Influence of Japanese Tattoo on Modern Designs

As of 2012, flaunting tattoos in the Japanese state of Osaka is a crime. The law was passed, since a lot of modern tattoos in Japan can trace their roots to the Yakuza tribe, a gang associated with criminal activities. However, tattoos were not always associated with crime in Japan. In fact, the Asian country is rich in cultural history, with tattoos being first and foremost used to exhibit societal status, and also, devotion to a certain sect. In fact, modern religious tattoo designs derive a lot from traditional Japanese images that were used to depict devotion to a certain idea, sect, or religion.

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Significance of different images in Japanese tattoos

Every image used in traditional Japanese tattoos designs comes with its own significance. Dragons are perhaps the most used images in Japanese tattoos. While in the West dragons are seen as a force of evil and destruction, it is quite the opposite in Japanese culture. The east Asian country considers dragons to be guardians instead, who stand for wisdom, strength, and determination. 

Tattoos featuring Koi fish are also very popular in Japanese culture. Koi tattoos actually originated in China, where they were considered a symbol of strength and determination. In fact, according to popular folklore, Koi fish swam upstream in ancient China. However, only a few fish were able to swim past a point known as the ‘dragon’s gate’. These fish were then transformed into dragons. 

Phoenix tattoos are another popular Japanese tattoo design, and we continually see a lot of modern references to it. Almost every culture has a Phoenix story, and the Japanese culture is no different. Across cultures though, Phoenix stands for rebirth and triumph, which is what such a tattoo symbolizes. 

Skull tattoos in modern design

We see a lot of interpretations of skulls in modern tattoo designs. Popular wisdom states that skull tattoos have a negative connotation to them, and they are generally associated with evil. However, it was not so in traditional Japanese culture. According to traditional Japanese belief, a skull denotes change, since it represents the cycle of birth and death. In fact, a lot of times, skull tattoos in Japan are drawn with flowers, which is in coherence with several customs and traditions in Japan associated with funerals and death.

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Different flowers in Japanese tattoos have different significance. 

Oni mask tattoos

A very common Japanese tattoo design is an Oni mask tattoo. A lot of modern tattoo designs in fact derive inspiration from the Oni mask, which has a dual connotation to it. While Oni is seen as evil, it is also seen as a protector of justice. According to Japanese beliefs, there is a spirit world where demons or Onis carry out their duty of punishing evil to let good prevail. At the same time, they are also responsible for spreading disease.

Thus, an Oni mask tattoo could have either significance, depending on what it is combined with. For instance, an Oni mask tattoo combined with perhaps a variation of a skull could denote change, and how that change is for the better of the world. 

Water tattoos

A lot of traditional Japanese tattoos have flowing waves. These symbolize the natural ebb and flow of life, which is akin to that of water. Often, wavy tattoos are combined with mask tattoos or skull tattoos to denote that change is the only constant in life. A lot of modern designs take inspiration from these wavy Japanese tattoos, and can be a great way to denote your belief in the perfect functioning of the Universe.

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Japanese Tattoo and How to Decipher Their Meanings?

In the art of tattoo making, one of the most popular styles is the Japanese tattoos. Every image which is used in these kinds of tattoos has a purpose and a meaning. There have been Japanese tattoo researchers, who have found out that most of the images designed in ancient Japanese tattoos were used to ward off evil spirits. As opposed to the Chinese tattoos which defined a tattooed person mostly as having some criminal inclination, the person with a Japanese tattoo was held in high esteem, with respect to his position in the society.

The tattoo images are known as 'motifs', and anyone can recognize the tattoo's meaning as soon as they see these motifs or the images of the tattoo.

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What are the different motifs used in a Japanese tattoo?

• Dragon Tattoos: The dragon tattoos symbolize wind or water, forces of good, strength and wisdom. Unlike the western tradition, where dragons symbolize wealth, strength, and ferocity, in the Japanese tradition, dragons are benevolent and generous forces. Another trait attributed to them is wisdom. Good quality Japanese tattoo stood for courage, fervor and religious affiliations that sustained community life.

• Koi Tattoos: Koi tattoos symbolize water, desire for success, courage, strength, and determination. In the Japanese art of tattooing, Koi fish is another popular design of tattooing. In the traditional folklore of the east, masculine qualities like bravery and strength are assigned to Koi. Koi is native to China. They attempted to swim upstream in the Yellow river. A very small number of them can actually pass 'Dragon's Gate', a point in the river.

• Tiger Tattoos: The tiger tattoos of the Japanese art style carry the traits of courage and strength, along with life. It is used to ward off diseases, bad luck, and evil spirits. The tiger symbolizes both autumn and the north direction.

• Fu-Dog or Lion Tattoos: This tattoo resembles both a dog and a lion. Specifically, it appears like a lion that has pointed ears. In Japanese mythology, they are said to be courageous, strong and protective. They are assumed to keep evil omens and spirits out, indicates a person who is courageous and also serves as a protector.

• Snake Tattoos: The snakes perform numerous essential functions and have a number of meanings associated with it in traditional Japanese tattoos. It is said to provide protection from bad fortune, disasters, and illness. They also represent protection and wisdom, especially from the consequences of bad decisions. It also embodies medicine, healing, and regeneration.

• Skull Tattoos: Although, there is a negative connotation like ill fate, danger, and death associated with a human skull in much of the tattoo art and culture, the same symbolizes natural life cycle in the Japanese tattoo art.

• Water or Wave Tattoo: Water is featured by many Japanese tattoos. These are the most recognizable among all Japanese tattoos. Occasionally, the image of waves is combined with Oni, Dragons or Koi. Additionally, it symbolizes life and strength. The belief conveyed by water tattoos is that life flows like water. It is swift and strong when required, but can be calm and gentle as well.

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• Kanji Tattoos: Kanji are basically the lettering utilized in the culture of Japan. Tattoos can be made to carry mystical and aesthetical meaning by using Kanji. The lettering can be interwoven by leaves, petals and flowers to make beautiful tattoo designs.

• Enso Symbol: The symbol of enso is linked with Zen in the Japanese culture. It is a symbol of the moment's expression, void, the universe, enlightenment, and elegance. 

The best fact about a Japanese tattoo is that, it can speak so much in so little a space. People from all countries are fond of Japanese tattoos, as they stand for beliefs, good intention, cultural bonding and community strength. Visit here for more information about Traditional Japanese Tattoo artists. 

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