What are Traditional Japanese style tattoos? (2024)

What are Traditional Japanese style tattoos? (1)

Asian tattoos have a long history behind them. They date back for years and while there are still traditional Asian-style tattoos being inked, most individuals are using a more neo-traditional, flexible style. The traditional tattoos are quite like bodysuits meaning that they interconnect from one part of the body to the other to form one single art piece. They have more of a regimented style with waves and wind bars that define the tattoo edges.

Neo-traditional Asian style tattoos use certain aspects of traditional Asian tattoos, but they don’t follow the same set design. The neo-traditional style adapts more to the natural body curves and tries to move along it to fit and hug the body.

Can Other Tattoos Be Incorporated with Asian Tattoos in Toronto?

It is difficult to integrate other styles of tattoos with Asian art but some tattoo artists can form connections with other tattoos on the body. Many Asian-style tattoos have a design that ends at a joint, so it is possible to have it connect with another tattoo adjacent to it. Anything is possible when it comes to Asian tattoos, but you’ll have to find an Asian tattoo Toronto artist who is willing to work with you to create the designs you want.

Japanese Tattoo Design

Japanese tattoos are by far the most easily recognizable and common Asian tattoos requested by clients. A Japanese tattoo design is very distinct and based on cultural significance along with extremely detailed lines. Symbolism runs deep in these tattoo designs so it’s all about choosing the one that signifies the message you want to display on your body. You can also make the choice of the tattoo image based on your liking or dislike of certain designs.

What are Traditional Japanese style tattoos? (3)

The History of Japanese Tattoos

Japanese tattooing dates back approximately 5,000 years and it has been recorded that all men at any age would have tattoos displayed on every part of their body and many times even on their faces. The tattoos are associated with many connotations and tattooing was done on people that were causing trouble as a sort of branding. There were certain Japanese characters used for these branding purposes as well as symbols.

Modern and Traditional Japanese Tattoos

Both traditional and modern Japanese tattoo designs are about the same. The difference is how the tattoo gets applied. The traditional method for Japanese tattoos doesn’t use any electrical tools and it’s done manually. Modern tattooing for Japanese art, however, does use a contemporary tattoo machine.

The one thing that always remains the same is that the subject of the tattoos come from the Japanese culture. Some of the most popular images found in a Japanese tattoo design include samurais, tigers, dragons, geishas, Koi fish and many others. Japanese tattoos are often presented with bold color mixed with black and grey shades. There are also some black and grey Japanese tattoos without color that are absolutely amazing.

A Look into Japanese Colors

What are Traditional Japanese style tattoos? (4)

Some of the bold color that you’ll see on Japanese tattoos include turquoise, orange, bright blue and pink. They are often inked on top of a black backdrop to present an intense contrast. There is a lot of significance with color in the Japanese culture and it’s important to know them before getting your Japanese tattoo design.

Red – This color symbolizes joy and happiness and is usually seen at happy events such as birthdays and weddings. Red is the color of blood, so it is a symbol of vitality and passion. The color also provides protection so consider that when getting your next tattoo.

Black – The color black symbolizes mystery. While black is often considered to be a dark color in Western culture and is used for mourning, black only has this meaning in Japanese culture when it is paired with white.

White – A white color in Japanese culture is the color that symbolizes death, but it also symbolizes truth and purity. Another meaning that can be gleaned from the white color in Japanese culture is a new beginning or a fresh start.

Green – As it is in Western cultures, green in Japan symbolizes nature, energy, youth, and life.

Blue – This is the color of luck in Japan and many people who are going for a job interview will wear a blue suit. It shows a dedication to the job and for this reason, many corporate executives regularly wear something blue.

When choosing a color for your tattoo remember that any color can be used. Work with a highly experienced Asian-style tattoo artist to get the perfect style with the right colors that you absolutely love.

Where to Place Your Japanese Tattoo

What are Traditional Japanese style tattoos? (5)

Since Japanese tattoos are usually quite large, choose an area on the body that provides a lot of space. The Asian tattoos Toronto artist shouldn’t be confined to working on a small area and needs a large canvas to cover all of the extensive details of the tattoo. Most people choose to get one on their entire back or on an entire limb. There is also the option of choosing a full body tattoo, but you would want to be absolutely certain about the Japanese tattoo design before going ahead with the selection.

If you have been considering getting a Japanese tattoo design you’ll need to work with an Asian tattoos Toronto studio that has a lot of experience providing these types of designs. Look for an artist that has done previous work that you absolutely love so that you can get the tattoo you deserve. Since Asian and Japanese tattoo designs are usually quite large, choosing the right artist is exceptionally important.

Take a look at the different artists and tattoo styles available at our tattoo shop in Toronto by visiting our website now at www.hontattoo.com. We have a number of artists available that specialize in Asian tattoo artistry and you’re welcome to call to schedule a consultation with one of them.

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What are Traditional Japanese style tattoos? (2024)

FAQs

What are Traditional Japanese style tattoos? ›

Irezumi, also called Horimono and Wabori, refers to a traditional Japanese style of tattooing that is created using large scale motifs based on Japanese mythology and religious icons, historical characters and scenes from nature, the elements, and well known Japanese fables.

Is it OK to get a traditional Japanese tattoo? ›

In short, you should. Japanese traditional tattoos are meant to mean more than just a cool design. Being conscious of this and understanding the symbolism of your tattoo goes a long way. Ask your artist if you have any questions regarding the style!

Can you get a Japanese style tattoo if you're not Japanese? ›

Do I Need to be Japanese? People ask. Naturally, you are allowed to get this style of tattoo even if you aren't Japanese and it won't be offensive. In fact, seeing as the culture of Japan has a taboo around tattoos, a lot of Japanese people don't have the ink themselves.

What is Yakuza style tattoo? ›

The Yakuza's Irezumi [刺青 tattoo] became an integral part of Japanese culture. The Pre-Edo period tells a story about it being used to identify criminals. Yakuza culture tells a story of lavish narratives hand-inked and illustrated over the body to cover up prison tattoo marks indicating criminals.

What is the difference between irezumi and tattooing? ›

Still, the distinctions between irezumi and western tattooing are many. Irezumi maintains its natural whim and contour. American tattooing is lean and mean. Irezumi calls attention to the stories, folktales, and history of the land of Japan.

Is it racist to get a Japanese tattoo? ›

It's also important to remember that traditional Japanese tattoos are deeply rooted in Japanese culture and history, and they hold a special meaning for many people. Disrespecting these tattoos or appropriating them for fashion or trend purposes can be seen as offensive and cultural appropriation.

What are the rules of Japanese tattoos? ›

yet essential rules:
  • Rule One: Your tattoo should be large, covering a broad area or entire body part. It should. ...
  • Rule Two: Your traditional Japanese tattoo should include themes and symbols representing. Japanese culture.
  • Rule Three: Most crucially, your tattoo design and application should only, or mostly, be.

Can a man get a Hannya tattoo? ›

Q: Can a man get a Hannya tattoo? A: Yes, a man can get a Hannya tattoo. Hannya tattoos, which originate from Japanese Noh theater and represent a jealous female demon, are not gender-specific and can be worn by anyone regardless of gender.

Can Americans get tattoos in Japan? ›

Are Tattoos Illegal in Japan? While some view tattoos as an art form, the Japanese government, on the other hand, does not. Although they may not be illegal, tattoos are often associated with the Yakuza, a Japanese gang that covers their entire body with tattoos.

Are tattoos still frowned upon in Japan? ›

While most old customs and traditions are still alive today in Japan, sadly, the stigma around tattoos is very much alive as well. I talked about this in my post on “Is Japan safe?”, but this is why most Japanese people still refrain from getting tattoos even today.

Do female yakuza get tattoos? ›

But you soon notice that she is no traditional Japanese lady – she is tattooed up to her neck and hands, and her little finger is missing. These are signs of affiliation to the yakuza – Japan's notorious criminal syndicates. The yakuza is dominated by men and leaves only informal roles to women.

What does Hori mean in Japanese tattoos? ›

Hori means “to carve” so a tattooer is called a Horishi which means a carver, and this is a throwback to the wood block carving days of the Edo period… in Ukiyo-e and so a lot of wood block carvers were also tattooers and there's a big link between the woodblock prints and tattooing.

Are there female yakuza? ›

The yakuza is dominated by men and leaves only informal roles to women. Typically a woman involved with the yakuza might be an anesan, a boss' wife who takes care of young affiliates and mediates between them and her husband. Wives and partners of the members support the group in a peripheral way.

Why are tattoos shunned in Japan? ›

Traditionally, tattoos in Japan can be associated with the Japanese mafia (the yakuza). To avoid having mafia members enter these public baths, they banned people with tattoos. But even though times have changed, these rules often haven't.

Can you mix American and Japanese tattoos? ›

Pay Attention to Detail: Traditional American and Japanese tattoos are both known for their intricate and detailed designs. To create a tattoo that blends both styles, pay attention to the details of each design element. This can include the shading, line work, and placement of each element.

What is a wabori tattoo? ›

What does Wabori mean? Wabori (和彫り) is the term to describe Japanese tattoos of Japanese designs. For example, tattoos of japanese style dragons, samurai and koi fish are all considered wabori. On the other hand, western tattoos that have western designs are called youbori.

Do traditional Japanese tattoos age well? ›

They age beautifully - because of their level of detail and use of traditional colors, Irezumi tattoos tend to age very well. As your skin changes over time, these tattoos will continue to look amazing. 6. They can be large or small - Traditional Japanese tattoos can be as big or as small as you want them to be.

Can I get a tribal tattoo if I'm white? ›

For example, if you are a white person of European descent, it could be seen as very disrespectful to get a Native American tribal tattoo. There are always exceptions, such as if you grew up or spent a lot of time among people of a culture different from your own and they see you as one of their own.

Why do people get Japanese style tattoos? ›

The end result is a tattoo that is not only incredibly beautiful, but also has a deep meaning and symbolism. For many people, a traditional Japanese tattoo is a way to connect with their culture and heritage. They are also seen as a form of self-expression and artistic expression.

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