Tattoos are becoming very popular now as they are more accepted and it is less of a taboo to have a tattoo. This means that standard designs such as butterflies, flash tribal and dragons are now very common. This has led many people to look for alternatives that have meaning and still look beautiful.

A Japanese tattoo would fall into the category of unusual. It can be hard to find a traditional and authentic Japanese tattoo and you will most probably have to pay more to have one inked on you. Learning about the Japanese tattoo is helpful in deciding whether this is the tattoo for you.

Traditional Art

Outside of Japan it is probably next to impossible to obtain a truly authentic Japanese tattoo. A traditional Japanese tattoo is often a very big piece usually covering the entire back. It can take years to finish a piece and it is of course very expensive.

Artists who spend years training are the only ones who can produce an authentic tattoo done in the Japanese style. Finding such an artist can be difficult in itself, as it is usually only by word of mouth that such artists find customers.

Symbolism

When you choose a Japanese tattoo you are choosing a tattoo that is heavy with symbolism. There are very few flowers that are used in Japanese tattoos. One of the flowers commonly used is the peony.

Although flowers may seem feminine it actually can symbolize a daring type of bravery associated with gambling and risk taking. It is also a flower that is used to symbolize wealth, prosperity and good fortune.

The cherry blossom is also another flower that is used in tattoos from Japan. These delicate flowers that bloom quickly represent the temporary nature of love. It is also tied to the Buddhist believe that life is transitory. A fallen cherry blossom can also have a very powerful meaning, symbolizing the beauty of snow and can signify an early death of a warrior in battle.

A tattoo of a Koi fish can symbolize courage, an ability to reach goals and overcoming life’s difficulties. This meaning is usually associated with a Koi that is swimming against flowing water. It is a very masculine tattoo and is a symbol rich in meaning as the Koi is a revered fish in Japan where it is believed to be a truly brave and tenacious fish.