Amazing And Fascinating Range Of Japanese Tattoo Designs and Meanings

Japanese tattoo designs are one of the most popular tattoos internationally. It has a rich culture and history, and up to this day, even non-Japanese citizens are jaded by the Japanese popular designs. Aside from the lovely colors that these tattoos are made of, its meanings are both spiritual and natural which makes it more interesting.

You can put a Japanese tattoo of choice on your back, arm, leg or as a total body art starting from the neck to the feet. The range of tattoo designs convey different messages with meaning and purpose. Since you are going to put something on your body permanently, you should at least understand its meaning.

Here are 8 Amazing And Fascinating Range Of Japanese Tattoo Designs and Meanings:

The Dragon Design

Originally posted by meow =^_^=

The dragon is among the most popular Japanese style tattoo designs. You can get a regular old black tattoo or a colorful, and deeply mystical tattoo. Features of a dragon tattoo vary. Depending on what you want, you can choose a dragon tattoo with eyes of a rabbit or demon. Its mouth can be open and spitting fire or closed. Your dragon can take on characteristics of many other animals such as a snake and eagle. The creature of legends embodies strength and wisdom. Other attributes include generosity, bravery and power. This is the tattoo for you if you want to convey independence and courage.

The Fire Bird (Hou ou) Tattoo

Originally posted by onilce p

A Japanese Phoenix tattoo is a detailed and complex design. The tribal Phoenix is the most popular design. It depicts the Phoenix rising from the fire. You can use dark or bright ink or a combination of both. You can choose a design that shows the bird falling, burning, or diving among other movements. To make it more intriguing, you can twin the Japanese tattoo with that of a dragon. Whether alone or twinned, the mythological bird represents immortality, undying soul, rebirth, new beginnings and triumph. Your tattoo can represent the sun, fire or vibrance for life. A person can wear this tattoo if he or she has gone through something difficult and survived. The tattoo can also represent overcoming and letting go of your past.

A Koi

Originally posted by Stephanie Rice

Legend has it that a koi (carp) succeeded in swimming upriver past a point known as “Dragon’s Gate” and was transformed into a dragon as a reward. The fish is celebrated in Japan for its masculine attributes. By getting the fish tattoo on your body you get to convey attributes such as courage. This design also symbolizes determination and a strong desire to succeed. The tattoo design may symbolize your ability to aspire to be a better person. You can also express your levels of strength and perseverance from the tribulations and trials in your life. If your personality does not allow you to give up easily, you can go for this Japanese tattoo. The meaning of your tattoo may vary depending on the direction it’s swimming and if it has any elements such as water. If you want a traditional koi tattoo, make sure the water will be coming towards it.

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A Tiger

Originally posted by Ryan Leis

This tattoo design has the same attributes to the real animal-strength and courage. The tattoo is believed to ward off evil spirits, disease and bad luck, and aspire long life. You can choose this tattoo if you want people to think of you as fierce, wild, invincible, ferocious and powerful. A tiger tattoo that is caught in some sought of movement can influence the meaning generated. For instance, a tiger calmly poised may show dominance. On the other hand, a tiger spawning towards prey may show focus and goal orientation. To make the tattoo design standout, you can combine it with a dragon.

The Skull

Originally posted by
Stephen Lee

Though the symbol may be perceived negatively, it holds an in-depth traditional Japanese meaning. You can wear it if you want to show respect for people who have passed on. The tattoo can also represent great change. Your tattoo may also represent the vessel of a soul. Other symbolisms include overcoming death, protection, strength and power. You can combine your Japanese tattoo with other elements such as dragons, flames, crosses and angel wings.

Cherry Blossom Tattoo

Originally posted by Michelle Kim

You can represent this tattoo in a popping array of bold pink color and delicate, paper-like leaves. The blossom tattoo symbolizes beauty and fragility of life. This is because the flower experiences a short bloom and then it falls and is scattered by rain and wind. The short cycle makes the blossom to become truly anticipated and appreciated for all its beauty. With this in mind, you can choose this Japanese tattoo to celebrate life after an illness or to honor a lost love. The cherry blossom tattoo may symbolize that you have the strength to survive harsh conditions. If you live life to the fullest, this could be the tattoo for you.

Hannya Tattoo

Originally posted by Jennifer B

This design tattoo is characterized by metallic, red or orange eyes and bull-like horns. Other features include fang-like teeth and a look of pure hate and resentment. The deeper the coloring of the face, the deeper and more violent the emotions run. The tattoo is a character that represents Hannya’s emotions, a passionate jealous woman who was consumed with rage over her lover and turned into a demon. The tattoo may show negative or confused human feelings like jealousy, envy and hate. This tattoo can represent the dark side of a person while highlighting courage and passion. It is also believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. You can complete the Japanese tattoo by adding the koi fish, fire, wind, cherry blossom, ocean or a dragon.

Wave Tattoo

Originally posted by THE JOKER

To symbolize life, you can wear a water Japanese tattoo. This tattoo can also convey that life, like water, ebbs and flows. The tattoo may also symbolize purity and fertility. Calm water tattoo designs may show peace and serenity. If the water tattoo is represented as a large wave, it may show power. Other water-based designs include ripples or droplets. You can accompany your water tattoo with other tattoos such as a koi fish, tiger or a dragon.

Be careful when choosing your tattoo because tattoos generally can influence how people perceive you. You can customize your tattoo to symbolize exactly what you want and it will hold a personal meaning. If you are not sure about the tattoo you want, you can seek advice from a good Japanese tattoo artist with extensive experience.