33 Incredible Japanese Tattoo Ideas for Women & Men in 2024

This imposing thigh piece shows the groundbreaking style of neojapanese tattooing. In this case, this piece of art imitates neotraditional style, combined with Japanese principles, and produces a black and gray piece of high value. All of Goa’s pieces display this shaded blackwork style. Their Asian-inspired tattoos are absolutely impressive, and they elevate the meaning of tattooing.

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Commonly known as “Bushi”, these masked samurai warriors are a prominent symbol utilized in Japanese tattooing. Bushi warrior tattoos represent perseverance, honor and truth. A powerful warrior tattoo decorates the thigh of a woman. This is an art piece done by Hoch, a London-based tattooer whose works are heavily inspired by Asian art.

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This leg sleeve tattoo illustrates the likeness of Princess Takiyasha, a meaningful woman in Japanese culture. The depiction of this Japanese princess sends a message of courage and rebellion. There are many Asian symbols in the works of Australian tattooist, Yoshio Honjo. His expertise in Asian artistry allows him to produce the most elaborate pieces of Japanese tattooing.

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Ko-Omote masks are symbols of Japanese folklore. Also referred to as “small face,” these masks often invoke the supernatural. Though seemingly simplistic, this thigh piece packs a big punch. Oscar Hove, the artist who authored this piece, specializes in these Japanese-inspired tattoos and applies them in the blackwork style.

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The use of negative space gives this full sleeve tattoo a great sense of balance. A demon mask and a dragon are the focal pieces, while the peony flowers and the blackwork ornaments tie the piece together. This Japanese arm sleeve piece was done by Oscar Hove, an artist who is an expert in Japanese Artistry Tattoos.

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This irezumi tattoo shows a Japanese woman who is tied up. Japanese culture honors the art of restricting someone’s movement by utilizing ropes. Also known as “shibari,” the ropes hold the person in place, showing submission. The Australian artist, David Le Goon knows this subject-matter very well. His works show consistent application of Japanese art.

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This Dragon and Horse Hybrid tattoo depicts the style of Ukiyo-e. Literally translating to “images of the floating world,” ukiyo-e art seeks to capture snippets of real-world occurrences taken place in brothels and theaters during the Edo Period. The majestic dragon displays loud colors, commonly seen in theaters, to entertain an audience. Jerry Sign, a tattooer based in China, was the mastermind behind this Japanese tattoo.

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Cranes are symbols of strength, patience, and resilience. It is believed that these winged creatures can bear through any storm and make it through ‘til the end. This chest tattoo for a woman is done in a Hong Kong Traditional design, which is the signature style of Marcus Yuen.

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Kitsune masks are Japanese relics that pay respect to the gods. Translating directly to “fox,” kitsune masks are worn to perpetuate prosperity and bountiful harvests. This Japanese-inspired neotraditional sleeve tattoo depicts the likeness of a kitsune mask, well decorated with the lucky color of yellow. The works of Marco Schneider display consistency in his masterful application of color, and his keen eye for Asian designs.

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A Hannya mask that is split in half is the centerpiece of this blackwork sleeve. The demon woman masks are common images that are used in Japanese tattooing. Depicting fierceness, anger and independence, the Hannya mask decorates the arm of a woman. This tattoo was done in a style known as “art fusion.” This method of tattooing aims to merge the traditional aspects of design, while utilizing state-of-the-art styles like blackwork.

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Japanese cultures recognize Koi fish as symbols of perseverance. They are seen as creatures that adapt to their environment, flowing with the currents and finding balance. These linework Koi fish tattoos are perfect examples of Russian tattooer, Taty. Her pieces show flawless linework, delicate application, and accurate depiction of Asian art.

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Demon masks are sigils of protection. They are a pivotal element of Japanese folklore. The cranes represent perseverance, and they mark the shoulders of this woman. These linework Japanese tattoos are striking pieces of art. Produced by off tattooer, an artist from Korea, whose works are heavily influenced by Japanese culture.

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Pieces that depict traditional Japanese designs are known as “wabori” tattoos. That description is accurate to this back piece, which shows two traditional Japanese cranes flying in front of the red rising sun. Crashing waves of dark ink tie the piece together. Tattooer Tyler Eilbeck applies Japanese tattoos with utmost care and attention. His passion for Asian-inspired works show through his entire portfolio, which is full of gorgeous pieces just like this one.

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This adorable Shiba dog tattoo adorns the shin. Though Shibas are Japanese dogs, the tattoo is done in a neotraditional style. Bright colors, bold outlines and soft color gradients make this a wonderful piece. Qing is a master tattooer whose works reflect the heavy influence of Asian art and Neo Traditional tattooing.

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This style of tattooing is considered NeoJapanese. The modern style is characterized for its Asian roots that are mixed with more recent applications such as blackwork and color realism. Still considered an irezumi piece, this neojapanese tattoo of a raven and a snake wraps around the arm of a woman. The author of this mixed-art tattoo is Cody Philpott, an American tattooer.

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A half moon, inked in dotwork. A friendly cat, inked in neotraditional. And realistic flower details to wrap around the piece. This feminine arm tattoo is a combination of tenderness and beauty. Tattooist Qing has depicted many cats during her career. Her portfolio show many tattoos of furry feline friends.

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A mythical beast tattoo covers the arm of a woman. Done in the most traditional irezumi style of tattooing, this arm sleeve is the quintessential example of Japanese design. Australian tattooer, David Le Goon, is the mastermind behind this work. Much like this piece, all his tattoos are influenced by irezumi, wabori, and other variations of Japanese art. 

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There are many elements of cultural significance that are hidden within this tattoo. The Japanese crane symbolizes perseverance, the rising red sun embodies strength, and the wave is an ode to life itself. All of these are tied together by the framework of a fan that depicts prosperity. Korean-based artist, Manji, specialized in pieces that contain Asian art.

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Bonsai trees are symbols of endurance. These botanical wonders can live hundreds of years and stay in a constant state of self-renewal. This Japanese tattoo combines realism, color illustration and suminagashi styles. The author of this piece goes by the name of Taty. They are a Russian-based artist whose main field of expertise is black and gray realism.

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