Japanese Traditional Tattoos

Japanese tattoos form part of asian culture, have been around for a long time and are generally large. The complicated tattoo designs usually dominate most of the body and are so detailed they are also very time consuming as well as expensive. A tradtional body suit, including covering the arms and legs, can take years to complete.

Tattooing for spiritual purposes dates back to approximately 10000BC, and around 300BC - 300AD, Japanese design were shought to have spiritual significance as well as functioning as a status symbol

In the Kofun period, around 300 - 600AD, tattoos began having negative connotations also. Instead of being used for ritual purposes, tattoo markings were placed on criminals as a punishment.

At the beginning of the Meiji period the Japanese government, wanting to protect its image and make a good impression on the West, outlawed tattoos, and irezumi took on connotations of criminality. Nevertheless, fascinated foreigners went to Japan seeking the skills of tattoo artists, and traditional tattooing continued underground.

Around 1945, tattoos were legalized again but the criminal image was retained. Japan’s notorious mafia, Yakuza, were often associated with having tattoos to show their connections to the criminal underworld. As a result, many businesses in Japan have banned tattoos, such as public baths and massage parlours.

Katakana is generally used for foreign names, places, and the words of foreign origin. Therefore if you are from a country that doesn’t use kanji (Chinese characters), your name is normally written in katakana. For Japanese tattoo lettering, people often use Kanji.

Japanese Taditional Tattoo for Women

Are you thinking about getting a Japanese tattoo design or a cursive tattoo, whatever design or idea you have for your tattoo make sure that you research it properly and think long and hard before you reach your decision because it will be with you for life.

Research is the key. Some people will spend month's searching for that elusive tattoo picture. Very popular is a bushido Japanese legacy tattoo or a Japanese symbol tattoo. You can also spell out a name in a Japanese tattoo writing style be it the name of a loved one or someone or something very special to you, again research is paramount. Do not just get a tattoo because you happened to like a picture you liked in a magazine.

Research your tattoo thoroughly using tattoo parlor's and of course the internet which will provide you with a wealth of knowledge for your tattoo design, and also translation services for Japanese tattoo writing only after you have completed this can you search out your tattoo artist.

Now that you have selected your Japanese tattoo symbol you can begin to search for a tattoo artist worthy of creating your masterpiece. This can be difficult, please don't walk in to the first tattoo parlor you find, again research is paramount. Ask friends who already have tattoos! Ask them what the shop was like , was it clean, what was the artist like, visit them yourself, show them your tattoo design or Japanese tattoo writing get them to draw it for you so you can see what your tattoo will look like with their particular style. Keep looking until you find the one for you.

Japanese Ko'i Tattoo Design on Back Body

Fusion Japanese Tattoo

Yakuza Tattoo Design

In Japan, tattoo is usually considered to be a symbol of a yakuza (Japanese mafia) and tends to be perceived negatively by people. For example, many public bath facilities in Japan inhibit customers who have tattoos from entering. Traditional Japanese tattoo covers arms, shoulders, and the back. In recent years, it’s becoming popular for Japanese young people to get contemporary tattoos. Tattoo events are often held in big cities, and there are many Japanese tattoo shops in Japan. It’s good to contact them before you visit.