In Japan, the tiger represents courage, longevity and strength. While they may appear ferocious, the animals are thought to ward off bad luck, evil and illness.
They might also symbolize the North and their colors depict autumn.
Traditional Japanese Irezumi tigers commonly flow naturally and possess bright color designs augmented by popular secondary (keshoubori) images such as flowers and tropical foliage, and filler pictures (gokoubori) of the elements and patterns.
Full-bodied images represent the animal lying, standing, walking, prowling or pouncing. They may appear serene or snarling, and other placement effects can change the meaning of each individual tattoo
Other techniques used to create the image range from simple bold, black outlines or cartoon-like depictions to watercolor-like paintings or photograph quality portraits.
Modern artistic versions are sometimes created using geometric patterns in greyscale or multi-colored displays, while realistic black work designs are often complimented by stunning brightly colored eyes.
Check out this gallery of 71 amazing Japanese tiger tattoo designs that you can use as inspiration for your next big tattoo idea.
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1. Forearm Japanese Tiger Tattoo Ideas
2. Gobu: Upper Arm Japanese Tiger Tattoos
3. Hikae: Chest Panel and Upper Arm Japanese Tattoos
4. Nagasode: Full Sleeve Japanese Tiger Tattoos
5. Chest and Upper Body Japanese Tiger Tattoos
6. Senaka: Full Back Japanese Tiger Tattoos
7. Japanese Tiger Tattoos on the Legs
8. Black and Gray Japanese Tiger Tattoos
9. Tiger Tattoos in Progress
Japanese Tiger Tattoo FAQs
What does a Japanese tiger tattoo symbolize?
For a Japanese person tigers represent strength and virility – much like everywhere else. These powerful creatures are solitary hunters and are usually depicted with teeth bared in aggressive postures often surrounded by bamboo and clouds.
Few animals make for such dramatic subjects as the tigers depicted in full-color Japanese tattooing.
Why are the elements important in Japanese tattoos?
The elements are greatly important for filling out and supporting the major theme of the large and complex Japanese tattoo designs. This is known as Gakoubori. Most commonly used elements:
- Waves and water
- Clouds
- Wind
- Fire
- Rocks and earth
Are tattoos illegal in Japan?
Not currently, but they are heavily stigmatized. Attitudes are slowly changing, but body art has been linked with criminality by the Japanese government.
Yakuza organized crime gangs flaunted laws banning tattoo and adorned themselves with elaborate, full-body tattoos of exceptional detail and quality, a style now popular in Western tattoo art.