Japan is an amazing country that is famous for its ancient history, many customs and traditions. An integral part of this history are also Japanese tattoos, which in ancient times indicated the position in society and social status. At the moment such tattoos represent a separate style, which is distinguished by a bright range of colors and a variety of sketches.
Tattoo style Japan: history of origin
Tattoos in the Japanese style originate several centuries ago. The first body drawings were applied in two cases: to brand a criminal, and in order to indicate the social class of the person. They were applied to the body using plant thorns as a tool.
The Japanese tattoo style is most often associated with bright colors, dragons, samurai and Koi carps.
Over time, closer to the Middle Ages, Irezumi (ink injection) style tattoos began to appeal to geishas, then lovers and priests. Later drawings began to be used as amulets and to display information about who a person was, down to the occupation and number of children. As a result, Japanese tattoos have become part of everyday life.
Applying technique
If you decide to score a Japanese tattoo, you will have to look into finding a qualified professional. The work of the master tattoo is really akin to art, because the colorful images on the body he does not just draw, and creates with soul and meaning.
The client can choose a sketch of the classic Japanese tattoo or supplement the plot with his own ideas to enhance realism. Experienced tattoo artists use not simple paints, but vegetable-based dyes. In order to realize Japanese motifs it is important to be precise and accurate with the right combination of shades, because the work is performed by the whole bundle of several needles.
The main difference of the Japanese style is the asymmetry of the smooth contour, carefully drawn with fine lines.
The use of a special filling technique achieves a high brightness of the edges against the background of the subdued tone of the central part. The cost of the Japanese tattoo is high enough, because over the tattoo master will work more than one day.
The meaning of the Japanese style tattoo
Any tattoo, printed in this style has its own meaning and significance. In addition to the large variety of colors and designs, Japanese subjects fascinate by their semantic message. Consider the most popular motifs and their meaning in more detail.
Samurai
The samurai is a symbol of a fearless, strong in spirit man who is not afraid of the difficulties and dangers that await in front.
In the past, the samurai was a symbol of the gang or faction.
Masks .
A mask from ancient times is considered a strong talisman for its owner from black magic, including the evil eye.
Japanese style most often depicts masks of demons and spirits.
Koi Carp
The Koi carp is a symbol of calm, determination and hard work.
Such a tattoo helps to get out of any situation, remaining fast and invulnerable.
Tiger
Tigers are the personification of fearlessness, strength and wisdom.
Such tattoos protect against disease, bad luck and evil spirits.
Dragon
The dragon is a brave beast that burns down all obstacles in its path.
A symbol of a brave and courageous man.
Buddha
People who have a tattoo with Buddha are considered invulnerable to evil forces.
All misfortunes pass by the owners of the Deity on the body.
Flowers
Each flower made in the Japanese theme carries its own meaning. Magnolia - the inner core and resilience, sakura - the transience of life, lotus - purity.
Snakes
The snake has a negative meaning because it is a symbol of evil, temptation and wisdom.
Japanese tattoos for men
The people of Japan attach special importance to the place where the tattoo is applied. Depending on the size and shape of the sketch, they carefully choose the place where the picture will be printed: on the shoulder, on the arm, on the leg, on the back. Let's look at the most successful locations of male Japanese tattoos.
The shoulder is the ideal place for small tattoos with images of animals or samurai.
The forearm is a place on the arm, where you can place a composition of several sketches. In this place you can depict a samurai or wild animals to indicate the character and life principles of the man.
On the wrist you can place a tattoo with the image of a tiger, snake, carp, muzzle of a dragon with the addition of plant elements.
The side ribs of the palm, hands, fingers - these places are characterized by Japanese characters, with a certain meaning, a small dragon or snake.
The sleeve is a great place to embody the Japanese style of tattoo. Here, without limiting itself to the size of the drawing, you can place several animals, characters or patterns.
The neck is a characteristic place for tattoo inscriptions in Japanese with a hidden meaning, or animal body parts: paws, footprints, muzzle.
On the side you can place a tattoo of a larger size with a lighter character. Beasts one wishes to imitate or samurai, for nurturing experience and strength would be excellent options, for a location on the ribs.
The back is a suitable place for the largest sketches. Here it is possible to stuff several kinds of animals, flowers and trees, a drawing of a samurai or a mask. This version of the tattoo always surprises with its scale and brightness.
The energy center, which is responsible for a man's ego is located between the shoulder blades of the man. Therefore, tattoos in the form of a turtle or plants carrying the meaning of wisdom and tolerance can be placed on the shoulder blades.
On the leg can be placed any animal: a fish, snake or tiger, as well as a drawing of a warrior. Tattoo on the leg can motivate a man to advance and make the right decisions.
A Japanese style tattoo on the thigh can be a reference to a man's personal life. As a symbol of courage here can be placed carp, a wild animal - as a symbol of passion, or a peony, as a symbol of masculinity.
Tattoos located on the chest are protective in nature. On the chest is well placed drawing of the dragon or tiger, decorated with floral patterns.
Japanese tattoos for girls
If for men the Japanese tattoo is a way to demonstrate their courage and power, then for women it is more of a demonstration of femininity and natural beauty. Women's designs, unlike men's, are distinguished by their fluidity and grace. The most common locations for women's tattoos in the Japanese style are those listed below.
Most often, instead of the location of the figure on the shoulder or forearm, the female tattoo is more disposed to a full sleeve with a floral ornament or image of animals.
Hand and fingers. Here, as with men, a good option would be an image of Japanese characters, a snake in a ring or a dragon.
The back is the largest area to work on, here you can place any sketch, according to your taste and meaning. Both women and men stuff different animals or a mask here. Floral ornaments can also be used.
The lotus, as a symbol of purity and femininity, is considered the ideal sketch for a woman's location on the scapula.
The leg is a suitable place for a drawing of a snake or dragon, surrounded by floral or ornate ornaments.
Like men, women's tattoo on the thigh is closely related to the intimate and personal life, here you can place a lotus or Koi carps.
The side is the place for the realization of large sketches, here you can place a sakura tree, which symbolizes femininity, a dragon, a tiger or a fox, symbolizing cunning.
How to choose a salon and a master
Do not choose a salon where the services of the master cost the least. As a rule, in such offices sit novice specialists, gaining experience. It is necessary to remember that a tattoo is made for life, therefore once to pay for it a good sum will be more justified than to suffer after, interrupting or removing a failed drawing. This is especially important for girls, as the above negative consequences will look very bad on a woman's body.
Prices in each region vary considerably, so before imposing a tattoo, it is worth looking at reviews and price categories in each salon of the city and only after that choose a more suitable place.
Also it is necessary to know that the professional master in the studio must have a medical chair, sets for tattooing and a lot of bottles with different means (vaseline, lidocaine, coloring kits). If the studio of the chosen specialist looks different, it is worth finding a more appropriate place.
Japanese tattoos: sketches
The Japanese tattoo sketch should be chosen individually, depending on what meaning is enclosed in the picture, what you want it to be - colored or black and white, etc. The ideal would be a custom sketch made personally for one person. As examples for inspiration consider the following options for tattoo designs in Japan.
Can I Do It Myself
Self-drawing a tattoo is not the best way to save money or gain experience. If the client is not careful about their body and does not value it, they are quite capable of doing the tattoo on their own. As a rule, self-made tattoos look shabby and cheap. Because of this, the person has to go to other masters to give the drawing a more beautiful look.
Self-immolation in prisons is not uncommon, but in today's society doing so is strongly discouraged.
Photo
Below you can consider pictures of finished works made in the Japanese theme. In the pictures you can find both female and male sketches.
