Meaning of JAPANESE TATTOOS

According to the most recent historical studies on this subject, it is considered that Japanese tattoos began in the Paleolithic or Jomon times, which is why they arose around 10,000 BC.

However, the type of tattoos with Japanese motifs that we know today, began to appear in the Edo period, between 1,600 AD and 1,868 AD They were carried out with the technique known as Irezumi. It is a japanese tattoo technique in which the ink is injected under the skin manually, using a stick with an ink-impregnated needle and using the hands to tattoo the skin. In fact, it was done manually until tattoo machines came into existence, but today there are also tattoo artists who specialize in this technique.

This technique arose when the carpenters who carved and worked the wood began to use the same tools to draw in the same way on the skin. To do this, they used a common ink there known as Nara black, which when remaining under the skin becomes a greenish-blue tone and not completely black.

A great advantage of this style is that it can be adapted to all types of designs such as small, large, one sleeve, one side or the whole back tattoos, and you can even choose from several styles within the Japanese design. We can stick to the more traditional style, which is the most demanded for its great meaning as we will see below, or we can opt for more minimalist lines or manga or anime style drawings.

The carp or koi fish is one of the oriental tattoo designs that you can find in many arms and backs, as they are the two most common areas for these drawings, although they can be adapted to any other part of the body. Sometimes a tattoo is designed with a single fish, with or without water or waves, but other times two are tattooed, even forming the symbol of Yin and Yang.

The koi carp tattoos they symbolize good luck, strength, effort, overcoming, fighting, determination, overcoming problems, being able to get ahead and wisdom. All this is reflected in the legend of the koi fish, in which it is said that this fish swam against the current in the Yellow River of China and managed to climb the great waterfalls that are in it, a great legend of overcoming.

Likewise, they can have different meanings depending on the color they have:

• Black koi fish tattoo: symbolizes, mainly, the great ability to face problems in life.
• Blue koi fish tattoo: This other color gives the tattoo a meaning of peace, tranquility and wisdom. In addition, in Japanese culture it also refers to children.
• Red and orange koi carp tattoo: symbolize love, passion for things and spiritual strength.

Image: Pinterest

Without a doubt, the dragon is a traditional japanese tattoo and very popular. In addition, its shape can be adapted to any part of the body, although they are usually done on the arms, legs, chest and back.

The meaning of dragon tattoos comes from Japanese mythology. On the one hand, it is interpreted as the reflection of strength and power, a meaning identified in this mythological animal by many warriors as well as people from the criminal world, such as the Yakuza. On the other hand, another more mystical meaning and directly related to the stories of Japanese mythology, is that dragons symbolize wisdom, spirituality, good luck, generosity, respect and blessing. In addition, Asian dragons are related to water and rain, unlike in other parts of the world where they are related to fire.

An important characteristic that differentiates japanese dragons or ryu of other Asians, such as the Chinese, is that those of the Japanese country have three claws on each leg, instead of four. So, if you are going to get one on your skin, make sure that the design is correct in this detail.

Another of the japanese tattoo designs most in demand is the tiger. If you like these animals and this culture, you will undoubtedly like these designs to embody on the skin.

The meaning of japanese style tiger tattoos It is the same as in other cultures, since this animal represents, in a general way for everyone, strength, courage, courage, elegance, beauty and is even related to royalty.

An added meaning by this oriental culture is that tigers symbolize a long and prosperous life. In addition, in the ancient Japanese country, tigers were also related to a valuable tool to ward off evil spirits, bad energy, diseases and bad luck in general, so we can consider it a very positive tattoo.

Another meaning given by this culture to this animal and considered very important, especially in the part related to Japanese mythology, is that the tiger is the symbol of autumn and the North, therefore it can control the winds and, in addition, it is one Of the four sacred animals.

To discover more about the Meaning of the tiger tattoo you can consult this other article.

One of the Most Viewed Japanese Flower Tattoos It is the cherry blossom, which is often seen as a beautiful, simple and relaxing image, but what is really the meaning of Japanese cherry tree tattoos? Is it limited to this?

It is true that these flowers, and even the branches of the flowering tree, symbolize beauty, tranquility, simplicity and peace, as well as the more feminine features and they are also related to samurai. In this culture, this flower has always been related to women and everything feminine, as well as love, for being delicate and beautiful. However, they were also an important samurai symbol, as Japanese warriors were also generally considered to be short-lived, like this flower.

Also, as the flower of this tree lasts a short time and falls very easily, the Japanese associate it with the ephemeral and the fragile, seeing in her a reflection of her own human mortality.

Learn more about the Meaning of cherry blossom tattoos by reading this other oneHOWTO post.

Image: Men’s Tattoos Ideas

Another of the japanese flower tattoos best known are those of the lotus flower, although it is a symbol throughout Asia. Specifically in Japanese culture, it is quite common to see tattoos of the lotus flower alone or on the water with koi carp.

On the one hand, when she is alone, her symbolism focuses on aspects such as eternity, the representation of life, rebirth, self-improvement, hope, purity, inner and outer beauty and good fortune. All these connotations are given because it is an eternal flower, as it has a very special life cycle. On the other hand, if it is represented accompanied by a koi fish, it also acquires the meaning of balance, serenity, strength and success. Furthermore, when drawn closed, the lotus flower represents the infinity of possibilities in life.

It also acquires different meanings depending on its color. If you want to discover more about the meaning of lotus flower tattoos, for example of its symbolism according to each color, we recommend this other oneHOWTO article on the Meaning of lotus flower tattoos.

The japanese masks used in the traditional theater of this place are truly spectacular and symbolize mythological beings or even the reflection of complex human feelings and emotions. They are also very typical in oriental style tattoos and, mainly, there are two types:

Hannya mask tattoos meanings

Hannya are reflected in theatrical masks and other art forms, such as tattoos, paintings, and so on. In Japanese folklore they were women who were transformed into monstrous creatures by having been carried away by negative and intense feelings such as jealousy, rage, envy, hatred and passion.

Although the stories traditionally focused on women, in the interpretations the meaning extends to anyone, symbolizing the most terrible side of the human being. For many it serves to remind us of the monster that we carry inside and that we must prioritize and work more on positive feelings.

Meaning of Oni mask tattoos

Beliefs in the world of good and bad spirits e, …