Japanese Tattoos and Their Meanings
There are a number of different tattoo designs that have become famous through the years based on their significances and meanings. When you take a good look at an intricate Japanese tattoo design, you’ll see that there is a story being told within it based on the meanings and significances that are running through the artwork. Here are some of the most popular tattoos used in this Japanese art form along with their meanings:
Japanese Flower Tattoo
Just imagine the beauty and delicacy of a Japanese flower tattoo making its way down your arm or your back. The colours in these tattoos are simply breathtaking as you witness these flowers weaving their way through a detailed design. Every flower has its own meaning behind it and each one can be done in a variety of different colours.
Japanese Mask Tattoo
The Hannya Masks are more traditional designs representing good luck. They come from Kabuki plays and many believe that they can ward off many evil forces.
Japanese Cherry Blossom Tattoo
A cherry blossom is a fragile flower that is still strong enough to bloom and survive in a variety of harsh conditions. These flowers symbolize life and represent living life to the fullest.
Japanese Dragon Tattoo
A Japanese dragon tattoo represents freedom, courage, power, strength and wisdom. Many believe that dragons also represent supernatural powers. Dragons come in a variety of different colours but each colour has its own significance. Before going ahead and getting a dragon Japanese tattoo, learn more about the significance of the different coloured dragons from your tattoo artist first.
Chinese Guardian Lions
These are also known as ‘shishi’ and fu dogs. They often sit at a gate acting as a protective force and when you wear one it is supposed to bring you health, wealth and stability.
Koi Fish
These are fish with bright colours and you’ll often see them either as the tattoo design itself or as part of a larger design. Many Japanese people believe that koi fish become dragons once they have finished their swim upstream and have arrived at heaven’s gates. For this reason, koi fish represent ambition, individuality, strength and power.
Whether you are looking for a Japanese sleeve tattoo or a Japanese back tattoo, you can reach deep into the cultural experiences and historical art forms of the Japanese people to develop and unfold an amazing design. This is one of the most amazing gifts that you will ever be able to give to your body and it will remain with you for the rest of your life.
The meaning behind tattoo images can also depend on the different colours used, what other images are placed in the position where they surround the main concept and on the specific placement of them. It’s always best to fully discuss the imagery and the symbolization of it in detail with the Japanese tattoo artist ahead of time. You’ll want to be sure that you are depicting the exact message you want in your Japanese tattoo design.