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Today, traditional Japanese motifs, designs, and stylistic choices remain popular sources of inspiration for many contemporary tattoo artists. Often, many artists prefer to combine old motifs with new ones, but regardless of these changes, Japanese tattoos have one common feature—the roots of “irezumi” (traditional Japanese tattoos).

A History of Tattooing in Japan

The development of Japanese tattoo art can be divided into centuries. The earliest sign of the phenomenon of decorating skin with designs can be seen on the tattooed faces of clay figurines. In the 7th century, tattoos were used as a form of punishment for prisoners, courtesans, and criminals. This practice eventually lasted for more than 1000 years.

A Japanese tattoo artist works on the shoulder of a Yakuza gang member. Image by © Horace Bristol

However, by the 18th century, Japanese traditional tattoos underwent another transformation. Due to their colorful and pictorial style, they became popular among lower social status groups, such as laborers, peasants, and even gangs. Given its association with the lower class and its long and questionable history, irezumi was eventually outlawed in Japan, although artists could still legally tattoo foreigners.

© Bettmann/CORBIS

In the 19th century, when artists began tattooing foreign sailors, the art of Japanese tattooing became known worldwide. Despite being illegal for Japanese residents, Japanese tattooing gained global recognition beyond its borders.

Symbolism in Japanese Tattoos

Japan is a country of vivid imagery and deep meanings. There are many traditions here related to Shintoism, the traditional religion based on the belief in spirits and the worship of nature and its forces. Many spirits take the form of animals—both real and mythical.

Japanese tattoos are so multifaceted that they include dozens, if not hundreds, of different themes featuring various creatures. Here, we will discuss the most popular Japanese tattoos and their meanings.

Dragon

The first image that comes to mind for most people when it comes to Japanese tattoos is the dragon. This mystical creature symbolizes power, justice, the ability to keep secrets, wisdom, and a person’s decisiveness. Those who wear such designs are not afraid to go beyond conventional boundaries and strive to acquire new knowledge.

Snake

This is one of the most ambiguous symbols in Japanese culture. On one hand, the snake signifies patience and a calm disposition of the wearer; on the other hand, it characterizes them as a cunning and hypocritical person.

To mitigate the negative connotations, snakes are rarely made the central figures in Japanese tattoos and are often accompanied by symbols with positive meanings. For example, an image of a snake surrounded by chrysanthemums serves as a talisman against conflicts, illnesses, and troubles. In this context, the flowers symbolize well-being and harmony.

© TattMa

Tiger

Sketches featuring this predator reflect a person’s strong character and the contradictory nature of their personality. The pose of the tattooed tiger holds significant meaning:

• Resting tiger: This tattoo indicates the wearer’s life wisdom, composure, and strength, demanding respect from those around them.
• Aggressive tiger: This symbolizes overcome difficulties that have hardened the character, showing a person who can fight for their beliefs and pursue their goals to the end.

© Japaninsides

Koi Carp

Despite their small size, these fish symbolize masculine strength, family happiness, and resilience for the Japanese. The koi carp is believed to bring luck to its owner. The larger the design, the stronger the positive impact on the person’s life. A pair of fish represents harmony in a relationship between a man and a woman. If the koi carp is depicted swimming in a turbulent water flow, it means the wearer is ready to overcome obstacles and can withstand them. A calm water setting signifies achieved success and pride.

© Deneka

Baku

A mythical monster with the eyes of a rhinoceros, the paws of a tiger, and the trunk of an elephant. Despite its frightening appearance, this creature protects people from nightmares and illnesses.

© Aaron Bell

Demons

Characters from the epic tales hold a special place in Japanese tattoo style. These are demons—they are characters from traditional Japanese legends. Monsters with colorful skin. Japanese believe that a wicked person can transform into one of these demons. In fact, many of them were once human. Tattoos featuring demons carry a protective meaning, believed to protect good people from negativity:

• Raijin – in Japanese culture, he is the god of thunder. A horned demon with black skin, recognizable in tattoos by the scroll he tears with his teeth. Considered a positive deity who protects the Buddhist faith.
• Oni-Ondeko – a dancing demon. Images of him are accompanied by round symbols with three commas inside. These are mons, symbols of harmony and equality of male and female energy. In Japanese tattoos, this demon symbolizes prosperity, good harvests, and abundance.
• Rokurokubi – creatures that appear human during the day and are impossible to detect. At night, they can stretch their necks to incredible lengths and change their appearance to frighten people.
• Jankuy – a demon fighter. A warrior who ended his life by suicide transformed into a demon. However, he vowed to protect and safeguard people. He battles Oni, and tattoos depicting him serve as powerful protective charms.

©Kimurakami

Masks

This element always appears mysterious and enchanting. A Japanese-style tattoo featuring a mask symbolizes the duality of nature, hiddenness. They are typically depicted with an intentionally sinister grimace. However, this emotion expresses not baseless aggression, but rather the strength of spirit that protects the owner of the tattoo from adversaries.

In the art of tattooing from Eastern mythology, masks of three types have emerged: demonic masks, Hannya masks, and samurai masks.

Common demons that often become subjects of tattoos include:

• Oni: They appear as humanoid figures with enormous fangs and horns, serving as attendants of the God of Death. This supernatural being helps people with kind hearts but brings misfortune and calamity to the wicked.
• Tengu: These demons are depicted as humanoid crows (Karasu) or entities with a menacing bright red face and a long nose. Tengu are protectors of nature who can punish those who harm it.

The samurai mask (mengu, men-yoroi) was originally used by warriors to protect their faces in battle and intimidate their enemies. Among the meanings of Japanese tattoos with this mask are: mystery, courage,  responsibility, steadfastness in pursuing goals, loyalty. People with such tattoos conceal their true emotions from others and prefer to act discreetly.

The Hannya mask is a multifaceted depiction of a demon that was once a beautiful woman consumed by jealousy. Seen from one angle, the mask appears angry; from another, it looks despairing and tearful. A Hannya tattoo helps its owner maintain composure against destructive passions, imparting wisdom and reminding of the destructive power of unchecked emotions. This artwork serves as a potent charm against evil forces.

©Danidilatas

Flowers

Beautiful plants hold special significance in the Japanese tattoo style. They reflect the cyclical nature of life and death.

The meaning of a tattoo can vary depending on the type of flower:

• Chrysanthemum: Considered the imperial flower. Its petals resemble rays, thus the chrysanthemum symbolizes sunlight, joy, longevity, and happiness.

• Lotus: Symbolizes harmony with the world, self-development. Suitable for kind-hearted, joyful, and emotional individuals. A minimalist style lotus flower tattoo signifies wisdom, enlightenment, and the rejection of material possessions in favor of spiritual pursuits.

• Peony: Signifies wealth, success, prosperity. Traditionally depicted in red. Today, artists use other shades such as purple and pink.

• Sakura (Cherry Blossom): Symbol of innocence, fragility, and the purity of young women. Emphasizes the fleeting nature of youth.

©Hiromi.tattoo

Floral Japanese tattoos are preferred by women as they beautifully complement the body, emphasizing its delicacy and grace. Flowers can also be included as additional elements in men’s designs.

Severed Head (Namakubi)

Sometimes depicted with a sword piercing it, this design is crafted as a sign of respect towards an enemy, symbolizing courage, readiness to accept fate, and serves as a reminder of the inevitability of punishment for unjust actions.

©Ruby Faber

The meanings of colors in Japanese tattoos culture

Traditional Japanese tattoos are distinguished by their vibrant hues, each carrying a unique significance in ancient culture:

• White. Regarded as the sacred color of gods, symbolizing spiritual and physical purity. However, in Buddhism, white also signifies death and simultaneously the beginning of a new life.
• Blue. Associated with boundless seas. It represents happiness, tranquility, fidelity, stability, and female chastity. Blue also symbolizes the mysterious world and mysticism.
• Yellow. A nuanced shade. Often signifies prosperity and joy. However, in some Japanese provinces, it is considered the color of deceit.
• Black. Traditionally a masculine choice, symbolizing mystery and fierceness. In the past, this color belonged to the samurai class.
• Purple. This expensive pigment was once affordable only to nobility, symbolizing strength and nobility.
• Red. Actively used in Japan for decorating important festive events. It expresses passion, happiness, vitality, and prosperity. Since ancient times, red has been believed to repel evil forces. In kabuki theater, red stripes on the faces of characters (actor’s makeup) signify justice.
• Green. Symbolizes eternity, respect for the earth, fertility, youth, and energy.

The biggest concern with colored tattoos is their susceptibility to fading over time. Colors fade much faster compared to black ink and are absorbed into the skin more quickly. Therefore, colored tattoos need periodic touch-ups to maintain their original appearance. If you decide to remove or alter a colored tattoo, be prepared for a lengthy and challenging process, sometimes even without an alternative solution.

Where is the best place to get a tattoo in the Japanese style?

In the Land of the Rising Sun, the placement of a tattoo on the body is considered very important for its significance. Japanese people consider the following locations auspicious for tattoos:

• Shoulder: Suitable for designs of animals and samurais, as it is well visible.
• Forearm: An ideal area on the arm for a dragon or samurai mask tattoo, showcasing resilience and courage.
• Hand: The wrist is an excellent spot for minimalist style tattoos with koi carp, tiger face, or dragon, signaling serious intent.
• Neck: Best suited for chrysanthemum, peony, or lotus tattoos to accentuate elegance.
• Chest: Typically adorned with tattoos carrying deep philosophical or romantic context, as the heart resides nearby – the brain’s main competitor in importance.
• Back: Often adorned with large tattoos spanning from the shoulders to the small of the back, ensuring the depicted talismans bring maximum benefit, as their power directly correlates with their size.
• Leg: Advisable to depict tattoos that attract strength and health to the bearer – these tattoos help maintain physical abilities into old age.

Japanese tattoos usually require a large canvas. They are most commonly seen as full sleeves on arms, as well as on legs, chests, and abdomens. The most expansive images are found on the back, often depicting scenes from Japanese epics.

Japanese tattoos are an ideal choice to conceal skin imperfections. They are often chosen as cover-ups for scars because colorful, vivid, and large designs effortlessly camouflage even complex and numerous scars, stretch marks, or burns.

How do Japanese people feel about tattoos?

There is no specific law prohibiting tattoos in Japan. However, Japanese society generally views this form of body adornment negatively. It’s not just because tattoos are an integral part of the yakuza and criminal world. In my view, Japanese people are intolerant of irezumi because they see it as a way to demonstrate power and superiority over other members of society. The punishment, one might say, is social condemnation and temporary exile. However, these “horrors” do not deter true connoisseurs of beautiful Japanese tattoos. They adorn their bodies with expensive designs, cover them with plasters or towels in onsen baths where possible, or seek out baths where such prohibitions do not exist.

Cultural Appropriation

There is currently much debate and dispute over who has the right to get a Japanese tattoo. Some believe that getting them outside of Japanese culture is disrespectful. The argument is that these symbols are rich in history and mean much more to people who have grown up with this history. Getting a tattoo simply because it “looks cool” is considered frivolous and disrespectful to those who value their culture.

How to choose a Japanese style tattoo for yourself?

When choosing a design, it’s important to consider the following points:

• Meaningful significance: Ensure the design carries the intended message or symbolism.
• Colors: In Japanese tattoos, a lot depends on the color scheme of the design. It’s better to carefully plan the color palette in advance.
• Additional elements and patterns: These can completely alter the meaning of the image, so choose them wisely.

Top Japanese Style Tattoo Artists

Foxylab New York Magazine gathered talented and vibrant tattoo artists who create not only tattoos inspired by Japanese themes but also work in their stylizations, commonly known as oriental tattoos.

Gakkin 

Not just a master of Japanese tattoos, but a true global star hailing from Japan. Due to the taboo around tattoos in his homeland, Gakkin prefers to live and work in Amsterdam. His style is bright and recognizable, drawing heavily from ornamental and blackwork influences, yet his Japanese touch is unmistakable in his work.

Nissaco 

This master tattoos exclusively in Japan but not entirely in the traditional style. His work features beautiful black patterns, vibrant traditional motifs, dotwork, and bold geometric shapes.

Horiyoshi 3 

Since childhood, this artist was captivated by the “suits” of the Yakuza, and now at 75, he is one of the most popular and sought-after masters of traditional Japanese tattoos worldwide, truly a legend.

Shige Iwasaki

Based in Japan, Shige breathes new life into Japanese tattoos, often focusing on a central image and building compositions around it. Here you’ll appreciate impressive scales, elements of realism, and a beautiful blend of techniques and styles.

Mutsuo 

His studio, Three Tides, in Tokyo, is legendary, and Mutsuo-san is a global ambassador for Japanese culture and tattooing. He has done much to educate and decode symbols, undoubtedly a brilliant master who creates authentic traditional art!

Yushi 

In the vibrant works of this American master of Japanese descent, you feel the influence of Western culture. Rich in volumes and a diverse palette, it’s a fresh perspective on Japanese tattooing.

If you haven’t decided to get a Japanese tattoo yet but you love Japanese culture, our brand Foxylab New York offers you several models from the Blue Method collection, created in collaboration with artist NASTYA KFKS.

Foxylab New York “Blue Method”

Foxylab New York “Blue Method”