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.

Cherry Blossom Tattoo

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 Tattoo

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.

Hannya Mask Tattoo

Hannya masks are scary looking and demonic masks. The mask comes from the famous Kabuki plays in Japan and it depicts a women who has been consumed with rage over a lover or someone that has not returned her love. There are different variations as each Kabuki play has a different interpretation. At any rate these masks represent a jealous women. However, they have been widely used in Japanese tattoos and also here in the west. When they are used in tattoo in it is believed that they will ward of evil spirits and bring good luck to the person wearing it. Japanese will also sometimes but these up for display high in the room of their house to ward off evil spirits.

Samurai Tattoo

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.

These are just four of the most popular themes within Japanese tattoos. One of these might be right for your design and what you are looking for. There are tons of other Japanese tattoo meanings and tattoo design out there. It is best to do some reaserch and spend time finding a design that is right for. This site dedicated to Tattoo Designs can be very helpful in finding the design that is right for you.

Koi Fish Tattoo Pictures

Koi Fish Tattoo Design

Fish Koi Tattoos Japanese Koi Fish Tattoos Design. Fish Koi Tattoos Meaning and Symbolism.The word "koi" comes from Japanese. Koi fish are specially bred in Japan for their color. A prize example can be valued in the $100,000 range. Koi are a type of carp and have been cultivated and bred in Japan for possibly thousands of years.

Koi Fish Tattoo Design

If you have been to Japan you will notice they are a common feature in most traditional Japanese gardens. They most likely originated from Eastern Asia, Aral, Black and Caspian Seas. Earliest records of Koi have been found in China and have been widely spread in Japan. For the Japanese Fish Koi represent strength and power because they are often able to lift their entire body up and jump out of the water.Koi fish tattoos are beautiful and wildly popular right now.

Koi Fish Tattoo Design

Koi fish tattoos of course have a long history and go all the way back to ancient Japanese times and it is a definite Japanese or Asian tattoo theme. Therefore the tattoos that represent koi fish often show them splashing in the water and water flying everywhere which shows of their strength. Plus as an added bonus they are an absolute beautiful fish and the colors of them lend themselves to a tattoos.The beautiful bright oranges mixed witht he blues of water make for an ideal tattoo plus since they are traditionally a Japanese tattoo they lend a sort of forgien mystery to their air.Fish Koi tattoos are now very popular among men and women. Typically men get them on their shoulders or calf and women like to get them as a lower back tattoo.There are a few out there that also get them as full back tattoos with more of a tradition Asian design.The color scheme of the Koi fish tattoo is very important element. A common color scheme would be the Yen Yang design of black and white. Most of the cases, the color scheme work the best if integrate with your shin color. For instant, if you have a dark or olive skin color it may be more suitable to choose a bright hue so the Koi fish tattoo to make it more visible.The natural colors of white, red, black, yellow or gold or perhaps a mixture of those colors would be applicable if you really want the test of more traditional style.Always remember that Koi Fish tatto o needs a place of honor on your body.

Koi Fish Tattoo Design

Men generally get them on their shoulders or calf and women like to get them as a lower back tattoo. Additions- Along with the koi fish tattoo you can always put some water in the background that splashes around the fish. Also Cherry blossom flower are very traditional and go well with a Japanese themed tattoo. Cost-It all depends on what size, how many colors, and type you Want.Additions and if you want the work custom designed or you are going to use flash. They typically run between $50 to $250 dollars.

Koi Fish Tattoo Design

More Koi fish Facts:

1. The Koi is associated with the family. On Children's Day Koi flags are raised, Black Koi the father, Orange/Red mother, Blue/White for a boy, red/pink for a girl.

2. The Koi Fish symbolizes courage in the Buddhist Religion. According to Buddhists, humans 'swim' through the 'ocean of suffering' without fear, just like a fish swims through water.

3. Another word to describe "love" is "koi". The kanji character for "kokoro (heart)" is included as part of both kanji characters. Both "ai" and "koi" can be translated as "love" in English.

Koi Fish Tattoos

Koi Fish Tattoos is a Japanese Tattoos Design. Fish Koi Tattoos Meaning and Symbolism. The word "koi" comes from Japanese. Koi fish are specially bred in Japan for their color. For the Japanese Fish Koi represent strength and power because they are often able to lift their entire body up and jump out of the water. Koi fish tattoos are beautiful and wildly popular right now. Koi fish tattoos of course have a long history and go all the way back to ancient Japanese times and it is a definite Japanese or Asian tattoo theme. Therefore the tattoos that represent koi fish often show them splashing in the water and water flying everywhere which shows of their strength. Plus as an added bonus they are an absolute beautiful fish and the colors of them lend themselves to a tattoos.

The beautiful bright oranges mixed witht he blues of water make for an ideal tattoo plus since they are traditionally a Japanese tattoo they lend a sort of forgien mystery to their air. Fish Koi tattoos are now very popular among men and women. Most of the cases, the color scheme work the best if integrate with your shin color. Additions- Along with the koi fish tattoo you can always put some water in the background that splashes around the fish.