Japanese tattoos for men - Japanese style tattoo sketches on the arm, sleeve, impressive photos of works

The package of sketches for natal painting is constantly replenished with ideas of new styles, forms and color solutions. However, the oldest type of tattoo signs - Japanese tattoos remain always in demand for men. Drawings of this style are characterized by the smoothness of forms and contrast of bright colors, allow you to convey information about spiritual principles, as well as the social status of the bearer.

Where did the idea of tattoos come from

The tradition of body painting originated in Japan several thousand years ago, passing through stages of prosperity and prohibition. Experts in Japanese tattooing argue that this type of body art came from China, where the nobility wore special signs on their faces to distinguish themselves from the commoners.

Another version holds that the Japanese adopted the tattoo tradition from a neighboring nation whose ruler had captivated a Japanese princess with the beauty of his tattoos.

Over the long history of the popular art developed certain traditions and rules, which allowed the entire mass of Japanese tattoos can be divided into three main types:

  • iredzumi style was the privilege of the Yakuza, large-scale paintings covered the entire back area with a transition to the arms, as well as the thighs;
  • The gaman trend was reserved for noble men; their body compositions demonstrated not only wisdom but also courage and special strength;
  • Kakushi-boro ideas were the privilege of women; small pictures were painted in inconspicuous places, tattoos could only be seen by people close to them.

It is interesting to note that in ancient times, Japanese masters did not have needles to work with, so they used plant thorns for their body art. Tattoo masters were treated with special reverence, elevating them to the rank of great artists.

The photos of Japanese tattoos presented below look stunning, covering large areas with a drawing creates an illusion of a living picture thanks to the mobility of the tattooed body parts.

Applying technique

If you decide to score a Japanese tattoo, you will have to look into finding a qualified professional. The work of the master tattoo is really akin to art, because the colorful images on the body he does not just draw, and creates with soul and meaning.

Client can choose the classic sketch of Japanese tattoo or add their own ideas to the plot to make it more realistic. Experienced tattoo artists use not simple paints, but vegetable-based dyes. To realize Japanese motifs, it is important to be precise and accurate with the right combination of shades, because the work is done in a whole bundle of several needles.

The main difference of the Japanese style is the asymmetry of the smooth contour, carefully drawn with fine lines.

The use of a special filling technique achieves a high brightness of the edges against the background of the subdued tone of the central part. The cost of Japanese tattoo rather high, because on the tattoo master will be working more than one day.

Overview of subjects and their meanings

When choosing a popular sketch, special attention is paid to the characters of the natal drawing. If women more often stuffed on the arm, shoulder, lower back small hieroglyphs in black and white scale, for men is more characterized by the choice of interesting subjects of large pictures in color. Among the tattoos for men there are compositions with flowers, which are associated with certain concepts:

  • lotus - purity of eternity;
  • Magnolia - the unshakable power of the spirit;
  • sakura - the fleetingness of life.

Men cover vast areas of the body from the neck to the ankles with animal and demonic patterns, and each area is given a special meaning. The closer the tattoo to the head, the deeper the sacred meaning of the picture. For laconic subjects fit the fingers of the hand, the neck area, the wrists, as well as the shoulder blades area.

Meaning of the dragon

In Japanese, as well as in Chinese mythology, a special place is given to dragons, so the sketches with this mythical creature choose tattoo lovers of both sexes. For men, a tattoo with a dragon is a symbol of power and authority, an extraordinary male power. The dragon, highlighted by an outline, is associated with the fiery energy of the sun, good luck, longevity. If the sacred character is three-toed, it is a symbol of the guardianship of the spiritual guardian.

Images with animals

Sketches depicting a menacing tiger or lion are suitable for men as a sign of courage and bravery, nobility, protection from evil spirits. Although among the fans of body painting, other ideas are also in vogue:

  • snake tattoo shows the wisdom of the wearer, protects him from ailments, brings good luck if the snake is curled up in a ball;
  • the phoenix, rising from the ashes, associated with good luck and loyalty, the ability to start from scratch;
  • The carp, swimming against the current, symbolizes perseverance in overcoming obstacles to the goal.

It is worth noting that the image of the koi carp in Chinese and Japanese culture is held in high esteem. A picture depicting a strong fish is a sign of wisdom, a symbol of masculinity, a sign of longevity.

The meaning of other symbolism

Of the pantheon of mythical characters, the Japanese give preference to Oni demons, heroes of national epics. Horned creatures from fairy tales are characterized by a frightening appearance, the special cruelty of the images is given by the multicolored skin on the background of intimidating grimaces. According to Japanese belief, evil people turn into evil demons, but a tattoo of this type is considered a talisman that gives its owner physical strength.

Among the Japanese, tattoos with masks of traditional theater are especially prized. One of the most popular motifs is recognized as the mask of Hanja.

The glaring eyes of the ugly demon, along with horns and fangs, are a symbol of resentment, anger, and hatred, while the disheveled hair is a sign of strong emotions. The brighter the shade of red in an image, the more aggressive the emotion.

The large-scale painting of most of the body was until recently a characteristic trademark of the Yakuza, representatives of the Japanese mafia. For modern men, a drawing on the chest is no longer a gang stigma, but a symbol of fearlessness. The image of a samurai, a Japanese knight, is interpreted as a sign of loyalty and decency, a desire to serve one's country.

Important: when choosing sketches with hieroglyphs find out from the master their exact meaning, the semantic load of the hieroglyphic phrase. Otherwise you will have to wear a tattooed nonsense, which is not easy to remove.

The photo shows the most delightful variant of the tattoo in the Japanese style - the sleeve. Unusual tattoo ideas look good not only on the relief body of a man. On women's skin, the sleeve, printed in the spirit of the graphic black lotus - a symbol of life and full immortality - is the most spectacular.

Photo ideas of men's tattoos in the Japanese style

Advised to read

For girls

For men

Styles