144 Unique Samurai Tattoo

Samurai tattoos are quite a fad in Japan and within Asia, but it is known all throughout the world. When you see a Samurai, first thing that comes to people’s mind is Japan, but what if you see a non-Japanese wearing one? What does the samurai tattoos mean?

Obviously, samurai tattoos started in Japan. A samurai is an elite Japanese warrior. They are the epitome of self-discipline, courage, honor, respect and loyalty. These are the reasons why most men and traditional tattoo artist prefer this tattoo design over others. They wanted to be reminded of the samurai’s ways which is very strict and sacred to them. As a big fan of Japanese traditional art, I have collected 144 Unique Samurai Tattoos for you.

144 Unique Samurai Tattoo:

1. Full back samurai mask tattoo

Tattoo rich in Japanese culture.

2. Samurai irezumi  done by Horimatsu

Irezumi – a Japanese term that means the insertion of ink in the skin. It is a traditional Japanese method of tattooing.

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3. Thigh samurai tattoo with sun and Fuji mountain

Originally posted by LookMyTattoo

For the love of Japan.

4. Samurai killing a snake

I  like the bright colors of the tattoo and the action going on on this full back tattoo.

5. Geisha kissing a samurai tattoo

Originally posted by chuusei

The tattoo is like one of the old and traditional Japanese painting.

6. Giant Koi and Samurai Tattoo

Originally posted by Ryan Amor

This back piece is done by Japanese artist named Horihito who happens to be a master of Irezumi method.

7. Samurai tattoo on head

Originally posted by Shaire Productions

Here’s one example of a unique samurai tattoo which is placed on the head of a man.

8. Red faced samurai

Originally posted by Rajeev Karunakaran

Samurai and cloud tattoo. I’m curious why the samurai’s face is red, is he furious? LOL

9. Masked samurai, temple and sakura tattoos

Originally posted by A C

This man certainly has a love of everything Japanese. If you take a closer look, there are 2 samurais on this man’s back.

10. Kabuto leg tattoo

Originally posted by Sean Ambrose

A kabuto is Japanese term for the head gear/helmet used by the samurais.

11. Samurai ghost tattoo

Originally posted by Bradley Lewis

This  one is unique indeed, you don’t see much of this style around.

12. Full sleeve samurai tattoo

Originally posted by terryribera

You usually see samurai tattoos at the back, but it still looks stunning on full sleeves.

13. Realistic Samurai, Hannya and Buddha tattoos.

Originally posted by Philémon Eklor

I love the smoke effect of the Hannya and Buddha, and the crack of the Hannya mask.

14. Samurai tattoo with a mask

Originally posted by Visit waktattoos.com via Pinterest

The samurai’s armor has very nice details and its shadow made the tattoo look like an old photograph.

15. Samurai with a fan

Originally posted by Henry Boer

You usually see samurai tattoos handling a sword or killing something, this tattoo you see a samurai fanning himself like having his portrait sketched by a local.

16. Full back samurai tattoo with flowers

Originally posted by Barbara Guttman

I never thought a flower tattoo could still make the man look manly enough.

17. Samurai with a flag and red sun

The tattoo looks nationalistic. Wish I could read the characters on the flag though.

18. Blue samurai mask tattoo

Originally posted by DailyDoseOfTattoos

Such beautiful splashes of colors on this tattoo. It definitely popped out.

19. A group of samurais/warriors tattoo

Originally posted by Ms. Madam

This is not a traditional Japanese design.

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20. Old fashioned samurai full back tattoo

It’s interesting that samurais have different hairstyle on every tattoo.

21. Samurai tattoo defending a woman

Originally posted by tattoos.net via Pinterest

Even non-Japanese love to get Japanese tattoos because of its beautiful art

22. Black and Grey tattoo of a samurai and dragon

Whatever color, Japanese samurai tattoo still looks stunning!

23. Samurai in the fall

Originally posted by dailydoseoftattoos.com via Pinterest

I don’t know what the fall leaves mean but, I love the samurai’s expression and his hairstyle.

24. Full back samurai tattoo

Stunning full back tattoo. This is done using Tebori style. The Yakuza usually has this tattoo art all over their body.

25. Full leg samurai tattoo

Originally posted by Mahmoud Ben Arbia

I love this black and grey tattoo of a samurai.

26. Full back Samurai tattoo with amazing details

Everything here is very detailed. I love it when artists put so much details and importance to their work.

27. Samurai with clouds and waves tattoo

Originally posted by Michael Massey

This is an unfinished samurai tattoo but looks already great with the additional wave and cloud effect. For interesting cloud tattoos, check out 35 Most Original Cloud Tattoos.

28. Samurai mask hand tattoo

Originally posted by Shane McCullough

Despite the small size, the detail of the mask is still good.

29. Samurai tattoo with armor.

The blue ink of this tattoo makes it look alive. The details are incredible despite its size, which is only half sleeve.

30. Simple vintage and traditional samurai tattoo design

Originally posted by Stacey Carey

This tattoo looks like you’re looking at a pencil sketch.

31. Amazing half sleeve black and grey samurai tattoo

Originally posted by A C

I love every detail of this black and grey tattoo and the smoke effect. It looks realistic.

32. A samurai tattoo done by Chris Phelps

Originally posted by Eternal Images Tattoo

Artist around the world  loves Japanese and oriental tattoos.

33. Samurai and hawk tattoo

Originally posted by Patrick Noon

One of kind samurai tattoo, you rarely see one sitting down with a skeleton face and hawk on the lap.

34. Samurai tattoo with a sphere

Originally posted by D B

This tattoo displays an image of samurai representing strength and courage.

35. Samurai thigh tattoo

Originally posted by artín Gastia

The armor has got some incredible details.

36. Yakuza with a traditional samurai tattoo

Originally posted by Tattoos.net

The hand gestures of this samurai is interesting.

37. Vintage photo of a Japanese wearing a samurai tattoo

Originally posted by Tay Mueller

Circa late 1800. I love old photographs. They capture so much character and mystery at the same time. A photo by Italian-British photojournalist Felix Beato.

38. Samurai with a painted face tattoo

Originally posted by Tony B

This is how samurais look in old Japanese paintings.

39. Samurai tattoo with katana and geisha

Originally posted by dream-like-lions

A samurai tattoo with a geisha is quite common, because these 2 are Japan’s favorite traditional tattoo designs.

40. Samurai tattoo on a horse and stepping on a dragon

Originally posted by André Dubón

Very nice details on these back piece tattoos.

41. Samurai killing a victim. Tattoo by Horitoshi-i

Even women get samurai tattoos. If I were born Japanese, I’d probably fill my body of Japan’s rich and traditional art like this woman did.

42. A cover up tattoo turned into a modern samurai tattoo

I prefer the traditional samurai tattoos though.

43. Full back samurai biting a sword tattoo

I like samurai and geisha tattoos biting a sword or a dagger.

44. samurai with kabuto tattoo

Looks intense.

Both men and women in Japan can get a samurai tattoo. Although the modern tattoo machines are commonly used these days around the world, some Japanese still prefer the old fashioned Tebori style despite it is 5 times more painful than the machine. The tebori style uses a bamboo stick, stuck with lined needles. The tebori tattoo artist or master, won’t stop until the job is done, this art is obviously not for the weak.

We have also collected 28 Best Geisha Tattoos that you might want to take a look at if you love Japanese art.