Japanese Character Kanji Tattoos

Kanji Tattoos

Kanji tattoos are basically ideographic characters. What this means is that each Kanji character represents a WHOLE object, idea, or meaning in a visually expressive way. Kanjis are a popular choice among those seeking Japanese style tattoo designs. With Kanji style characters, you can easily create and express nearly any meaning you want.

However, it is a good idea to keep in mind before you decide upon a tattoo that kanji is based on a different form of language and is unlike English in its construction. The written Japanese and Chinese languages are composed not of individual letters but of ideographs or pictographs. Some characters consist of more than 30 strokes.

If you don’t speak Japanese it is very hard to find characters that say what you want and are not something that will turn heads with native japanese speakers for all the wrong reasons. Kanjis are not really a traditional Japanese tattoo more a style of tattoo. If you are getting a kanji be sure that what you are getting done is not just something that means a lot to you and is going to age well but is accurate in its meaning.

The popularity of kanjis in the West shows no sign of slowing down nor has it necessarily impressed many of those who speak or read Japanese or Chinese fluently. Kanjis may look cool to non Japanese or Chinese speakers but don't always make sense to native speakers.Bottom line...

Japanese Tattoo Collection | Learn the Fascinating History Behind Japanese Tattoo Symbols

The history behind Japanese tattoo designs is believed to have started around 5000 BC. Japanese men, women of young or old age used to tattoo themselves with some religious themes in that period. In Chinese tradition, tattooing was practiced to outcast someone or to punish a criminal, so it was new to the Chinese when they knew that the Japanese used tattooing for decorative purposes.

Japanese Tattoo Designs

Around the year of 700 AD, attitudes towards tattoos changed and tattooing had become unpopular in Japan. It was treated as the symbol of criminals and as a way to punish guilty persons. It was a way to treat them differently and to outcast them from society. It was declared by the rulers then as an illegal activity for common people to tattoo themselves. Family members segregated their fellow members if he or she got a tattoo design on his or her body.

Japanese Tattoo Designs

Even though getting a tattoo became illegal, there were still people who were passionate about getting one. They got themselves tattooed in places of the body that would not be visible to others, to prevent getting punished and to prevent themselves getting separated from their community or their group.

Japanese Tattoo Designs

As the number of persons getting tattoos reduced, the popularity of the native designs and techniques started to fade. Only a few tattoo designers were still able to continue their tattooing work and most of those that were skilled found different jobs.

Japanese Tattoo Designs

Secret shops were opened to serve those individuals who were passionate to get tattooed. After World War II, tattooing was declared as a legal activity and anyone who wished to get tattooed could act according to their wish without hiding from the general public. Japanese tattoo designs got a chance to flourish and even the Western world started to notice the appeal of these designs and tattooing techniques.

Japanese Tattoo Designs

When we get to learn the history behind Japanese tattoo designs, we understand how the perspective towards tattooing changed from the purposes of decoration to the purpose of punishment and then back to decorative accessories.(Kato)

Japanese Kanji Tattoo

What's So Special About Kanji Tattoo Designs?



Kanji tattoo designs are characters from a cryptic Japanese alphabet. This style of tattoo has become very popular within all of North America. You have likely seen these tattoos before, and maybe you would like to get one yourself. But, what is so special about Kanji tattoo designs?



Getting a tattoo of a Kanji symbol is very common. You can make use of these ancient characters to create a tattoo that represents love, strength, or anything else that is important to you in your life. Many people get this type of tattoo because they are really trendy at the moment, but they are also a really great way to get a subtle tattoo that does not take up a lot of space.



If you are thinking of getting a Kanji tattoo, you should definitely take your time to do the research for what you plan to get before you go and get it. There is quite a bit of confusion in many of the symbols, and you will not want to make the mistake of getting a symbol that means one thing when you think it means something else. This is something that has happened to a lot of people, and it is not a pleasant experience.



There are many online tattoo design directories that can show you endless ideas that you can use for your tattoo. These sites will generally have a category that is specifically for Kanji designs. You can use these as a resource to find something that means what you want it to mean.



Kanji tattoo designs are a great idea for anybody who wants to get a simple tattoo that is subtle and means something very personal to them. These tattoos will be forever, so make sure that you do the research to find one that truly means something for you.



By Greg E. West