We all love stories, and Japanese style tattoos tell the lore of an ancient culture soaked in myths and symbolisms. Most of these tattoos symbolize good fortune, strength, bravery, and protection. However, some tattoos, like the kappa tattoo, have some negative connotations attached to them.
However, you can always see these tattoos as body art to create a balance between good and evil. Thanks to the use of a lot of colors and deep meanings, Japanese tattoos are usually big in size, and they are ideal for the chest, shoulders, forearms, or sleeves.
Still, today, you will come across many small Japanese style tattoos. Have you seen the petite Japanese tattoo of Mary J. Blige on the back of her hand? Canadian actress Shanae Grimes also has a small Japanese tattoo that says “Keep Calm” on the inner side of her right wrist.
Do you want to know more about this intriguing tattoo style? Here is a guide.
What Are Japanese Style Tattoos Called?
Japanese style tattoos are called Irezumi. Irezumi is a combination of two Japanese words, Ire and Zumi. Ire means to insert, and zumi refers to black ink.
If you try to explore the “Japanese tattoos Irezumi meaning,” you will find out how the designs are based on Japanese mythology and deep symbolism.
These tattoos, also known as Wabori and Horimono, further rely on nature, religious icons and incidents, and fables for the best inspiration.
Composition Of Japanese Style Tattoos
Are you looking for a bodyart with “tattoo perfect lines?” Japanese tattoos will be the best for you. These tattoos are aesthetic and bold. With the use of different colors and a contrasting background, these tattoos clearly put across the stories they want to tell.
If you analyze it, you will find the following components in a Japanese-style tattoo:
- High contrast visuals
- Strong and perfect lines
- Contrast between the background and foreground
- Dynamic positioning of elements to denote movement
The composition of Japanese tattoos has gone through many changes since its origin in the 1700s. Based on the changes in techniques and compositions, you will primarily come across the following Japanese tattoos:
- Strict Or Traditional Japanese Tattoos
- Neo-traditional Japanese Tattoos
- Japanese Realism Tattoos
- Black & Grey Modern Japanese Tattoos
What Are The Popular Colors Used In Japanese Tattoos?
Japanese tattoos are vibrant in nature, and you will find a lot of colors in them. However, the use of every color in each design comes with a distinct symbolism. Let’s learn about the most common colors used in Japanese tattoos and their meaning.
Black Color Tattoo
Black ink is most widely used in Japanese tattoos. Even when tattooing was done using bamboo sticks and needles, black was the color used to get Japanese-style body art.
The use of black color in a tattoo gives it a proper dimension and creates a visual contrast. However, if you choose only a tattoo with black and white ink, it becomes a symbol of mourning.
Red In Japanese Tattoo
Red is a versatile and one of the most meaningful colors in Japanese culture. Further, red means life and joy. Also, lines drawn in red mean protection from evil forces.
Yellow In Japanese Tattoo
The color yellow represents stark meanings based on the area of the country you belong to. Some people use this shade to denote growth and joy.
However, in some cultures, this color is used in a negative sense, denoting fraudulence.
White In Japanese Tattoo
White means truth and purity. This color also denotes a new beginning, including the start of a new life.
Pink In Japanese Tattoo
The color pink stands for feminine qualities. It also expresses good health.
Purple In Japanese Tattoo
Purple is the color of royalty in Japan. So, the use of purple in a tattoo always adds a regal charm. Traditionally, people from lower ranks of society in Japan were not allowed to wear a purple tattoo.
Blue In Japanese Tattoo
If you want to manifest good luck in your life, you can choose a Japanese tattoo done in blue. This color is also a symbol of fidelity.
Green In Japanese Tattoos
Green is used in Japanese tattoos to denote youthfulness and connection to nature and Mother Earth.
What Is The History Of The Best Japanese Style Tattoos?
Japanese style tattoos have come a long way since their origin. Originating in the 1700s, Japanese tattoos were banned in the 1800s, and they were a means of marking criminals. Some even say that criminals had tattoos as a part of their punishment.
However, with time, Japanese tattoos have become one of the most prominent body art styles in the world. Also, today, Japanese style tattoos can be divided into different categories, as I have mentioned earlier.
Do you want to pick the best Japanese style body art for you? Check out the ideas discussed in the next section.
Explore The Best Japanese Style Tattoos To Get The Perfect Body Art
Japan has a rich culture and a history that is as unfathomable as the sea. So, you will never feel any dearth of options while choosing the best body art for you.
To give you versatile choices, I have curated some of the best body art ideas for you. Let’s have a look!
Japanese Style Tattoos Black And White
If you have a penchant for mystery, you can choose a Japanese tattoo in black and white. The use of contrasting shades makes the tattoos visually appealing, and the overall aesthetics is minimalist.
However, in some parts of Japan, these tattoos denote mourning. So, have clarity about the meaning of the tattoo you are going to have before getting it permanently inked.
Japanese Style Tattoos Sleeves
Are you looking for the most beautiful tattoo design for your sleeves? A Japanese tattoo with a lot of colors can be the best design as a sleeve tattoo.
From illustrious dragon or phoenix designs to the stories of Samurais, you have a lot of options to explore for tattoo sleeves.
Japanese Tattoo Minimalist Style
Japanese minimalist tattoos are beautiful and diverse. From quotes and beautiful floral designs to natural occurrences (like Sunset and Sunrise) and Geisha, you have a lot of options to try.
Japanese Koi Carp Tattoos
Japanese koi carp gives you the perseverance to fight against the odds in life. They also bring good luck.
So, if you face a lot of hurdles in life and want positive manifestations in your life, you can pick this design.
Japanese Tengu Tattoos
Tengu tattoos protect you from personal vices, and they are reminiscent of the great attributes of Samurais, like honor, courage, duty, and loyalty.
Tengu tattoos are colorful, and they can beautify your body parts, including the back of your head.
Japanese Kappa Tattoos
Japanese kappa tattoos are related to lawbreaking and troublemaking. However, if you want to depict your rebellious nature and want to strike the perfect balance between good and evil, you can always choose this style.
Japanese Ryu Tattoos
Japanese Dragon Tattoo or Ryu tattoos are the most popular because of the visual grandeur they depict. Further, in Japanese culture, these dragon tattoos come with a lot of symbolism. They denote benevolence and the power of the highest order to protect humankind.
They are also related to divine wisdom and the power of good.
Japanese Tiger Tattoos
Are you seeking protection against bad luck and diseases in your real life? How about getting a Japanese-style tiger tattoo on your chest or back?
These regal creatures are also synonymous with virility, strength, and courage. So, get the most colorful Japanese tattoos in a host of colors like black, yellow, and red to have a statement bodyart.
Japanese Tattoos With Samurai Warriors
If you want to immerse in the history and culture of Japan, Samurai warrior tattoos will be the best pick for you. These warriors are revered for their bravery, and they are related to the honor and good things in the country.
Over time, the country has produced many great Samurai warriors like Oda Nobunaga, Yoshitsune Minamoto, and Toyotomi Hideyoshi. You can get inspired by them or stories of their bravery for the next Japanese-style tattoo you are going to have.
Do you want some Samurai inspiration from pop culture? How about giving Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai a rewatch?
Geisha Japanese Tattoos
Geishas have been an integral part of Japanese culture since ancient mystery. Wrapped in the veil of mystery, Geishas symbolize divinity and the highest beauty.
Geisha tattoos are colorful, and they are one of the most aesthetically pleasing body arts you can have. Try getting one inked on your thighs, hips, or chest to have a beautiful depiction of the theme.
Phoenix Japanese Tattoo
In Japanese culture, the phoenix or Fenghuang expresses the power of the empress from heaven. It also means honesty and loyalty of the highest order.
Myths have it that a phoenix only accompanies a ruler who is free of darkness or any form of corruption.
Phoenix tattoos need a big canvas for the most aesthetic presentation. So, you can have one on your chest, back, or on the shoulders.
Frog Japanese Tattoo
We all know the story of a toad turning into a charming prince, and it has been one of our most cherished folklore in Western culture. In Japan, these amphibian creatures also have deep meanings.
Frogs mean prosperity and good luck. In many cases, it is also believed to have some supernatural qualities.
Consider getting a frog tattoo on your arms, wrist, or neck to manifest good things in your life.
Japanese Forearm Tattoos
Do you want to get your forearms inked with the best Japanese style tattoos? Choose a beautiful dragon design or something inspired by a phoenix.
You can also choose tiger tattoos as a symbol of protection and strength.
Final Words
Japanese style tattoos are aesthetically appealing, and they have deep meanings. Also, these tattoos represent one of the richest cultures in the world.
Having said that, thanks to the evolutions in designs and tattooing techniques, today, these tattoos have become an extension of your individuality and personal choices.
So, to have the best Japanese-style body art, you can explore the designs I have discussed here. Do you have any other favorites for a Japanese-style tattoo design? Don’t forget to share your ideas with us.
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