Best Japanese Tattoos And Designs

Japanese Tattoos
One of the hottest growing trends in tattoo designs right now are Japanese tattoos.  Of course fads come and go with time but more and more people these days are seeking out some of the most beautiful and ancient tattoo designs in the form of Japanese Tattoos.  These are particularly beautiful designs and have a long history and rich symbolism behind them which makes them an attractive possibility for a tattoo design.  This page will look at some of the most popular Japanese designs and the symbolism behind them.

A Bit Of History
Of course many folks that live in the west often fail to understand the deep and long history in many of the Asian cultures.  Japan is no different and it has a very deep and rich history and is one in which tattoos can be traced back to the earliest of times.  Early in their history the Japanese used tattoos to brand criminals.  Thieves and other untouchables were often branded with tattoos to mark them and keep them separate from the rest of society.  Thus later in more modern times was carried over into Yakuza full body tattoos.  The Yakuza in Japan are a pervasive and well established gang of sorts that are into organized crime, protection racketeering, money laundering, sexy trade and etc.  The Yakuza picked up on the art of tattooing early on and were known for getting beautiful full body tattoo designs.

These days some Yakuza are still getting tattoos.  However, the full body tattoo and even many smaller tattoos have gained popularity and many young people are getting tattoos even though they have no affiliation with gangs of the Yakuza.  So in the past 20 years there has been a major shift.  However the art form and designs of Japanese tattooing have stayed in our hands.  Thus had lead to some of the most intricate, detailed, colorful and absolutely beautiful tattoo designs that are rich with meaning and full of symbolism which is something that is

Koi Fish Tattoo
Koi fish are one of the most popular Japanese tattoo designs that have been carried over to tattooing in the west.  The fish is believed in Japanese mythology to swim back up stream.  It struggles against the current in a brave and noble manner.  They fight against the current and splash but eventually make it to the gate or bridge at the top of the river where they become dragons.  They are seen as a heroic fish that is noble, has strong character and fights against the odds and against the current.  Symbolically here in the west many people interpret the koi fish as a tattoo for strength, power, and following one’s own way in life.  Thus the tattoo has a sort of Carpe Diem with a foreign and mystical feel and look to it.

Lotus Flower Tattoo

The lotus flower is also believed to be a very holy and symbolic symbol. The symbolism behind the lotus started from very ancient Buddhist history. Essentially the flower starts off as a small bud at the bottom of the muddy water fountain or stream. Slowly over time is grows and reaches for the surface of the water and the sunlight. Once it gets to the top the flower blossoms and reveals a beautiful flower. This is symbolically seen as the same journey the soul goes through as it seeks enlightenment.

The Cherry Blossom Tattoo

I have written about this extensively in other hubpages and will only hit on it lightly here.  The cherry blossom was a very sacred symbol for the Samurai.  They thought of it as the symbol of their life.  The cherry blossom was an object of great beauty but one that quickly fall to the ground and dies quickly.  Thus it is sort of a tattoo with a symbolism tell us to seize the day and live each day to the fullest.

Hanya Masks
Hanya masks are large tattoos of evil looking masks.  Hanya masks of course are a traditional art form in Japan still do this day and defiantly were throughout history.  These evil looking masks are believed to care off bad spirits.  They are often displayed in houses to keep the house safe and free of evil spirits.  The same meaning and symbolism carry over into the hanya mask tattoos.  They are seen as a charm, and able to protect the person with such a tattoo from any evil.  The more fierce and scary they look the better they will be able to do their job.  So evil looking masks with haunting eyes and blood dripping from the mouth are all part of these great tattoo designs.