In our third instalment of tattoo meanings we look at Japanese tattoo meanings, within this we look at the Japanese styles along with important symbols in Japanese cultures, Japanese word tattoos, Japanese nature tattoos, Japanese myths as well as Japanese animal tattoos. So sit back and relax as Vida Loca Tattoo Bolton investigates.
A brief history of the Japanese Tattoo
Japanese tattoos have been around since 5000 BC. By 720 AD, tattoos were originally used to mark outcasts and criminals. However, as the years went by prisoners and outcasts began to wear the tattoos with pride.
In regards to how the Japanese implemented the tattoos, it was a very basic set up as the electric machines of today were not available. The technique of bare needles were used to brush and poke the skin. Which was a very slow process resulting in tattoos taking years to complete.
In the Japanese culture now, tattoo artists that still use the old method with the naked needles are seen with more prestige and abided by the true Japanese traditional tattooing rules instead of the “western” or “Yoburi” way of tattooing (with the electric machine).
In the 1950’s the art form began to spread as sailors or military visited Japan came away from that country with a tattoo as a sign of a world traveller. It was in during World War 2 that the real rejuvenation took place as a Naval Officer named Norman Collins who studied under a Japanese tattoo artist developing own style and opening his own shop in Honolulu. From here he attained the name “Sailor Jerry “ as he tattooed sailors and soldiers. For more on Sailor Jerry read our blog post here.
These days Japanese tattoos and carry a great sense of meaning whether it is a dragon, koi fish, phoenix, tiger, snake or flowers. Though like any tattoo, people may just like the art form and choose their tattoo based on that.
Japanese Tattoo Meanings
Koi Tattoo Meanings
As a true representation of self improvement, the Koi tattoo meaning is one of courage, strength, fearlessness and determination. As it is said the Koi swam upstream in the yellow river to the dragons gates. It is here that the gain the ability to transform and change into a dragon.
Japanese Word Tattoos
There are three main scripts when it comes to Japanese words. Kanji, Katakana and Hiragana.
Kanji: Mostly used for nouns and words like “peace” or “courage” etc.
Katakana: This is used to write a single foreign word or name
Hiragana: Used for grammar or adjectives, uncommon mostly for tattooing.
Japanese Flower Tattoo Meanings
Sakura: This is a cherry blossom, vibrant and beautiful representing beauty within the Japanese culture.
Chrysanthemum: Blooming in the Autumn, the Chrysanthemum represents longevity and perfection.
Lotus: The flower of the buddhist, represents something similar in terms of elegance, wisdom, beauty, transformation and enlightenment.
Peony: Although these flowers represent wealth and beauty or the queen of flowers. They became a firm favourite due to the classic Chinese novel of Suikoden.
Dragon Tattoo Meaning
Dragons in Japan are the protectors of mankind and come in different colours and represent different things for each colour.
Black dragon: Represents experience and wisdom
Green dragon: Associated with nature
Gold dragon: Represent value and virtue
Blue dragons: Gentle, forgiving and warm-hearted
Yellow dragon: These depict noble companions
Yokai Tattoo Meaning
Known as one of the outliers, the meaning for Yokai is “spirit” or “ghost”.
They come in different types and then subclasses. We can focus on the 5 main types:-
Yurei: These mean the spirits of the dead but are caught in the world of the living with vengeful spirits like Onryo still willing to cause harm to the living.
Kaiju: Think Godzilla, these are animals or insects with supernatural powers.
Tengu: The meaning of Tengu has been split as before buddhism in Japan, it was the was often thought of as scary or frightful goblin. To after the spread of buddhism in Japan were the Tengu represented to change ways for the better after it was considered on of the defenders of the Dharma.
Tsukomgami: This is said to be the most unique spirit of them all as the Tsukomgami takes the form of the everyday items like desks, cups, kettles, computers etc.
Kami: Gods and Goddesses from the Shinto religion, the Kami are rulers of the spiritual world. These can easily be compared to how the gods and goddesses are seen within greek mythology. These are people with awe-inspiring qualities
Fu Dog Tattoo Meanings
Some people may question whether this is a dog or a lion. Realistically this is a Lion with pointing ears. Typically, these represent courage and strength at they are protectors and keep evil out.