Popular Japanese Tattoo Meanings, Symbolism and Designs

There has been a phenomenal growth of traditional Japanese tattoo designs in the past few years. It used to be that tattoos were relegated to the Yakuza or Japanese gangs and the criminals in the society. Just the site of a tattoo used to and still can strike fear into people. However, Japan is a rapidly changing country and they are starting to see the value in tattoos and more and more people have a deep respect for them. For most tattoo artists and tattoo enthusiasts alike Japanese designs have always been sought after. Here are some Japanese tattoo meanings and design ideas to help give you a guide of some possibilities if you are interested in getting such a design.If you live in the western part of the world, I am sure you are fascinated with the Japanese culture from the east. Having the unique and awesome type of art, Japanese tattoos are widely admired and seen as a flexible tattoo design.

You can actually choose from the Japanese characters or the symbols with certain meanings. Popular designs like that of the typical Japanese house during the Meiji era, faces of some excellent representations of samurais, the ever famous "Sakura" flower, dragons and fire with a Kanji symbols with them are still in style.

Cherry Blossom Tattoos

For the Japanese the cherry blossom is seen to represent life itself. The flower is a thing of great beauty. It is strong in that is pushes itself and blooms in harsh conditions and climates and often comes out when the snow is first melting. Yet it is paradoxically fragile at the same time. It is fragile because it will only last a few days and then it will fall from the tree and land in the snow. The Japanese view this as a representation of life itself. Life should be lived to extreme beauty and everyday should be lived to it's fullest. Yet one must always be aware of the possibility of death and therefore with the eventuality of death live life even more fully. This is a great tattoo and a symbol that is laden with powerful reminders and a great guide to how each individual should live their life.

Koi Fish Tattoos

Koi fish are probably the second most powerful symbol in tattoo designs in general but also fro the Japanese. Koi fish can been seen in front of almost every temple throughout Japan. The myth states that the Koi fish swim back up stream against the current to eventually read a bridge or a gate. If they can make it to the gate they are turned into dragons and magically fly away to start a new life. The symbolism behind this design is one of perseverance which is a very deep and important concept for the Japanese. In fact they have many more words to describe perseverance, effort and sticking with something in the language then we do in English.

Samurai

Samurai of course lived by the code of Bushido. There is not enough room here to full explain the code of Bushido but it deals with living life to the fullest, being prepared to die in service and being loyal and strong. The concepts of Bushido are pretty much at the heart of all Japanese values and morals and also what is taught to most young kids over and over again through stories. You could say the code of Bushido is the heart of the Japanese culture and beliefs. Samurai's and samurai tattoos of course are the best symbol of these beliefs.

Samurai Tattoo Designs,Pictures and Ideas

Japanese Samurai Tattoos Picture and Ideas

Japanese Samurai Tattoos

samurai tattoo

samurai warrior tattoo

Samurai Tattoos, Designs Pictures and Ideas

Samurai tattoos are often meant to represent all of the things that actual samurais lived by: courage, honor, self sacrifice, and living life to its fullest. In Japan, the samurai is the ultimate emblem of masculinity and pride; around the world their image is seen as something strong and mysterious, brave and seductive.Many samurai tattoos are done in a portrait style. Unlike most portrait pieces, the majority of these tattoos are done in bold colors, and — although realistic in appearance — are often shown in the midst of heavy action. You may see a samurai in mid-air, swirling his sword, with hair coming unfurled and a determined expression on his thoroughly detailed face. A lot of people like to add small details to truly enhance this style of art. For example, you may see small scars along the arms of the warrior; you may also see intricate details on armor or robes, and a genuine and lifelike expression on his face.

Some people like to pull images from old woodblock-style paintings for their samurai tattoos. This style is regularly done in a perfect balance of muted and bold colors, and shows the samurai costume in full detail. These images often depict the samurai wielding his sword, sometimes on the back of a horse, on a mountain, or even rising from the ocean. One particularly unique depiction would be to show the modernization of the samurai: dressed in a more Western-style clothing, still with dark hair pulled back, and shining katana in hand.Some samurai tattoos take on a more unique appearance. Many of these are done in a cartoon style, and are made up of bright colors, and classical Asian art fused with bombastic illustrations. Many of these piece show violent depictions, and may occasionally stretch the cartoon factor and create a sort of zombie samurai — out for revenge. Another unique idea would be to create a steam punk samurai. Much of the samurai armor had an almost robotic look to it, and you could easily tweak small pieces of the armor, as well as add items such as gears to the helmet, or even a gas mask and goggles.

Samurai tattoos often tell a story. Whether placed against an intricate background, set amidst a rousing fight, or standing all unto himself, a samurai will always make a statement with his history, beauty and mystery.

Samurai Tattoos Pictures and Ideas

samurai warrior tattoo

samurai tattoos

Samurai Tattoos Pictures

Japanese Samurai Tattoo

The Samurai class was known for its extra ordinary martial arts skills. They were highly disciplined individuals trained in the deadliest art of fighting. The Shogun was able to win many battles with the help of the fighting skills of the Samurai. On the other side of their personality these fighting machines were trained in art and poetry. This unique mix of talents lends a mystique to the Samurai which is one of the reasons behind the success of Samurai tattoos.

Japanese Samurai Tattoo

Another major factor that has led to the popularity of Japanese samurai tattoos in more recent years is the role that the television media has played. The samurai has been glorified in many movies and television series. Television being the number one educator for the youth in the west they have developed a liking and appreciation of the samurai and consequently the tattoo enthusiasts have gotten themselves stamped with samurai tattoo designs.