A traditional Japanese style tattoo is the extension of the culture and history of the country. Starting in the 1700s, Japanese tattoos have undergone a lot of evolutions over the centuries.
However, traditional Japanese tattoos have remained true to their origins and stylistic elements.
In these tattoos, you will find dragons, Koi carp, and other mystical animals. At the same time, these tattoos have animals like tigers and frogs, which are related to deep symbolism.
Some Japanese traditional tattoos even tell the tales of the ancient culture and heroism of the Samurai warriors. Overall, these tattoos are nothing short of stories in visuals.
Do you want to know more about Japanese traditional tattoos? Here is a brief guide on its experience, duration, and different design ideas. Let’s explore!
Is Getting A Traditional Japanese Style Tattoo Painful?
Japanese tattoos, also known as Irezumi, have become more colorful and opulent over time. So, yes, these tattoos will definitely test your pain threshold.
These designs are elaborate and very intricate in nature. Also, you will need to sit for long hours to get the design inked. Further, in a traditional Japanese style tattoo, you will see the use of a lot of colors. So, a tattoo that has high color pigmentations and detailed design will demand high patience and pain threshold.
Having said that, there are some Japanese traditional tattoo rules that you need to adhere to to make your tattooing experience smooth. Let’s have a look at them.
Japanese Traditional Tattoo Rules
Japanese tattoos have a long history. Also, they are some of the most intricate tattoo designs you will come across. So, there are certain rules you need to be aware of before getting a design inked on your body.
You Cannot Have Traditional Japanese Tattoos On Your Face
You cannot get a traditional Japanese tattoo inked on your face. Traditionally, getting a tattoo on the face was seen as a mark of criminals. Especially people associated with organized crimes or yakuza used to have tattoos on their faces.
Know The Meaning Of Your Design And Choose The Design Carefully
When you get something as intricate as a Japanese tattoo, you have a body art for your life. Further, Japanese tattoos are packed with meanings and symbolism. So, be very particular about the design you pick if you want positive manifestations in your life.
Avoid Consuming Alcohol Before Getting The Tattoo Done
Inking a Japanese tattoo involves intricate needling. So, when you are getting a Japanese tattoo, you must avoid consuming alcohol immediately before that. Having alcohol can thin your blood. So, it will be very difficult for the tattoo artist to depict the design.
Be Careful About The Aftercare Measures
Once you are done inking the tattoo, you have to be very careful about the care part. You have to keep the tattoos clean, and you will need to apply an ointment that makes the healing process faster.
Further, listen to your tattoo artist and avoid doing things that can cause irritation, infection, or inflammation in the tattoo.
Does A Traditional Japanese Style Tattoo Last Long?
Yes, a Japanese tattoo will last a lifetime, and that is why it is important to be absolutely sure about the design. All the tattoos you get will fade over time. However, a traditional Japanese style tattoo always has deep color saturation and bold lines that define the design.
So, these tattoos will last for years to come if you are particular about the care regime.
Does A Traditional Japanese Style Tattoo Age Well?
Yes, a traditional Japanese tattoo ages quite well. They have detailed designs, and all the colors used in the designs, including blue, red, yellow, green, and black, do not lose their brightness over time.
Also, the details in the design remain the same as ever after many years of tattooing.
What Is The Most Popular Japanese Style Tattoo?
Dragon tattoos are most popular in Japanese traditional tattoos. There are endless folk stories in Japan where dragons are the benevolent protectors, saving humankind from all malice.
Dragons also possess supernatural powers and the strength of the highest order. You will find many variations in the designs of the dragon tattoos.
A traditional Japanese dragon tattoo is colorful, and it needs a bigger canvas for proper depiction. So, you can get the most beautiful dragon tattoos inked on your back, chest, or shoulder.
Best Japanese Style Tattoo To Get Inked On Your Body (Explore The Designs)
You already know that dragon tattoos are the best and the most popular when anyone looks for a traditional Japanese style tattoo. However, there are some other designs that are equally intriguing and aesthetically pleasing.
1. Floral Traditional Japanese Style Tattoo
Flowers are the most versatile elements in traditional Japanese tattoos. These vivacious flowers can be the most beautiful background elements, and they can even be the primary motif of your design.
Among the floral designs, chrysanthemum, peony, and lotus are the most common. Each flower has a unique symbolism. Lotus means perseverance, beauty, purity, and grace, while peony flowers mean romance and wealth. Chrysanthemum flowers symbolize long life, grace and happiness.
2. Japanese Tiger Tattoo
You must be familiar with Japanese tora or tiger tattoos. According to Japanese culture, the tiger is a symbol of strength, courage, and protection. They also protect humankind from negative forces and diseases.
These tattoos are versatile, and you can be quite creative with the choice of colors and elements. For example, you can combine the tiger tattoos with Koi fishes, frogs or dragons, and most specifically, Samurai warriors to have a statement bodyart.
3. Phoenix Tattoo
In Japanese traditions, phoenix tattoos are associated with good luck. They also symbolize resurrection and transformation. So, if you want to overcome a bad situation in your life and want something great to happen, you can get a phoenix tattoo.
This mythical bird also symbolizes a “never-say-die” attitude. So, if you want manifestations of all these things to happen in your life, you can definitely choose a phoenix tattoo for yourself.
4. Wind Bars Or Kaze Tattoos
Wind bars or kaze are almost omnipresent in traditional Japanese tattoos. They have deep meanings, and they make tattoos appear visually interesting.
These wind bars symbolize the temporary nature of life, and they even denote changes. So, if you want good changes in your life, you can choose this tattoo.
5. Water Tattoos
You will often see water and waves in the background of Japanese tattoos. Water means purity and the flow of life. It also denotes adaptability to sail through different conditions.
Further, the waves you see in Japanese tattoos stand for resilience and strength to fight the odds in your life.
6. Skull Tattoos
Do you want to strike a balance of good and evil in your life? You can choose Japanese skull tattoos. In Japanese traditions, skulls also symbolize mortality.
Also, many people get skull tattoos inked to seek protection from danger. So, you can have the design inked with red and black shades.
Do you love petite tattoos? You can have one on your wrist. However, if you have a penchant for something elaborate, you can choose a design on your arm sleeve.
7. Frog Tattoos
Frogs can live on land and in water. So, these creatures are related to adaptability and the ability to fight the odds in life.
Frogs also mean fertility, and they are the harbingers of good luck. So, if you are planning to start a family and need some ushering of good luck in your life, you can get a frog tattoo for yourself.
Frog tattoos are versatile. So, it does not matter whether you love a minimalist design or an opulent bodyart. You can get one inked on different body parts.
8. Samurai Warrior Tattoos
Samurai warriors are very important in Japan’s history and culture. These warriors show honor of the highest order, and they are brave warriors who protect good from evil.
These warriors are the protagonists of many folk stories, and they often appear in tattoos with animals like lions and tigers, which are associated with strength and bravery.
9. Geisha Tattoos
If you have a penchant for sophistication and refined qualities, Geisha tattoos will be ideal for you. Most suitable for women, these tattoos also look good on men.
These feminine figures are also associated with art and music. So, having a tattoo inspired by these feminine figures can also symbolize your love for these forms.
Geisha tattoos are vivacious, and in these tattoos, beautiful feminine figures are seen with beats like tigers, lions, and cats.
10. Snake Tattoos
Are you looking for a positive transformation in your life? Why don’t you choose a Japanese snake tattoo for yourself? Snakes also possess spiritual qualities, and they have the wisdom that can impart new beginnings.
Snakes shed their skin in regular intervals, which is seen as an act of metamorphosis. So, if you want to make new beginnings in your life, you can get a Japanese snake tattoo inked.
These tattoos are illustrative, and they look excellent on arm sleeves, hips, and lower back. You can have a simple line drawing or a detailed design with many colors to create a beautiful tattoo.
11. Japanese Octopus Tattoos
Did you know that these marine creatures had deep meanings attached to them? They are the protectors, and according to Japanese traditions, they have the highest level of intelligence.
Thanks to the presence of many arms, these creatures have associations with multitasking and problem-solving skills.
Red and black are the common colors used in octopus tattoos. However, you can also choose blue as the color of the tattoo inspired by this marine animal to have a beautiful design for yourself.
12. Koi Fish Tattoos
Japanese tattoos teach you the philosophy of life. Packed with symbolism, these tattoos also preach how one should conduct one’s life to remain strong despite all the oddities.
The Japanese koi fish tattoos symbolize perseverance, which is one of the noblest qualities of a human being working toward a purpose.
If you are currently facing a lot of hurdles in your life and need some driving force to help you through the journey, you can easily get a koi fish tattoo for yourself.
Based on your preference, you can get the tattoo inked on your forearm, chest, back, or arm sleeve. These tattoos are also some of the most colorful designs you will come across.
13. Cat Tattoos
In Japanese tradition, cat tattoos are associated with good fortune. These tattoos are versatile. You can have a standalone image inked on your body, and you can mix it with other design elements like clouds, water, waves, or wind bars.
You can even place cats in a tattoo along with other animals like dragons, tigers, and lions.
14. Lion Tattoos
Lios are regal creatures, and they possess excellent leadership qualities. In Japanese tradition, these creatures are also associated with power and bravery.
Because of the grace in a lion’s figure, this beast makes a beautiful tattoo. It needs a broad canvas for the best depiction. So, you can have this tattoo on your back, chest, and shoulder to flaunt a statement bodyart.
15. Mask Tattoos
Colorful mask tattoos, especially Hannya and Oni masks, are very popular in the Japanese culture of tattooing. These designs are colorful in nature and have deep symbolism.
Hannya (female demons) and Oni (male demons) depict certain human characteristics. For example, Hannya symbolizes metamorphosis, anger, and jealousy. At the same time, Oni stands for mischief and evil activities.
Despite apparently negative meanings attached to them, many people perceive these tattoos as a way to strike a balance between good and bad.
Final Words
A traditional Japanese style tattoo can be a statement bodyart, and the beautiful fusion of colors and deep symbolism make it one-of-a-kind. These tattoos are versatile in design, and from the regal dragon to tigers and Geisha designs, you have many options to explore.
So, if you have a high pain threshold and you want a bodyart packed with symbolism and meaning, you choose a Japanese tattoo design among the ideas I have shared.
Do you have any other tattoo ideas in your mind to have beautiful Japanese tattoo art? Don’t forget to share.
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