Japanese Sleeve Tattoos

Japan is known for its unique culture, even the Japanese tattoos are also one of its own kind. In Japan, tattoos are known as Irezumi (inset ink) and Horimono (carving). Irrespective of the popularity of Japanese sleeve tattoos in its native place, it has gained immense fame in the U.S. and other western countries. Traditionally, the Japanese shoulder tattoos and Japanese chest tattoos were admired by men. But now, these tattoos have become more significant and popular. Rather, it can be said that one of the most popular sources of sleeves tattoo designs are Japanese tattoos. The most attractive feature of traditional tattoos is its beauty, classic design, color combination and above all, the rich symbolism.

But before going any further let's sit in our time machine and go back to the history of Japanese body art. The evidence of tattoos in Japan have been recovered from a tomb that was built around 500 B.C. Tattoos have been mentioned in Japanese history, but in a negative context. The first written record of Japanese tattoos were found in 297 A.D. From 500 B.C or perhaps before that to mid of seventeenth century, tattoos were considered a symbol of barbarism and used for punishments. By the end of seventeenth century, tattoos gained popularity, but only among the criminals and was listed as illegal. After world war II, General MacArthur liberalized the laws of Japan and tattoos were legalized. Many beautiful designs and ideas have evolved since then.

Now back to Japanese tattoo art in the contemporary world. According to the placement of tattoo on the arm, they have been categorized as full sleeve, half sleeve, and quarter sleeve tattoos. Shichibu (7/10th part of the sleeve to the forearm is tattooed) and Gobu (5/10th part of the sleeve to the elbow is tattooed) are the most preferred tattoos among the younger generation.

Koi Fish Tattoo
Koi fish tattoo is a most distinctive and deeply symbolic design. Some of the popular places for koi fish tattoo designs are arms and upper back. This design is mostly liked by the youngsters as it symbolizes status, strength and power. It is also a symbol of good luck in Japanese mythology. Most of the religious places in Japan have a pond of koi fish at the entrance because it reflects peace and serenity.

Cheery Blossom Tattoo
Cherry blossom is another Japanese symbol which signifies Japanese psyche. These flowers blossom once in a year and even the Japanese calendar is made in the beginning of the blooming season of cherry blossom. Cherry blossom even fascinated the ancient Japanese when Samurai used its images in their art and poetry. They believed that life was short and one should enjoy the life to its fullest and also with honor just as cherry blossom flowers. Thus, this flower tattoo becomes a real and substantial part of a full sleeve tattoo designs.

Japanese Dragon Tattoos
Japanese dragon tattoos are very popular designs for a traditional tattoo. Dragons have always been a part of art and folklores and same is also seen in the Japanese traditional art. This mystical beast carries great symbolic meaning of good fortune and luck, power and strength, and bonding and ties.

Japanese Tribal Tattoo
Tribal tattoo designs are considered bold and beautiful. Japanese tribal tattoos look great on sleeves when made bold and with dark lines. There are many tribal tattoos like Hawaiian tribal tattoo, Maori tribal tattoo, African tribal tattoo, Polynesian tribal tattoo which symbolize boldness and power .

The Japanese art has a huge stock of designs, but these are some of the most famous and rich in symbolic meaning. If you are looking for designs, then you can combine many designs, make your own design, or even weave a story out of it.