Japanese tattoos are more than just incredible visual designs – they carry a wealth of deep cultural meaning. Inked patrons should keep this in mind when choosing their irezumi motifs.
For instance, dragons symbolize strength and power – but in Japan, they also represent wisdom and benevolence. Cherry blossoms and peonies, meanwhile, convey ephemerality and femininity.
Koi Fish
Koi fish are a beloved symbol of Japan, representing perseverance in the face of adversity and strength of purpose. They also represent a spiritual connection to nature. Koi often swim upstream in rivers and ponds, which means their drive to overcome obstacles and reach their goals.
The most common koi color is Asagi, which are pale greenish-blue or spring onion color above and red or orange (and very occasionally pale yellow) below the lateral line and on the cheeks. Another popular koi color is Shusui, which are pale greenish-blue with a string of mirror scales running dorsally from head to tail.
Foo dogs are another common element in traditional Japanese tattoo sleeve, with many meanings ranging from passion and good luck to pure evil. These grotesque beasts are also used in Noh theater, as their sharp horns and metallic eyes add to the dramatic effect of the performance.
Cherry Blossoms
Cherry blossoms are common in Japanese tattoos, representing beauty, hope, and spring. They symbolize the transient nature of life as they only bloom for a short time before they fall to the ground and die, which is a reminder to enjoy the beauty while it lasts.
The flowers also symbolize the afterlife and are often used to decorate tombs and graves. Other popular flower designs in Japan include lotus, which represents wisdom, and peonies, which represent wealth.
Dragons are a powerful symbol and are usually placed on the arms of warriors and other men as they symbolize strength, power, and courage. They can also be combined with other elements like waves, koi fish, and Japanese writing to create a beautiful full sleeve. A dragon is another excellent design for men (though women love them too).
Samurai
The samurai, elite members of Japan’s feudal military nobility, were well-known for their honor and loyalty. As a result, they have become an iconic symbol of Japan’s rich and unique cultural history.
Samurai tattoos symbolize courage and determination, making them a fitting choice for warriors or those who have overcome obstacles. They can also be used as a backdrop, or gakubori, for more detailed animals, characters, and scenes to be overlaid.
Unlike their greedy and gold-hoarding counterparts in the West, Japanese dragons are often seen as benevolent creatures that manipulate the powers of nature for good. This symbolic meaning makes dragons a great addition to any full-sleeve design.
Like the wave in Hokusai’s The Great Wave, waves are a powerful metaphor for life’s constant changes. They can also remind us of our ancestors’ relationship to the sea and nature. Moreover, incorporating them into your sleeve can signify renewal and transformation. They are also considered lucky symbols.
Tigers
Tigers are a classic Japanese tattoos motif representing masculinity (strength, power, willingness to pounce at a moment’s notice) or courage. They can also symbolize good luck thanks to their fabled thousand-year lifespan.
Snakes are another popular full-sleeve tattoo option because they are believed to protect against calamity and ill health. Alternatively, they can symbolize knowledge and fortune. This gorgeous black snake with red chrysanthemums is a feast for the eyes.
Unlike their outgoing Western counterparts, the Japanese value subtlety. They may not be as demonstrative with their art, but their tattoos are equally beautiful and meaningful. Add a splash of red to your design-it represents passion and life force. Green is often used to describe longevity, and purple symbolizes wealth and royalty.
Read more: Reasons Why Your Nose Piercing Smell
