefully crafted as it spreads on the entire back making the design more visible and attractive.

The tiger is a common feature in the Japanese tattoo designs and normally carry the same features like protection from bad luck, evil spirits and disease. The tattoo is also a symbol of strength and courage.

The perfect description of a Japanese tattoo is that of complexity, great artwork and nice blend of different colours. The Japanese tattoo design below clearly embodies all the qualities and is quite magnificent in design. The upper part of the shoulder where the tattoo is worn brings out the real look of a Japanese tattoo.

The thing about Japanese Tattoos is they are both clandestine and open which is precisely what makes them so fascinating. With the backing of their rich culture, history and allusions to meanings behind images, Japanese Tattooing was all about hand made stuff. Machines came in very late to the Japanese Tattoo scene.

Japanese tattoos mean different things with some wearing them as a sign of protection from charm and a symbol of devotion.The Japanese tattoo design below can be perceived as a symbol of protection of the body from any harm or attack. The tattoo is quite versatile, covering the entire body making it look quite beautiful with the colours used blending quite well.

There are quite a number of images used in the Japanese tattoo designs. The images often convey a person’s personal beliefs, character traits or aspirations. The image used in the tattoo design below is quite stunning and scaring at the same time. The design includes a blend of different themes and features making the entire Japanese tattoo a perfect work of art.

The Japanese tattoo below is just beautiful. The design brings out a combination of colours that looks quite elegant and sexy. The different themes and features combine beautifully making the Japanese tattoo below ideal to be worn by women. The place it’s worn is also perfect creating a continues flow of art.

Japanese tattoo designs involves many features and are known for the beautiful artistic styles. The composition is done in a way that flows so well even if spread to other parts of the body. The Japanese tattoo design below is such an artistic design with flowing composition. The owl used as a symbol in the tattoo would be perceived to mean the wearer identifies with the dynamic characters of the owl.

In the west Tattoos have grown as a ever growing collection of designs, but in Japan the tattoos are on a big scale, based on the entire arm or leg or even as total body tattoos starting from the neck to the feet.

Here we will tell you the important factors about Japanese tattoos designs and what they mean. So when you get one you know what it means.

Japanese tattoo designs have to be fascinating and irresistible for most people who are into body art; after all who can resist the dragon motif or the colorful Koi or the Kanji design? Japanese are very skilful and subtle in their rendering of body designs and their designs even depict shades and shadows. You may not see such nuances in western tattoos.

Th Japanese tattoo design below is unique and indeed one of its kind. The symbol of a tree with the beautiful vegetation and the clouds is a perfect work of art. The tattoo looks well on the back where its worn given it’s large and require a large open space where all the features can be clearly seen.

Use of dragons in the Japanese tattoos was often perceived as a symbol of wealth, strength and ferocity. Dragons are considered a destructive force and perceived as guardians. The Japanese tattoo design below looks spectacular on the thigh where its worn. The colours used combines quite well and the girl’s complexion enhances the outloook of the entire tattoo making it so eye-catching.

The Japanese tattoo design below looks more spectacular and the person might be mistaken for wearing a blouse instead. The colours used blends so well with the body complexion which results into such a complex design.

Tattoos in Japan can be traced to the Jomon period. The word Jomon literally means the design of the rope. And many pots with designs of this sort were found from this time. According to some scholars think that these dogus have marks on face and body that look like tattoos.

In the ancient Japanese culture tattoos were also used as a sign of punishment but the art has evolved greatly and is popularly followed in the modern culture with increasing number of people embracing Japanese tattoo. The Japanese tattoo design below looks more complex with the one colour used making the whole design to be quite appealing.

One thing that makes the Japanese tattoos unique is the combination of many features in the design and ability to use different colours which combines quite well. The Japanese tattoo below is indeed classic as it covers the entire body with all the work flowing uniformly throughout the entire back.

Let us talk about designs in the Japanese tattoos:

The Dragon: The creature of legends marked by bravery and tales of nobility who can resist a dragon? What is more a dragon is visually an impressive creature. With its wings and a snout that can spit fire, it can vanquish enemies within seconds. A tattoo design featuring a dragon can be colorful, deeply mystical and totally inspiring. With the painstaking rendering of the design by hand, a Japanese tattoo of a dragon is something you will be proud to display.

The Japanese tattoo below is indeed a symbol of strength and furosity like the dragon. The use of green colour has created some element uniqueness and a break from the commonly used colours. The artwork stands out as the best with the entire flow of the design making the Japanese tattoo below one special one.

The Japanese tattoo below incorporates almost all the common features used in designing Japanese tattoo. The wearer has balanced the feature well giving each feature enhanced visibility.The colours use are also mild and blends well with the body complexion.

The dragon is normally perceived by the Japanese as a power that can manipulate the universe for the benefit of people and is seen as a symbol of wisdom and strength unlike in the western culture and other cultures where the dragon is perceived as a terrifying creature. Use of the dragon above the skull in the Japanese tattoo design below can be perceived as a symbol of power.

Koi: Colorful jewel like, auspicious and brave. All these things are just a few ways to describe this Carp. Bred especially for its visual appeal, this carp becomes both a living piece of art and piece of jewelry that breathes. By getting a Koi tattoo on your body, you get to have this awesome artwork that has come about by the mingling of nature and man on your body. Plus there is the question of picking a unique design – you always will!

Kanji: Are lettering used to write in Japanese. This is a very simplistic explanation for the word Kanji. But suffice it to say that Kanji can make for very lovely tattoo designs combining both the aesthetical and mystical. Woven with flowers leaves and petals it can make for an exquisite tattoo design, especially when done by hand with the subtle shading that is part of the Japanese way of tattooing.

Wave tattoo: The Japanese have long been associated with the killer tidal waves that are so powerful and destructive. But the hardiness of the Japanese is such that they have stood up to the massive destruction these waves wreak and still be a thriving nation. Having a wave tattoo will not only depict the strength of nature but will also be a frame for your strength to be able to withstand, survive and flourish.

We all know that Japanese believe in detailed and quality work that takes immense patience and dedication in anything they do, their entire culture and work ethic reflects that. Then why should a thing as delicate, as beautiful and as profound as body art be far behind? It is not and Japanese tattoos and tattoo artists rank among the top.

Now, let’s move towards some more examples of Amazing Japanese Tattoo Designs.

Japanese tattoo designs has a great way of drawing attention from onlookers given the size of the tattoos and the size. The Japanese tattoo below covers the entire back, a fact that makes it more appealing with the colours used creating such a cool blend.

Hearing the name dragon sends chills in the hearts of many people with the belief that dragons are dangerous creatures but that’s different for Japanese tattoo lovers who perceive the dragon as such a versatile creature with power to protect from evil and misfortunes. The Japanese tattoo below is a perfect demonstration of the protective features of the dragon.

Japanese tattoo designs mean different things to different people and many people choose tattoo designs that fits well with their character or aspirations. The Japanese tattoo design below looks simple yet made with great skill. The colours used are a perfect choice making the entire work to blend perfectly well.

Japanese tattoo is work of art that’s well respected by both the Japanese and non-Japanese. The tattoos are done to precision and with high level of expertise making them a preference for serious tattoo wearers. The Japanese tattoo design below looks great on the arm where it’s worn.

The symbol of a peony in the Japanese tattoo below is a sign of wealth, elegance and prosperity. The rose flower without thorns is perceived as the king of flowers and often a sign of strong character.

Most of the Japanese tattoo designs have symbols and meanings that are in most cases positive and inspiring. Even symbols of animals that are scaring and dangerous are often perceived to mean good. The Japanese tattoo design below has the symbol of a Fu Dog which is perceived as a sign of courage and protection.

The snake or Hebi according to Japanese culture is used in the Japanese tattoo design as a supernatural depiction that represents a wide range of beliefs which include protection against misfortune, illness and disaster. The tiger is used to represent the same features of power and strength just like the real tiger.

The Japanese tattoo design below looks great with the dominant grey colour blending so well with the beautiful flowers. The tattoo fits well on the shoulder and part of the arm where its worn.

Each culture has some myths and beliefs that uniquely define them with different features and themes that identify with such beliefs. The Japanese has quite a rich cultural belief with Japanese tattoos being a perfect way of embodying the cultural practices and sharing them with other cultures.

Japanese Tattoo Meanings

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Basic Description

Traditionally Japanese tattoos were a means of conveying societal status, served as spiritual symbols that were often used as a form of charm for protection, and as symbols of devotion. Over time, tattoos in Japanese culture developed as a form of punishment similar to what was seen in Rome where it was common practice to tattoo prisoners of war, criminals, and slaves as a means of making their status in society instantly recognizable. Eventually the practice faded and tattoos once again became common with regular people. Wearing Irezumi is an “Aspiration” to life’s goals. Typical symbols include dragons, tigers, koi, water, cherry blossoms, phoenix, snakes, Fu dogs, Oni masks and more.

Main Meanings

• Wisdom
• Strength
• Force for Good
• Wind
• Water
• Determination
• Courage
• Desire for Success
• Rebirth
• Triumph
• Fire
• Protector
• Heroism
• Good Luck
• Life/Death
• Change
• Movement

Attributes

Dragon Tattoos:

In Japanese traditional tattoo art, dragons are generous, benevolent forces that use their strength to do good for mankind. Wisdom is another trait attributed to dragons.

Koi Tattoos:

Koi symbolize masculine qualities in traditional Eastern folklore such as strength and bravery. The Koi in China were known to attempt to swim upstream in the Yellow River, and very few could swim past a point known as the “Dragon’s Gate”. Koi who made it past the Dragons Gate were said to be rewarded by turning into dragons. For this reason, Koi symbolize strength, bravery, determination and a strong desire to succeed.

Phoenix Tattoos:

The phoenix story exists almost all cultures. The Japanese phoenix story draws its source from a story that originates in main land China. Regardless of its origin, phoenix tattoos symbolize rebirth and triumph, as well a renewal and rebuilding of one’s self.

Tiger Tattoos:

The Japanese tiger tattoo carries with it the same traits we attribute to the real animal: strength and courage. The tiger tattoo is also used to ward off evil spirits, bad luck, and disease. The tiger is a symbol for both the North and for autumn. They are said to control the wind, and they are one of the four sacred animals.

Lion or Fu-Dog tattoos:

Fu Dogs are said to be protective, strong, and courageous. As statues they serve to keep evil out. As tattoos they serve as protectors and often indicate a courageous person with heroic aspirations.

Snake Tattoo:

Snake tattoos are attributed to protection from illness, disaster, and bad fortune. Snake tattoos also represent wisdom and protection, particularly from the results of bad decisions. The snake can also embody regeneration, healing, and medicine as it was revered in Japanese culture in association with medicinal rites and remedies. As a symbol of good luck, it was also though to bring good health.

Japanese Skull Tattoos:

Though the image of the human skull in much of tattoo culture and art in general has come to have a negative connotation (such as death, danger, and an ill fate), the skull used in Japanese tattoos was intended to be a positive representation of the natural life cycle. Traditionally, the Japanese skull tattoo represents change, of which death is the greatest change man can experience.

Oni/Oni Mask Tattoo:

The Oni Mask tattoo is extremely common and refers to the belief in a spirit world in which demons carry out their roles of punishing the unjust and evil, as well as spreading disease. While Oni are known for being evil, some Oni are good and are seen as protectors.

Water/Wave Tattoo:

The image of water in Japanese traditional tattoos is often combined with Koi, Dragons, or Oni. In addition to symbolizing strength and life, water tattoos convey the belief that life, like water, ebbs and flows. It is strong and swift when necessary, but can be gentle and calm as well

People Who Wear this Symbol Are

From the wealthy ruling class to the Samurai class to the working merchant class to prisoners and Yakuza (Japanese Mafia), throughout history the people who have worn this style of tattoos have changed significantly. Today many people are attracted to Japanese tattoos for their beautiful artistry and their rich history of symbolic meanings.

Personal Meanings

As a black belt level Japanese martial artist, the symbols and images of Japanese culture have had a strong influence on me. As an artist as well, I also deeply appreciate the artistry of this style. This combination makes the Japanese style of tattoos very appealing. Layer on top of that the rich history of symbolic meaning and you have a style of tattooing that must be considered when contemplating a tattoo.