Japanese tattoos are probably the most popular and most recognizable tattoo styles. 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.

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. 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 Culture

Before World War II, Japanese tattoos were used to depict social status as well as spiritual devotion. They were also used as a form of a charm for protection and spirituality.

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.

However such tattoo practices were banned by the Japanese Emperor in the Edo period. That is when tattoos became a symbol of crime, the Japanese underground, and the Yakuza. However, Japan’s legal prohibition of tattoos was completely lifted in 1948 under the US occupation. That is when the Japanese tattoo artists began catering to American servicemen and the military.

In the 1980s, Japanese tattoos became a global phenomenon mostly due to the rock bands getting Japanese traditional tattoos. After that, this global phenomenon just kept expanding.

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.

Read More: History of Tattoos (A Brief Insight && Interesting Info For Your ‘Fun Facts’ Collection) 

The Meaning And Design Of The Traditional Japanese Tattoos

Here are the meanings and designs of the most popular traditional Japanese tattoos. They all carry historical, traditional meanings that stem from myths, legends, and traditional stories. All of the Japanese traditional tattoos need to be designed by experienced tattoo artists and done by hand.