It usually comprises the elements of different animals or mythical creatures and occupies large parts of the body (most often the ‘sleeve’ area of the arm, the shoulder area, the upper and lower back, and upper thighs. Japanese dragon tattoos generally vary in design, so the dragon can have a head of a camel, the body of a snake or fish, the talons of an eagle, etc. The symbolism stems from the traditional belief that dragons can manipulate elements for the benefit of the people and the good in this world. The Japanese dragon symbolizes strength, wisdom, blessing, and the force of good. This is the most popular Japanese tattoo design. Ryu Tattoo – Japanese Dragon Tattoo Image Source: Instagram All of the Japanese traditional tattoos need to be designed by experienced tattoo artists and done by hand. They all carry historical, traditional meanings that stem from myths, legends, and traditional stories. Here are the meanings and designs of the most popular traditional Japanese tattoos. Read More: History of Tattoos (A Brief Insight & Interesting Info For Your ‘Fun Facts’ Collection) The Meaning And Design Of The Traditional Japanese Tattoos The world was and still is amazed by the incredible Japanese tattoos, and to this day foreigners seek the best Japanese tattoo artists to get a true traditional tattoo. After that, this global phenomenon just kept expanding. In the 1980s, Japanese tattoos became a global phenomenon mostly due to the rock bands getting Japanese traditional tattoos. That is when the Japanese tattoo artists began catering to American servicemen and the military.

However, Japan’s legal prohibition of tattoos was completely lifted in 1948 under the US occupation. That is when tattoos became a symbol of crime, the Japanese underground, and the Yakuza. However such tattoo practices were banned by the Japanese Emperor in the Edo period. However, Japanese tattoos were also used as a form of punishment for criminals and slaves, which also directly referred to the social status of those social groups. They were also used as a form of a charm for protection and spirituality. In the following paragraphs we’ll dive into the symbolism, meaning, and design of Japanese tattoos, so let’s get started! Japanese Tattoos – Explained The History And Cultureīefore World War II, Japanese tattoos were used to depict social status as well as spiritual devotion. So, if you’re looking to get a Japanese tattoo, but aren’t sure about the meaning or the design you should get, then this is the right place to be. The Japanese tattoo tradition has existed for thousands of years now, and even to this day, it carries a veil of mystery and unknown to a lot of us. Japanese tattoos are probably the most popular and most recognizable tattoo styles.

Dragon katana tattoo