Small Japanese style tattoos stand for the deepest meaning and, despite the small scale of the designs, have a distinct aesthetic appeal. Kanji tattoos, or tattoos with complex characters in Japanese writing, are the most powerful designs, with celebrities and tattoo enthusiasts choosing them.
Do you want to get a Kanji tattoo or a small Japanese tattoo depicting the stories and myths of the country? Here is a brief guide to help you understand how and why Kanji tattoos are so powerful and what other design options you have.
Why Is Kanji So Powerful Among Small Japanese Style Tattoos?
Kanji tattoos are powerful because of their simple elegance and complex meaning. The popularity of these tattoos is not limited to Japanese people only. People from different cultures have owned and adopted these tattoos as these simple fonts can express their beliefs and stories.
Further, the process of choosing the right Kanji and the perfect tattoo font is fascinating. In the course of picking the right design, you will see the history and culture of Japan unfurling in front of your eyes.
So, choosing and wearing your Japanese letter tattoo will not lead to cultural appreciation. You will know the meaning of the design you are going to wear, and you will be able to respect it.
Kanji Tattoos Show How Japanese Tattoos Have Evolved
If you follow the changes in traditional and neo-traditional Japanese tattoos, you will notice how the changes have taken place. Kanji tattoos are probably the most powerful account of this evolution, as in Kanji, a single character is enough to convey complex ideas.
Did You Know?
Kanji is not originally from Japan. It came from China in the 5th century AD and became a part of Japanese culture. Popular Kanji characters depict noble human emotions and attributes like love, courage, harmony, perseverance, etc.
You can make the usual Japanese script tattoos deeper and more impactful by adding Kanji characters to them. For example, if you have a Japanese script tattoo called “Perseverance,” you can add the “強 (tsuyo)” Kanji to make it more impactful.
Having said that, thanks to the complexity and depth of Kanji characters, you need skilled hands to get them inked on your body. Further, it is always better to seek advice from someone familiar with these characters before finalizing the draft.
Kanji script is not the only one that you can try while getting a small Japanese tattoo with traditional Japanese writing characters. For a more feminine or refined finish to your tattoos, you can try the Hiragana script. To add a more futuristic and contemporary touch to the design, the Katakana script will be the ideal pick.
Are you in for getting the coolest Kanji tattoo this season? Considering the choice of Kanji characters and their fonts can impact the meaning of a tattoo to a great extent, you need to be careful while picking the font.
Popular Kani Characters In Small Japanese Style Tattoos
To make the selection process easier for you, I have curated some of the most popular Kanji characters.
心 Or Kokoro
Kanji font Kokoro stands for mind or heart. This font further means inner peace and balance. So, if you want to practice mindfulness and emotional intelligence, this will be a great pick for you.
夢 Or Yume
Do you have dreams in your life? Do you want to achieve something big in your life? Why don’t you choose a Yume tattoo that means dream?
無 Or Mu
The Buddhist concept of nothingness is the hidden meaning of the Kanji character Mu. It preaches the importance of simplicity in life and how you can remain least affected by worldly woes.
風 Or Kaze
Are you a free spirit, or are you looking for positive changes in your life? It’s time to get the Kaze tattoo inked on your arm. You will find them in many popular Japanese letter tattoos and often depicted in a cursive font.
Other Meaningful Small Japanese Style Tattoos That You Can Get Inked
Kanji tattoos spill power, and they can voice the deepest meaning. However, if you want your tattoo design to be a bit detailed and you have a penchant for pictorial depictions, you can explore the tattoo design ideas I have curated here.
1. Cherry Blossom Small Japanese Style Tattoos
If you are a believer in Buddhist nothingness and want to celebrate the temporary nature of life, you can get the most beautiful cherry blossom tattoo.
2. Koi Fish Small Japanese Style Tattoos
If perseverance and adaptability are what you are looking for currently, you can consider getting a Koi fish tattoo on your wrist.
3. Tengu Tattoo
Tengu tattoos symbolize the balance of good and evil or the wholeness made of complementary forces. Get a tengu tattoo in red, green, or black and flaunt your desire to overcome personal vices.
4. Tiger Small Japanese Style Tattoos
Are you facing recurring health issues these days? Do you feel that some negative forces are creating hindrances in your growth? You must consider getting a tiger tattoo inked on your arm or wrist.
5. Owl Tattoo
Japanese people call owls as fukurō. This word stands for good luck and literally means “without hardship.” Further, these birds are omniscient, and the belief probably comes from their ability to rotate their heads 360 degrees. These nocturnal birds are also respected as symbols of wisdom.
6. Snake Tattoo
Snakes are sacred symbols in Japanese mythology, especially in the Shinto religion. The followers of this religion see snakes as the spirit of nature. Further, these graceful serpents represent renewal, and the association probably comes from their habit of shedding old skin.
Snakes are also associated with fertility and can be a great tattoo design if you are getting married or want to be blessed with a child.
7. Rising Sun Tattoo
A rising Sun tattoo can be an homage to the Japanese God Amaterasu Ōmikami. Further, located in the east, the image of the rising Sun has been very important in Japanese mythology. You can also find the presence of this powerful motif in the Japanese national flag.
So, get a tattoo that represents Japan, and you will have the most detailed depiction in a small frame.
8. Geisha Tattoo
Geishas hold a position of respect in Japanese culture. They symbolize refinement and art of the highest order. Further, a veil of mystery around them makes these characters all the more coveted.
If you are an admirer of beauty and art, a petite Geisha tattoo can be the best bodyart for you.
9. Samurai Tattoo
It’s hard to think of Japanese art and even Japanese tattoos without the presence of Samurai warriors. These gallant figures represent a glorious chapter in the history of Japan. They also symbolize pride, honor, and loyalty.
If you are planning a small Japanese tattoo with a Samurai figure, you can consider getting one with just the strokes of black ink.
10. Lotus Tattoo
Denoting endless possibilities and purity, the lotus is one of the most sacred flowers in Japanese culture. Lord Buddha is seated on this flower, immersed in deep meditation. Further, thanks to the regal shape of the flowers, they are visually attractive as tattoos.
Be creative with the design of these lotus tattoos, and you can get them as outlines or small designs filled with colors.
11. Mount Fuji Tattoo
There are two popular beliefs about the actual meaning or symbolism of Mount Fuji. A sacred for Japanese people, this mountain is believed to get its name from Fuchi, the Ainu fire goddess. Some believe in its Kanji meaning, which is eternal.
Nevertheless, a small Mount Fuji tattoo on your wrist or at the nape will look stylish.
12. Raven Tattoo
In Japan, ravens stand for the Yatagarasu or the messenger of God. So, according to popular beliefs, ravens symbolize the intervention of the superior power in our regular lives.
If you want to build a greater spiritual connection or want some positive forces to change the direction of your life for the better, you can consider getting a raven tattoo. You can try black work raven tattoos or raven tattoos done in black and red inks.
13. Red-Crowned Crane Tattoo
The red-crowned cranes are one of the rarest species in the world. Further, these birds are present in many tattoos in Japan.
A rich symbol to represent Japanese culture, these birds bring good luck and they stand for the longevity of human life. So, if you are planning to have a small tattoo, choose these graceful birds as the core element of your design.
Why Are Small Japanese Style Tattoos Special?
Small Japanese style tattoos can be a statement bodyart you have wanted for the longest time. It is surprising how a petite design can hold so much meaning and accommodate the skillful use of elements.
However, there are many other reasons behind small Japanese-style tattoos being popular these days. Let’s delve deeper.
Japanese Small Tattoos Are Packed With Meaning
Japan has been a country of rich culture and no wonder that every tattoo you get comes with a distinct meaning. Even a simple geometric shape in a Japanese tattoo has its symbolism. So, whenever you plan to get a Japanese tattoo, know its meaning at first.
You always want to have a tattoo that inclines with what you aim for in your life and something that you want to manifest.
These Tattoos Represent Japanese Culture
Japanese tattoos have Japanese mythology, history, symbolism, or spiritual beliefs as the main themes. In fact, you cannot call a tattoo a “Japanese tattoo” unless any of these themes are present.
So, from the omnipresent dragon to Samurai warriors of history and Geishas of traditional Japanese culture, you will find Japanese culture coming to life through these small tattoos.
These Tattoos Show The Power Of Minimalism
If you want your tattoo to be the extension of your minimalist lifestyle, you can have a small Japanese tattoo with meaningful quotes or a simple nature-inspired design.
These tattoos, inked on your wrist or neck, will indeed emerge as a statement of body art.
Less Painful To Get Inked
Large-scale Japanese tattoos are beautiful, and they have a lot of colors and elements present in them. However, the bigger the tattoo design, the higher the pain-bearing threshold will be required of you.
Naturally, when the tattoo design becomes smaller, you get a beautiful design with less pain.
Aesthetically Pleasant
Japanese tattoos are known for their distinct aesthetic appeal. In the hands of a skillful tattoo artist, the smallest tattoo designs can accommodate multiple elements. However, if you want, the tattoo can also be about any standalone element like the Tengu or Oni mask.
Helps You To Express Your Individuality
For me, every piece of tattoo is an extension of who the wearer is. This is especially true for Japanese tattoos as in Japanese traditions, the use of each color and every element have deep meanings attached to them.
So, when you wear a small Japanese tattoo, the tattoo tells your personal story, experience, beliefs, and even your spiritual journey.
Emerges As The Fusion Of Tradition And Trend
Japanese tattoos, even the smallest ones, have associations with Japanese history, culture, or mythology. So, in a way, these designs depict the tradition of the Oriental country in the most beautiful way.
However, thanks to the rich symbolism and aesthetic brilliance, these tattoos have become popular beyond the geographical boundaries of Japan. In the modern ecosystem of tattoos, these small designs are an absolute favorite, promoting the justness of the “less is more” theory.
Final Words
Kanji tattoos are powerful, and they are the most sought-after among small Japanese style tattoos. Did you know that big names like Ariana Grande and Justin Timberlake have Kanji tattoos as their statement body art?
For other small Japanese tattoos, you can take inspiration from Japanese mythology and folktales. Nature is another big influence on small and large Japanese tattoos.
So, if you are not going for Kanji tattoos, you can always choose Cherry blossoms, Koi fish, or dragons as the core theme.
That’s it, and it’s time you pick your favorite small Japanese tattoo design from the options I have discussed here. Do you have other tattoo designs in your mind? Don’t forget to share them with us.
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