Japanese Tattoo Tradition

Japanese Tattoo Tradition Kanji Tattoos

Today, everybody has at least an idea of what a kanji character is. Not that any of us would be able to read and understand the meaning of a particular kanji symbol, but everyone has at least already heard about kanji. That's because of the increasingly popularity of the so called Kanji tattoos.

The western countries have found out how beautiful eastern languages can be, as we all started getting exotic characters inked on our skin.

Chinese, Japanese, Arabian and many other different foreign languages are being more and more translated into the international art of tattooing. Japan tattoos are most beloved for their beauty and powerful symbolism.

Kanji is one of the three "alphabet system" (which is not correct, as it can be hardly defined an alphabet) used in Japan written language.

The written Japan is made up of four different character systems: Kanji, Katakana, Hiragana and Romaji, which is the way they call the Latin alphabet.

Learning to write Japan means to learn all of these systems. The number of characters the Japan written language consists in is incalculable. Only in the Kanji system the number of possible characters is disputed: between 50.000 and 80.000 symbols!!!

Of course not all of these characters are commonly used; most of those fifty thousands consist of obscure variations nobody would ever use.

Another particular aspect of the Kanji characters, often categorized in tattoo websites under Japan tattoo designs, is that they are not really a Japan product. They were used many, many years before in China, where they were invented. The first sign of such characters in Japan goes back to the 57 AD. At that time, the Japanese language itself had no written form at all.

Japanese Tattoo Designs For Girls

Sexy Hot and Traditional Japanese Tattoo Designs For Girls Feminine Tattoo Ideas

Typically when a person thinks of a traditional Japanese tattoo the images that come to mind are the full body tattoo designs of the Yakuza. However, the world of tattoos has changed rapidly over the last tens years in the United States and tattooing trends around the world have changed also. In the West many women are discovering the rich beauty of traditional Japanese designs and these work well and are ideal for feminine tattoo ideas. So if you are looking for some type of Japanese tattoo designs for girls then this article will help you identify some of the best ideas to start from.

Koi Fish Tattoos

Koi fish are a very traditional and yet very popular, sexy and beautiful design in Japan. The beauty of the fish and the brilliant colors of the orange in the fish along with the water splashing in the background make for an incredible design combination. Not only is the coloration beautiful the meaning and symbolism behind koi designs is also very empowering. The myth essentially states that the koi fish swim upstream against the current and finally reach the top gate into heave and then are released and become beautiful dragons and fly off. The symbolism is one of strength, power and striking out on your own and living your own life. This is something many women fell passionate and strong about and therefore the koi fish is the perfect design. This can be done as a half sleeve tattoo a sexy leg tattoo or even on the back.

Cherry Blossom Tattoos

Cherry blossoms have also been used throughout traditional Japanese tattooing. Originally cherry blossoms were a revered flower and a symbol that many samurai held close to the hearts. In fact many of the most famous samurai would write poems about the cherry blossom. They felt it represented life and symbolized the temporary existence of life. It therefore acted as a very powerful reminder and symbol to live each day to the fullest since life ends quickly and is delicate like the cherry blossom. Again this is a wonderful symbol that is full of meaning. It looks beautiful and delicate as well as has power behind it. They also can make a great tattoo design. You can choose to do a large tattoo design of the whole cherry blossom tree, just a branch of even just the fallen petals in the snow or water all very deeply symbolic and beautiful.

Geisha Tattoo Designs

Last but not least something that everyone has of course heard about Japan is the Geisha. The Geisha in Japan are seen to be entertainers and the holders of the culture. They were and still are trained in the arts, including calligraphy, music and dance to just name a few. In fact the very word Geisha means " a person of the arts:. They are highly intelligent and incredible conversationalists. Many of the most traditional woodcut artwork featured the Geisha in what was called the "floating world". Many of these designs found their way into the art of tattooing early on also. The Geisha tattoo can symbolize exotic beauty, feminine power and mystique. Thus is also a symbol that speaks to many women.