Japanese Tattoo Designs

Tattoos of Eastern world, that include the Japanese and Chinese tattoos, have always been favorites of tattoo lovers. All these tattoo designs have typical tattoo meanings and their designs are very unique. Tattooing has been an age-old tradition in Japan and is called irezumi (insert ink) or horimono (carving) in Japanese. Previously in Japan, tattoos were only tried out by gangsters and hence it had a negative perspective in the past. But nowadays they have become fashion trends and people get them to make unique style statements. Cherry blossoms, koi fish and dragon tattoos are some of the renowned Japanese tattoo designs. Each of them has typical design and meaning. Scroll down to know more about the many designs of Japanese tattoos and what they signify.

Cherry Blossom Tree Tattoo

Cherry blossom tattoos are traditional Japanese tattoos that depict complete cherry blossom tree or a part of it. This tattoo secures a very special place in Japanese culture and is called 'Sakura'. The main characteristic of this tree is that it blooms in a very beautiful manner, but only for a short period of time. Thus the tree is considered to symbolize transience of life. Cherry blossom tree tattoos are among some of the most popular Japanese tattoos for women. Cherry blossom tree tattoos are usually large in size and hence are carved on larger body parts like back or rib cage. These tattoos have beautiful combination of pink and black color and look very elegant, specially on girls. Cherry blossoms are very versatile and flexible and hence can be placed anywhere on the body.

Koi Fish Tattoos

One more Japanese tattoo that is popular for its typical tattoo design is koi fish tattoo. Koi fish is basically a carp fish that is bred in Japan. This fish can swim miles together and can easily swim against high waves. These fish are extremely energetic and their ability to swim against upstream is symbolized for true strength and struggle in life. Koi fish tattoos are carved very beautifully with detailed designing. Japanese koi tattoo designs are usually carved along with water tattoos and dragon tattoos. Arms, upper backs, ankles, etc. are some of the popular placements for koi fish tattoo designs.

Japanese Dragon Tattoos

A dragon has a very special place in Japanese mythology and is considered as deity of thunder and lightning. Some of the typical features of Japanese dragon tattoo designs include, no wings, serpent like body, paws like tiger, long whiskers, etc. Power, protection for family and longevity are some of the basic meanings of a Japanese dragon tattoo. There are many types of Japanese dragon tattoos and each of them has its own unique tattoo meaning. Sui-Rui is a Japanese dragon that controls rain and is also called king of dragons, while Fuku-Rui is a dragon for luck. Japanese dragon tattoos have always been popular tattoos for men. These tattoos are very large in size and have detailed work in them. Japanese tattoo designs for men are generally sculpted on upper arms, full back or rib cage.

Kanji tattoos, hanya mask tattoos, etc., are some more designs of Japanese tattoos. This was a brief information on Japanese tattoo designs. These tattoos require an expert at tattooing, so make sure you have approached the right tattoo artist. Happy Tattooing!