An Intro to The Mythological Creatures of Japanese Irezumi
Have you ever thought what all those creatures mean? You have found what you are looking for.
Mythological Creatures of Japanese Irezumi One of the pillars of the tattoo culture, Japanese tattoos are rich in cultural overtones and overwhelmed with stunning, terrifying and enigmatic pictures. The style begins with mythological beasts and moves to religious iconography. There are so many of them that we have compiled a list of 50 traditional Japanese tattoo motifs to help you, when (and should) you ever want to know more about the roots, the meaning, and symbolism of this fascinating art style.
Although thousands of motifs immortalized in the works of tattoo artists are worth studying a lot of which emerged many years ago and remained in people memory since that time, hopefully, this will suffice as a decent starting point to the most famous and popular elements of traditional Japanese tattooing.
Ryu Tattoo aka Japanese Dragon Tattoo
Arguably the most well known imagery in the Japanese tradition of tattooing is the dragon, or Ryu. Japanese dragons are considered protective, wise, and powerful unlike the fearful destructive dragons of Western walks where the dragons are frightful creatures of destruction. They are said to be a symbol of strengths, auspiciousness, and heavenly blessing and, they are usually coupled with the power to bring disaster to nature in the form of control, yet with that control is the power to provide humans.
Every dragon is different and it is rumored to adopt the characteristics of the animals it meets on its journey of myth. Conventionally the Japanese dragon is represented with a camel as the head, the body and the belly of a snake, koi fish scales, bird of prey talons (hawk or eagle), and stag horns. Both animal characteristics blended into one create a very symbolic and visually appealing thing on the Japanese tattooing.
Tengu Tattoo
Tengu are a kind ofy groace; supernatural creatures or spirits, in Japanese folklore traditionally being associated with destruction, mayhem, and war. They are typically seen in humanized form nowadays but in their earliest incarnation, they were based on bird of prey and that is why they have those famously long noses, which are the result of their early beaks.
Tengu are usually described as scowling and angry in appearance and can be colored bright red in depiction, thus indicating their military temperament, their relation to war and the necessity of conflict. Being tattoo motives, they represent power, resistance, duality of the protection and destruction, which makes them a very natural choice of the person interested in fierce and legendary warrior spirits.
Kappa Tattoo aka Japanese Turtle Tattoo
The legend of the Kappa, a two-legged, monstrous turtle is said to have most probably started after the stories of the giant salamanders living in the shallow rivers of Japan somewhere and catching unsuspecting people in their powerful jaws. Kappa are a mischievous kind of character in the folklore, troublemakers. Although the comical edge is commonly done, some describe them with a darker side to it, making them very mischievous in various forms, including harmless pranks, and unsettling behaviors.
The water-filled dish on top of the head of the Kappa is one even the most characteristic of its features. Such a cave, which is its power is tiny; spill the water and the beast is a pathetic powerless creature. Interestingly, Kappa is claimed to be obsessed with the manners. A respectful bow towards him will make it feel the desire to reciprocate the sign of respect, spill the water and become helpless. This combination of fun, toying with death, and a rite creates a curious and emblematic character of the Japanese mythology and tattoos, the Kappa.
Fujin Tattoo
The Japanese God of wind is Fujin who was depicted as the fierce yet powerful oni-like with extremely bright green skin or blue skin. Looking like a witch or an element of nature, Fujin has immeasurable power over skies. His most distinguishing feature is his enormous baggy sack, a la or tapestry, thrown over his shoulders–a magic possession which enables him to create and control the winds.
Both adored and feared Fujin is associated with unforeseeable power of the wind, which can lead to peaceful winds as well as destructive stormy winds. Being a tattoo image, he represents power, disorder and elemental forces, thus he is an impressive figure that lies deep in the roots of the Japanese mythological universe.
Raijin Tattoo
Although Fujin is the master of the wind, his adversary brother is Raijin who is the deity of thunder and lightning of the Shinto religion. As depicted with a fierce grin most of the times, Raijin is usually depicted striking a circle of drums indicating thunderbolts, which reverberate through the skies causing thunder.
The two brothers are in constant warfare as myths say and the fighting that takes place in the heavens brings about a stormy weather down on earth. Raijin as a motif of tattoo is a symbol of raw power, intensity and God force, hence he will be a dramatic and symbolic tattoo to those attracted to the unhasatable aspect of nature.
Kirin Tattoo
Such a glorious, chimera-like animal as a Kirin is presented as one of the characters in the Japanese mythology, and it is believed that its manifestation marks the death of a wise and fair governor. It is identified with death but the symbolism of the Kirin is not somber. It is rather viewed as a favorable presage, as the sign of renewal, peace and a brighter future made possible by the reflections and growth that come after loss.
The Kirin in appearance is a stunning combination of creatures: it normally has the shape of a deer, the head of a dragon, the scales of a fish, the hooves of a horse, the mane of a lion, the tail of an ox and one or two horns. The Kirin, as a tattoo design, has the power of the spirit, metamorphosis, and heavenly protection; a mark of grace and hope during transition.
Baku Tattoo
The Baku is a kind of mythological creature that in the folklore of Japan was supposed to eat nightmares, relieving people of nightmares and sleepless nights. Baku talismans, even nowadays, are put next to beds, especially in children rooms, so the troublesome visions in the night may be spared.
The Baku is conventionally described as a fantastic amalgamation of animals: it has the head of an elephant, claws of tiger, the body of a bear and the tail of an ox. The Baku is a kind of patron saint of dreams and a soothing and powerful image that is popular in tattoos to suggest protection, inner peace of mind, and spiritual protection against something lurking in our heads.
Karajishi Tattoo aka Foo Dog Tattoo
The so-called King of Beasts, Karajishi, or guardian lions, are nourishing mythological beings which began in traditional Japanese folklore. These lion-like creatures are usually found as stone statues around the entrance of the temples, shrines, and palaces and they stand there to prevent the evils entering the sacred places.
Karajishi, symbolic of bravery, or protection and strength are well known in Japanese traditional tattooing being honored as great warrior protectors. Their wild looks along with their noble air establish them as symbols of protection and bravery that will live forever.
Koi Tattoo aka Japanese Fish Tattoo
It is a staple of Japanese art and symbolism that has existed in Japan since centuries ago as Koi fish are designed originally in Japan. Other than the beauty, koi is revered to live long lives and as such it is related to aging, perseverance and hardiness.
They represent the attitude and spirit of surviving tough trademarks and winning in life, so they have a strong and significant value in the traditional Japanese tattoo art.
Hou-ou Tattoo aka Japanese Phoenix Tattoo
The Hou-ou, or the phoenix is a sacred mythical bird of Japan connected closely to the imperial household. Being very suggestive, it has such connotations as fidelity, justice, obedience, fire, and sun. In an unprecedented way, the Hou-ou represents both prosperity and disharmony: it is mentioned to descend to the heavens when there is peace associated with it and disappears with the occurrence of conflict hence it is an incredible symbol of changing times and new reality, whether good or chaotic.
Within Irezumi (traditional Japanese tattooing), The phoenix is usually re-created with a suit of graceful bird flow, a long elegant neck, serpent-like scales, and ornate phoenix feathers that look like the feathers of a peacock – a majestic image of rebirth, change, divine favor.
Oni Tattoo aka Japanese Demon Tattoo
Oni are the traditional demons and devil of the Japanese mythology and art, but are most commonly shown as terrifying human-like creatures with claws, sharp fangs, horns and colorfully painted skins, such as red, blue, or green. They are more often than not shown in loincloths of tiger skin and with great weapons, such as the katana or the kanabo, a huge spiked club representing brute force.
Oni are thought to be the agents of calamity, illness and evil, representing the negative aspects in the world that plague human-kind. They can be a symbol of inner demons, chaos, strength or a deterrent to bodhisattvas warning against destructive behavior and thus, as creatures in tattoo art, they are threatening and heavily saturated that delight the connoisseur of the Japanese Irezumi tradition.
Kitsune Tattoo aka Japanese Fox Tattoo
Kitsune are the magical foxes of Japanese folklore and are famous due to its superior intelligence, magical power and in many tales immortality. Kitsune are also said to become wiser and more powerful during their mature years- eventually turning into Tenko or celestial foxes, who flies into heaven.
They are wielders of tremendous and unrealistic powers: they could breathe fire or lightning, fly and even put visions or dreams in the mind of people. Kitsune also shapeshift, which is how they appear human-like in some of the stories (though it is not uncommon to fall in love and/or drain the soul of the person deceived). Wonderful and mysterious, Kitsune tattoos are commonly associated with change and transformation, trickery, and are used as protective talismans.
Also Read: A Beginner’s Guide: Popular Tattoo Styles Briefly Explained
Hebi Tattoo aka Japanese Snake Tattoo
The hebi, or snake, is symbolically loaded in the Japanese folklore. Snakes are sometimes depicted to be fierce, sharp fanged guardians of the undiscovered treasures and sacred wealth becoming watchful and aggressive sentries.
On top of being simply protective, hebi are also associated with the concept of rebirth, change and renewal, which reflects in their capability of shedding their own skin and reemerging in a new one. The snake as a tattoo theme symbolizes danger and protection and the development of a person, change, and the circle of life.
Fudo Myoo Tattoo
A mighty Buddhist god, literally meaning Immovable Wisdom King in the Japanese language, Fudo Myoo made his way into the Irezumi as the Buddhism religion spread across Japan. Fudo Myoo is considered a wrathful guardian and has a fierce look; nevertheless, Fudo Myoo is the protector of spiritual impurities and leads the faith to the light of enlightenment.
He is being usually depicted with fierce brows, fierce eyes, and sharp fangs, emitting his power and divine wrath. In their classical various forms, he carries weapons that are symbolic, including the three-pronged sword called vajra, with which he cuts through ignorance, and the nooses, which were tools of taming and rendering helpless the forces of evil. Being a tattoo, Fudo Myoo embodies firm strength, defense, spiritual training, and ability to defeat internal and external devils.
Heikegani Tattoo aka Japanese Crab Tattoo
The Heikegani or Japanese Samurai crab is an actual species in the shores of Japan whose shells bear strange patterns resembling anger and wrinkled faces. The crab is covered with such natural markings as furious faces of samurai warriors, and the animal was enveloped by having myths about it.
Folklore holds that the Heikegani serves as the spirits of deceased samurai, especially those that died in the Battle of Dan-no-ura-a well known naval battle in the course of the Genpei War. In Irezumi, the Heikegani is a very strong and metaphorical tattoo motif that is symbolic of valor, sacrifice and the omnipresence of warrior spirits.
Nue Tattoo
The Nue is a terrific half-animal half-human monster based on The Tale of the Heike an almost millennia-old Japanese epic. It is also known to have the head of an ape, the body of a tiger and the tail of the snake. At the beginning of the story, the monster is presented in cloud of smoke with a ghost-like, disembodied voice.
Through it, the sudden and unexplained sickness of Emperor Nij0 occurs, and not even medicine or spiritual healing can help, thus being said to be the curse of the Nue. The emperor, in his turn, orders to kill the monster with the help of the legendary archer Minamoto no Yorimasa. One of his students, Ino Haya carries one of his mentor Yorimasa arrows and finds the Nue and kills it, relieving the curse and restoring the emperor to health.
The Nue is included in Irezumi as the symbols of mystery and danger, the force of facing the unknown, and it is a dramatic and symbolic tattoo art choice, with a high level of mythology.
Namakubi Tattoos
Namakubi tattoos, in which heads have to be drawn, are violent and suggestive rituals based on honorable but bloody feudal Japanese customs. Commonly depicted as stains of blood or other common symbols such as arrows, daggers or rope, such tattoos do not aim at shocking the audience, but they serve to honor the courage, sacrifice and the code of honor held by all samurai and warriors in the history of Japan.
There is much imagery based on the practice of Seppuku (also known as Harakiri) a form of ritual suicide or executions involving self disembowelment and death by beheading either as a form of preserving honor or to bestow justice. Namakubi remind people about the impermanence of life, yet it is a symbol of courage, discipline, loyalty, and strength against death. They are in the form of tattoos therefore very respectful to the ethics of warriors and the legacy of ancestors.
Sakura: Cherry Blossom Tattoos
Japanese people are very cautious about nature and transience of life and cherry blossom tattoos are so marvelous to explicate this concept. With years of Buddhist philosophy grounded around frailty of what exists in life, sakura or cherry blossoms serve as an angry reminder that though short, life can be the most beautiful thing ever.
These beautiful flowers take a very brief period of their existence before they softly die off normally within 14 days. The cherry blossoms are usually portrayed when they are full blossom in the tattoos just to show how life has some little moments which cannot be long but they help people value life. The tattoo motif of them depicts the transient beauty, regeneration, meditation and the still power of embracing the natural order of life and death.
Hannya Tattoos
Hannya masks, which are probably the most famous due to Noh plays, represent the inspired screens of women turned into demons because of excessive jealousy, obsessiveness, and violence. The Hannya in tattoo art has its strength not based on their dramatic visual feature but also the depth of the cultural and emotional aspect imbibed in Japanese culture.
The mask color possesses certain symbolism in regard to the social background of the woman as well as how far transformed she becomes. White Hannya is a symbol of a woman with aristocratic lineage who is not fully separated with her human side. A red Hannya indicates a peasant or a common person, who is overcome with emotion further. Only the most vile spirits are depicted in the darkest reds, darkest blacks, and all images of the woman she was are erased.
The Hannya tattoos are frequently selected to represent strong emotional experience, the designs of revenge, loss, and inner struggle or a protective sign that repels evil and negative energy.
Hitotsume-kozo Tattoos aka Tofu-kozo Tattoos
They might seem like a bald, young monk that is cute, but Hitotsume-kozo or Tofu-kozo are actually the goblins like yokai and they seem to be mischievous child spirits or kozo, which means a monk-in-training. They are easily identified by the giant single eye somewhere in the middle of their forehead, just like in a cyclops, and the funny party of showing up when they are least expected, and with a plate of tofu.
In contrast to most of the other yokai, the Hitotsume-kozo is mostly harmless, more of one that is coy than menacing, and is usually depicted as a spirit that is just out to have some honest fun. In tattoo form, the Hitotsume-kozo is a symbol of humor, lightheartedness and an affinity towards the weird and comical aspect of Japanese folklore. It is a nice option to those who admire the unusual playfulness of old yokai stories.
Namazu Tattoo aka The Earthquake Catfish Tattoo
Tattoos of the Namazu are based on one of the well-known Japanese folktales about a giant catfish creature that supposedly dwells under the earth, stirring and thrashing as he/she/it escapes its bonds the effects of which are felt in the form of earthquakes. Since Japan is a country that is quite old and prone to earthquakes, it is not strange how this myth was developed and is used to date in folklore and even tattoos.
It is said that Kashima (or Takemikazuchi) which is a Shinto deity of thunder and swords restrains the Namazu using a gigantic rock to hold the fish down. Numerous Namazu tattoos represent this dramatic scene reminding people about the correctness of balance between the chaos and the order. Other compositions could be by incorporating more mythical creatures or depict a catfish swimming freely which may mean unrestricted power, forces of nature and even rebellion.
As a tattoo, Namazu symbolizes unstable power, destruction and regeneration, conflict between the power of the nature and divine order.
Botan Tattoos aka Peony Tattoos
The peony, botan as it is knows in the Japanese culture, is often attributed with the title of another myth of Japanese people, the King of Flowers. Though the peony trees were not indigenous to the Japanese lands, they were brought in by the Chinese, probably a monk of Buddhism faiths, and they soon became the objects of features of beauty, a symbol of power, and affluence.
Being highly symbolic, the peony tattoos have a broad variety of meanings, among which there is bravery, honor, good fortune, romance, and wealth. They are one of the most beautiful patterns in Irezumi, because of their daring and overlapping petals. Be it inked by itself or embedded into bigger traditional motifs, a botan tattoo is timeless and powerful, and thus, a notable one in any Japanese tattoos portfolio.
Geisha Tattoos
On the contrary to most of the mythological or folklore-based motives in Japanese tattoo style, Geisha tattoos are a very actual and symbolic part of Japanese culture. Although Geisha might seem to be a part of legends and romanticized stories, they are the part of the history as the masters of grace and manners, performance, and fine art. Geisha are often regarded as inspirers, and the ideal of living the life of a gracious and beautiful artist must echo in the very notion of Japanese aesthetics.
Due to being a symbol of femininity, secrecy, cultural pride and art of living beautiful, Geisha tattoos are one of the most popular and visually beautiful Irezumi tattoos. Either in the form of traditional dresses or stylized versions, they are eternal appreciations of the soul of Japanese art.
Koinobori Tattoos
The essence of the Japanese culture includes fish not less than the use of the fish in the Japanese food or fairytales, and Koinobori tattoos will be the lively demonstration of the fish influence in the Japanese culture. The designs are designed on the basis of koinobori, which are colorful carp shaped wind socks resembling flags, which used to be raised by families as a part of Boy Day (a day devoted to sons and their spirit and energy), a festival.
Although the Boy Day has now transformed into Children Day, the national holiday to celebrate all the children, the image of koinobori continues to have a spirited image of youth, vigor and endurance. Similarly, koi fish swims up stream, the tattoos symbolize the strength of the spirit, desire and unrelenting fire of development. Being a body art, Koinobori designs can be absolutely meaningful and at the same time cheerful as they are commonly selected with the intentions to display family pride, perspectives, or even playful affiliation with culture.
The Great Wave off Kanagawa – Japanese Wave Tattoos
Japanese wave tattoos will be inspired by the most famous work of art of the Ukiyo-e woodblock prints by Hokusai called The Great Wave off Kanagawa. Although this dramatic shot is the most well-known of Hokusai works, it is in fact related to a bigger set of works which is called Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji. In spite of the popularity, numerous contemporary tattoo versions of the wave do not include Mount Fuji which was originally in the background representing perseverance, and national pride.
The wave as itself is a strong symbol of the beauty and the power of nature itself, and mixes the two concepts: chaos and grace. With or without Fuji, these tattoos encompass the beauty of stillness and dynamism, so they can be a life-long dedication to the Japanese art, culture and the overwhelming force of the nature.
Kasa-obake Tattoos: The Umbrella Demon
An interesting mix of folkloric folklore and ancient Japanese ideology, Kasa-obake tattoos boast a living umbrella–an inanimate object that was made into a yokai or jovial spirit. Based on Shinto myths, once mundane objects are celebrated one-hundred years after their creation then they gain spiritual powers which are referred to as kami. Such now-animate objects go by the name of Tsukumogami, and Kasa-obake, or the one-eyed, hopping umbrella with a long tongue, is one of the most well-recognized Tsukumogami in literature.
Often known more as a source of amusement rather than of terror, Kasa-obake, popularized in part by 1968 film Yokai Monsters: 100 Monsters, is usually described as a playful spirit that does not mean actual harm to people, only pranks. As a tattoo, it represents the admiration of the light-hearted, comical, and weird aspect of Japanese culture, so it is an excellent idea to choose it if you are attracted by the idea of lightweight folklore and adventurous fantasy stories and fairy tales.
Jorogumo Tattoos – The Spider Woman
Jorogumo tattoos are surrounded with deep folkloric repast which varies over regions of Japan. This mysterious yokai also referred to as the Spider Woman is a form-changing demon since she may adopt the appearance of a seductive female to entrap unwary prey into her fatal web. A strong figure in the Japanese mythology, she is a source of seduction, a source of lies and ill concealed peril.
Surprisingly, she is not always the villain you can find in a story. The myth of Kashikobuchi Waterfall of Sendai is about a Spider Woman who is worshiped by local people because of her power to prevent disasters caused by water. Nevertheless, regardless of these great respects, the stories almost always have a terrifying twist: she is a predator through and through.
As a tattoo, Jorogumo has all of the feminine appeal mixed with traces of menace, which is why it works perfectly when chosen by those to whom the topics of duality, power, and change can appeal. And divorced of either the evil seductress or the guardian angel, her character has a certain indefinable potency and mystique.
Japanese Toad Tattoos
In case it is not obvious yet, nature is a predominant part of the Japanese life, not to mention the mythology in which animals frequently acquire important symbolizing functions within the folklore. Then the Japanese toad tattoo is an ideal illustration of this relationship, and a desirable component of any Irezumi.
Conventionally, toads are credited to prosperity, good luck, success, as well as fortune. The combination of these tattoos and gold coin is not uncommon, not at all, preaching exactly to that connection they were made with wealth and prosperity. Being either traditionally or more playful in manner of drawing, toad tattoos have a lot of cultural background and are best suited as the symbol of benedictions and good among those who wish to have such a symbol on them.
Saru Tattoos aka Japanese Monkey Tattoos
A Saru or a monkey is yet another major animal in the Japanese folklore that has been long employed as a symbol of cleverness, mischievousness, and metamorphosis. Stylistic tattooing similar to that found on Noh theaters stages or that portrays a Son-Gyoja (the Japanese version of the legendary Monkey King) are Saru tattoos that reflect the often mixed and continually changing relationship of monkeys within the Japanese culture.
In the 8 th century, the monkeys were also perceived as the agents of God who were sent as messengers to the monkeys to humans. Gradually however, this awe was transformed and monkeys came to be regarded as diabolical pranksters- still clever, but at times dangerous and not to be trusted.
In any form; whether religious or inane, Saru tattoos convey a sense of quick thinking, having at one with the world around, and being in the firm grip of spiritual and folkloric past, so it is an active piece of body art suitable to anyone who has a fondness of this depth or abundance of tattoo art.
Kabuki Theatre Tattoos
Kabuki theatre is a theatrical piece of music performance of Japan that is not comparable in other ways with those done in the west, but even so they provide sumptuous attires, excellent makeup and emotive narratives. The first Kabuki of the 1600s era was held by women who in most cases conducted their Kabuki in enticing and emotional exposure. These actors were also mostly courtesans and this only served to make the performances all the more attractive.
However, with time Kabuki has developed into a pleasant and honored art but it still retains a touch of theatre. Tattoos today done in the Kabuki Theater style will emphasize the heavy makeup of the face, exaggerated facial expression, and costumes worn by the actors demonstrating the heavy visual and high feeling done in this body of material. Such tattoos are ideal to personalities who value performance, text-changing and bravery of Japanese art.
Other Japanese Mask Tattoos
Masks are deeply ingrained in the Japanese culture and they provide rich sources of inspirations to anyone who wishes to have a Japanese mask tattoo. Although it is impossible to ignore the Hannya mask, as this mask is the most iconic one, it is not the only one. There exist an infinite number of characters plucked out of Noh theater and Kabuki theater even more than stories out of myth and legends, that can become the basis of a really deep design, starting with the mischievous Kitsune to the cheerful Okame.
Like a mystery, a joke, or a metaphor, think of what attracts you and search through the abundance of authentic Japanese masks, you will find a tattoo that best tells your history or your sense of aesthetics – a combination of self, history, and art.
Maneki Neko Tattoos – Japanese Cat Tattoos
Almost just as famous as Hello Kitty, the Maneki Neko, or the beckoning cat, is a popular icon of good luck, good fortune and prosperity. This adorable character with his raised paw and in many cases a gold coin in his hand is a usual feature in Japanese and Chinese restaurants because it is thought to bring wealth and good luck.
Maneki Neko tattoos similarily share that spirit of fortune and attractiveness and thus they are generally selected by individuals who are interested in a fun loving tattoo which conveys a deeper meaning at the same time. And they are merely one element of a larger piggies of the Japanese culture, cats have an exclusive position in the Japanese culture as they can be found in tales, folklor, mythology, art and even in children stories. Maneki Neko tattoo is the classic choice that is adorable and culturally rich in case you are a cat person and attracted by the symbols of wealth and prosperity.
Kintaro Tattoos
Kintaro, Romanized as Golden Boy, is a legendary child-hero of the Japanese folklore, known to be of extreme strength, fearless nature and unfading energy. His backstories are different, but one of the most well-known ones is about his mother being hit by a thunderbolt launched by a red dragon, a mythical occurrence that states why Kintaro possesses supernatural capabilities.
Kintaro tattoos usually show him wrestling or on the back of a giant carp because there is a common legend about him swimming under water to tame a disobedient koi. Such tattoos represent strength of character, perseverance, and vitality of young personhood, which teaches such an aspiring person to inspire himself with the image of power and mythical heroism enveloped in culture.
Yokai Tattoos
Many of them are already mentioned, yet Yokai tattoos symbolize the whole rich world of the creatures beyond the material world in Japanese folk lore, varying in their ugliness (evil demons) and attractiveness (sweet scoundrels). These magical beings represent an expanse of personalities and power which is why they are constantly fascinating and uniquely intimate choices when it comes to tattoos.
What gives Yokai tattoos beauty is that they are numerous. No matter what your creepy, good-natured, or inexplicable thing is, there is Yokai, a tale about which fits your mood. But when you love Japanese tattoo art, take some time to get to know their legends, read some folktales, immerse yourself in the myths and find out which one of the Yokai you fall in love with. They all have different meanings attached to them and your tattoo is more like a story that you tape onto your own body.
Monmon Cat Tattoos
Horitomo, a respected tattoo artist in Japan, has more than 20 years of experience as a tattoo artist; the author of this article has one shop, State of Grace Tattoos located in San Jose, California. The artist used to combine his fascination with traditional Japanese tattoo-making with his fascination with cats: the artistic charm of the Monmon Cat series has been born.
Those crazy cat designs include cats being tattooed in all sorts of situations, a cat tattooing another cat, to mice being tattooed showing off and having fun as well as possible attendant prey. Sunburst is just a name of the best, Horitomo Monmon Cats is a delicious mix of humor, art, and cultural appreciation and the number of characters in it is never-ending, so there is always one more inked kitty to fall in love with.
Hyottoko Tattoos
The Hyottoko tattoos are usually the masks of the character with his most typical comically deformed face and misplaced mouth. Although he is a well-known comedic character of the traditional Japanese theater nowadays, the history of Hyottoko dates way back compared to his interpretation as a deity of fire. Even in certain tattoos he is depicted with a bamboo smoke pipe in his mouth blowing flame.
Such an unprecedented and symbolic persona is ideal for the person who loves the Japanese folklore and is light-hearted and humorous. Do you love mythology and mischief and are you the class clown, maybe Hyottoko tattoo is what you are looking for.
Bakeneko Tattoos and Nekomata Tattoos
In the Japanese folklore, there are a lot of feline ghosts, Bakeneko and Nekomata being one of the most enigmatic and potent yokai. These anthropomorphic cats live in the world of myths, they are the heroes of a lot of legends, and they are favorite objects of tattoos because they have a great significance and mystical appeal.
A typical bakeneko tattoo depicts a naughty or shape shifting cat, which turns into a woman, consumes blood, or is prowling like the sly, night-time house cat. Nekomata tattoos are a little bit different though; they are very similar beings but have one exception their two tails, which makes them even more magical and scary.
You can either connect to the intelligent self-sufficiency of these animals or even admire their mythological backgrounds, however, each one of these tattoos gives out an interesting combination of secrecy, class and folklore.
Shibari Tattoos
You might have seen some amazing images of people, mostly women, who are tied using complicated knots made with ropes that appear to be very uncomfortable. Such tattoos are prompted by shibari which is a traditional Japanese form of rope bondage. Unlike should have started as restraint method, shibari later transformed to the form of high aesthetics and symbolism in art.
The tattoos of shibari are popular recent years all over the world and those are not just human figures but cats, or flowers and other objects which are gently intertwined with the rope. Directly unrelated to the Japanese mythology, the ideas of bondage and restraint resemble primordial stories, where victims were tortured and punished by the demons being put to bamboo poles.
Depending upon how you choose to take it, sensual, symbolic or bleakly poetic, shibari tattoos tend to appeal to the people interested in power, vulnerability, and beauty in conflict.
Momotaro Tattoos
Momotaro, or the Peach Boy, is one of the most sweet characters of Japanese folklores and, as such, his image can be found in a number of beautiful vibrant, playful tattoos. A legend says that he was found by an old couple who had no children of their own trapped in a giant peach-perhaps similar to the Japanese legends called The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, which influenced The Tale of Princess Kaguya by Studio Ghibli.
But unlike Kaguya, Momotaro matures as a valiant hero and commences a journey to rid the world of an evil gang of oni (demons) who are preying in neighboring towns. And with animal companions of zealous loyalty at his side it is a tale of courage, friendship, justice.
Momotaro tattoos tend to be colorful and full of charm so it may be an ideal, joyful, and yet symbolic choice of any person aimed at celebrating the Japanese mythology and adding some heroism to his or her youth.
Daruma Tattoos
At a first sight Daruma tattoos could be not seen as some kind of personification of some in veneration spiritual character, nevertheless, there is some character behind them, some kind of inspiration and it is Bodhidharma, the monk who introduced Zen Buddhism in Japan. As a representation of struggle, strength and luck, Daruma has created a desired good luck charm and a typical tattoo motif.
In legend, Bodhidharma was so dedicated to his own practice of meditation that one day having fallen asleep during meditation he cut off his eyelids so that he could never do that again. A different story tells that he sat against a wall in serious contemplation after which he had to stand up and his legs were dried up and therefore the mindless, roller-like shape of the Daruma doll.
The spiritual meaning of Daruma tattoos is very great and they are mostly used to symbolize the spiritual willingness of a person towards achieving objectives in life, personal development and persevering power.
Ushi-Oni Tattoos
You may think at first sight Ushi-oni tattoos are an odd combination of a spider and a sleepy or dazed ox, but you were mistaken in your opinion. The Japanese folklore refers to these demon yokai as monsters of flesh who dwelled at the water side feasting off humans on shore whose guards should have been down.
A little surprisingly, Ushi-oni appear in slightly varying forms, again, according to the region in Japan, but all have the same similarities: cowlike features mixed with oni-like (demonic) details. Regardless of versions, there is one thing that will remain the same, they are water dwelling dangerous creatures who prey on human beings. Being a tattoo, the Ushi-oni provides a touch of mystery, menace, and a basic fear, and it makes an exceptional pick among the aficionados of dark folklore.
Chochin-obake Tattoos
Similar to Kasa-obake, the ChChchcund failed to mention Obake is a tsukumogami once again a normal everyday item that has managed to survive enough to develop its own spirit or kami. Here the modest paper lantern, which is a familiar view in all parts of Japan, and may usually be encountered dangling benignly over roofs and thresholds.
By legend when the paper of the lantern has started to tear with wear, the cut forms a large gaping mouth with in some cases, a long, lolling tongue and a pair of haunted eyes. Until now, these spirits-lantern can be used as ghosts as they are creepy yet funny in a way, and that is why the fans are so fond of Chocho-obake tattoos in the Japanese-style tattoo work. When you have read enough about the world of yokai tattoos there is a possibility that you have already encountered this naughty face of the glowing glow.
Yurei Tattoos
Yurei tattoo is the traditional image of a ghost in the traditions of Japan- like Western or Chinese spirits, with their curious beauty. Yu Rei are thought to be restless souls which are unable to pass on to the afterlife because of some unfinished business, violent death or suicide, or because of poor funeral rites. These ghosts are normally depicted as having light skin, long black hair and white clothes of funerals.
Aesthetically, Y reputable of tattoos tend to be sad and mysterious-looking which is exactly the character of a faint spirit or a dim soul as their names imply. They are a very strong image representing an unreleased emotion, grievance and the insubstantial barrier between the living and the dead.
Crane Tattoos
The crane tattoos are one of the most adored themes in the traditional Japanese tattoos that are full of sacred symbolism and cultural allusion. The cranes are also referred to as the bird of happiness and well-wishes in Japan. The beautiful birds have a legend reputation that they can live a thousand years, hence a strong symbol of a long and rich life.
Even the crane is a common feature in the Japanese mythology and folklore, usually commanding the cases of hope, healing, and devotion. A crane tattoo is both beautiful and meaningful, one of the reasons that when you stand or fly it is best to have a crane tattoo in your arsenal of Irezumi.
Akkorokamui Tattoos
Akkorokamui is a legendary octopus-like sea monster thought to inhabit in the waters off the shores of Hokkaido and deified by Ainu, the indigenous peoples of Japan and Russian parts. The usual image of Akkorokamui tattoos is that of a huge octopus, the unusual size of which and the mythical nature of which are generally depicted in features propagating these imageries.
Amongst the most exciting facts about this animal, including the fact that it was the largest octopus on Earth, the fact that it was capable of self-amputation along with the capacity to rebuild its limbs lies. Due to this healing nature, Ainu perceive Akkorokamui as a source of healing and restoration, particularly, to the person who has been afflicted by injury or physical wounds. Being a tattoo, it symbolizes strength, backbone and the magical relation of the nature with the healing process.
Rokurokubi Tattoos
Being quite interested in Japanese tattoos and Japanese mythology about them (as we stated before), you should at least watch a movie shot in late 1960s called Yokai Monsters: 100 Monsters. In this cult classic, there are many different types of supernatural monsters with the creepy Rokurokubi being one. These yokais are normally in form of beautiful women but they have a chilling turn to them because they have necks which can stretch long like snakes hence they can observe, stalk or scare people that they have not known better.
One variation of this is the Nukekubi who can actually have the head fly away by itself. Being the taste of tattoo design, Rokurokubi and Nukekubi are ghostly, but all the same fascinating images of concealment, revision, and appearance versus reality.
Shunga Tattoos
Unless you are already familiar with Shunga, then we want to show you. Shunga is Japanese traditional erotic art usually made in the form of woodblock prints in the Edo period- in short, it is the ancient cousin of Japanese porn. Several Japanese tattoos are very much inspired by Ukiyo-e arts and Shunga is one such tattoo.
These controversial and elaborate designs have re-gained their popularity and surprisingly, most of them are based on a legendary artist called Hokusai. And one of the most famous and scandalous is “The Dream of the Fisherman Wives” that has become a legend in the history of artincluding tentacles). Depending on your inclinations, taboo is only a recommendation, in the shunga tattoo scene, the more you break the rules, the better, and the sexually alluring is the currency of the realm.
Peach Tattoos
Similarly to numerous other Japanese nature items in the Japanese culture, fruits have something symbolic in them as well- and peaches are not an exception. Peach tattoos in Japan signify the removal of evil, immunity to woes and long life. Japanese peaches are very large in size when compared to its Western counterparts being approximately the size of a small grapefruit though it is usually presented in different shades of white or pale pink.
They are both myth-based and traditional symbols as in mythology and every other normative belief system, peaches are concerned powerful spiritual fruit. An interesting trivia: the Japanese peaches do not taste as soft as they look and the skin is somewhat prickly and tends to be peeled off before munching.
Tanuki Tattoos
The cunning trickster, that Jap rascally raccoon dog–the Tanuki. Although a myth exists around a real animal, in fact, most of the Tanuki tattoos are to portray the mythical Bake-danuki which is a yokai bearing the characteristics of supernatural and is mischievous. The tanuki is a merry-making trickster loved to disguise itself in Japanese traditions, into a teapot, monk, or any other form that it desires.
Their pranks are likely to make some mayhem but overall they are harmless rather than evil. These adorable animals are most often depicted grinning like mad, sometimes in an overly humorous vein, – yep, even the supposedly over-sized testicles, which entail luck and riches in folklore. Tanuki tattoos are humorous, daring and culturally strong and will suit the individuals who like interesting and cheeky mythology.
Torii Tattoos
The final significant Japanese mythological design icon that you can look out everywhere in Japan is an exception. Torii tattoos are depicted images of torii, which are gates representing the entrance into the spiritual or sacred area. They are mostly painted in red and this colour is associated with protection against evil.
One can find them most commonly directly in front of shinto shrines, however they are also found scattered across Japanese nature (in a forest, or in the water like the well known Itsukushima Shrine floating torii). The most famous torii in the entire world is probably the Fushimi Inari with a total of more than 30,000 torii gates. A torii tattoo is a very unique piece to add to your collection and in case you are a religious individual.
Conclusion
Japanese Irezumi is not simply body art, but is living work of myth, culture and symbol. The mythical monsters as they are presented in this style like the fierce dragons or the protective foo dogs or even the mystic kirin all possess very strong connotations to folklore that happened long ago in centuries.
These mythological creatures on the one hand demonstrate a great art, but on the other hand reflect such kind of values as power, sagacity, guarding, and godly power. Are they beautiful to look at, or full of cultural significance, the reasons are different but getting to know these mythological symbols makes your understanding of Irezumi and the amazing tales that go beneath the skin richer.