Characters and Symbols in Japanese Tattoos

Japanese tattoos are famous throughout the world. Japanese tattoos are very energetic and lifelike, depicting movement in the images while the images itself wraps around pat of the body. Known for the depth and longevity of their colors and the intricacy of their designs, Japanese tattoos are extremely popular today. There are two general types of Japanese tattoos people tend to get: Japanese characters (kanji) and traditional Japanese art. This article will give you some tips of getting tattoos of Japanese characters, and describe the symbolic meanings of common plants and animals in Japanese artwork.

JAPANESE KANJI CHARACTERS

First of all, if you are getting Japanese characters tattooed on your body, be very, VERY sure they say what they're supposed to. Internet English-Japanese translation tools are notoriously unreliable. Japanese grammar and alphabetical transliteration is different form English. The internet is filled with pictures of unfortunate people with Japanese characters tattooed upside down or backwards (or that don't even exist), or that translate as total gibberish. Just to be safe, only get Japanese characters tattooed on your body after they've been approved by someone FLUENT in Japanese (not a friend who had a year of Japanese in college, or who watches a lot of anime).

SYMBOLIC JAPANESE PLANTS AND ANIMALS

 Traditional Japanese art is also very popular among tattoos?dragons, tigers, samurai, geisha, cherry blossoms? the list is long. Many of these images, however, are highly symbolic in Japanese culture. To help you choose a Japanese tattoo that is perfect for you, here's a brief list of some of the most common artistic motifs in Japanese tattoos, and their symbolic meanings.

DRAGONS make for beautiful and graceful tattoos. The Japanese Dragon is considered a masculine symbol, and is associated with the elements of wood and water. Although the Japanese Dragon is the God of thunder and lightening, it is not considered to be evil and destructive creatures (as western dragons are frequently depicted). Rather, the Japanese Dragon is considered to be benevolent creatures, the bringer of wealth and good fortune. The Dragon symbolizes wisdom and good luck.

The PHOENIX is another powerful symbol that makes for a gorgeous Japanese tattoo. The Phoenix is considered to be a powerful feminine symbol, and is associated with the element of fire. The Dragon and the Phoenix are enemies, and are frequently pictured fighting together in Japanese tattoos. The Phoenix symbolizes justice and fidelity.

The KOI FISH (or CARP) on a background of stylized Japanese splashing water makes for a breathtaking tattoo showing lots of movement. Generally considered to be a very masculine symbol, the Koi Fish has several different symbolic meanings. A multi-colored Koi is a symbol of good luck. The Koi swimming against the current of the water symbolizes strength during difficult times, victory despite adversity, and courageous triumph over a struggle. It can also symbolize freedom, independence, and individualism, proudly swimming against where the water currents take him.

The BUTTERFLY is a powerful Japanese feminine symbol. It symbolizes delicate and fragile beauty. Some women, taking slight offense at the implication that women are fragile, had added a modern twist on an ancient symbol: they get tattoos of Japanese butterflies made of metal or carved out of jade.

The LION symbolizes strength.

The TIGER symbolizes power. The difference between strength and power is subtle, but important.

The CHERRY BLOSSOM is a symbol of nature, spring, and rebirth.

The LOTUS BLOSSOM is a Buddhist symbol of harmony, purity, beauty, and eternity.