Significance of The Japanese Tattoo

Every tattoo has a certain story which can be told to others while displaying it. An artist may create a wonderful tribute to a loved one or could be demonstrating an inside joke, but both of these are not necessary for creation. In fact, tattoos without meaning are also found on many individuals. What is most important is for the customer to walk away satisfied from something permanently etched on a limb.

Factors deciding appearance of the final Japanese tattoo

Depending on the available time, the artist may come up with a mock up of the tattoo right there or a few days later. The final appearance will be based on the following factors:

• How feasible is the placement of the tattoo
• How much of your body do you intend to dedicate to the tattoo
• How well would the colors show up on your skin tone?
• How much time would you spending with the artist?

What to do on the day of your tattoo appointment

1. Ensure that you have a good meal prior to getting inked. Tattooing is very strenuous and your body will require the fuel.
2. It would be a good idea to land up on time for your appointment as others may also be lined up. It will also give you a chance to understand the process better.
3. Do not take a pet or a child into the tattoo shop

All about Japanese tattoos

Japanese tattoos are available in two forms- modern and traditional. Each of these is almost identical to the other type, with the main difference being how the tattoo is put onto the skin. The modern form makes use of a modern tattoo machine while the traditional form is created with non-electrical tools. A number of Japanese tattoos are available only in black-and-gray, although there are some available in vibrant colors as well.

History

Japanese tattooing has a history that dates back to almost 5000 years. One can see them on primitive clay figurines in the form of tribal tattoos, and these were present within archaic tombs of Asia. The Japanese tradition of tattooing describes men of all ages as having designs on different parts of the body. Interestingly, this information is present in ancient Chinese texts of 297 AD.

Although known as an expressive art, tattooing started being perceived as a negative practice very quickly. Many criminals, put in for long sentences or threatened for death, got inked. On the other hand, there were also indigenous tribes such as Ainu, who were recognized for their mouth tattoos which were made from putting birch ash into small incisions. Such tattoos were meant only for Japanese women. They were seen to be capable of getting rid of evil.

The meaning of colors in Japanese tattoos

• Black- Black can be used as a color for mourning, but when in combination with white. Gifts in Japan are often tied in black color to express sympathy. Black lends mystery to a tattoo, being an integral part of the underground tattoo culture of the Japanese.
• White- This color is very popular in Japanese culture, and is seen in many of their cars. As opposed to USA where black is used to showcase funerals, white is the color of death here. It shows purity and truth, and may even be used to represent a fresh start.
• Blue- Many job interview outfits in Japan sport blue as it is a lucky color in the country. It shows dedication towards work and is also a symbol of fidelity.
• Red- Red is symbolic of joy and happiness, and is used across celebratory events. It also signifies passion and vitality, akin to other parts of the world. Having a splash of red in a traditional Japanese tattoo always works well.
• Green- It represents youth, life, energy, as well as respect for the Earth. Green tea is very popular in the island nation, and so is the color in its tattoos.
• Pink- This color is representative of spring, good health, and the delicate nature of life. It is also a popular color amongst lingerie in Japan, and so it will be indicative of sex appeal.
• Purple- This being an expensive color to produce, was always reserved for the ruling class.
• Yellow- Although it signifies optimism and prosperity, there are some parts of Japan where it is labeled as the color of deceit. A “yellow” voice indicates a shrill way of speaking for people in this country. However, it does look pretty on a variety of tattoos.

Japanese tattoos in the Western world

Ukiyo-e, literally translated to mean “Pictures of the floating world” is the most well known tattoo art form from Japan in the Western world. It depicts daily lives of peasant and courtesans, stories of war, ghosts, ghosts, and pretty nature scenes.

* This article was originally published here