Kanji tattoos are very common and popular among non-natives. These tattoos use the Japanese writing system using Chinese characters. Kanji is a Japanese form of writing along with hiragana and katakana. Kanji means Chinese or Han characters as they evolved from the Chinese writing system. It is the most popular Japanese writing system for non-Japanese speakers. Depending on the context and how it is spoken, a single kanji character might have numerous meanings.
Kanji Tattoo Meaning
As Japanese cannot be written only in kanji, someone cannot just put two kanji characters together to make a phase. Kanji cannot be simply substituted directly to English alphabets. That’s why these kinds of tattoos are quite tricky as they can create confusion for native speakers and also for non-native speakers. There are intended meanings of the kanji characters that the non-native people want to convey via their tattoo but as it is not always possible to simply put two kanji characters together and make their meaning. The result becomes something gibberish or difficult to understand for people who know Japanese.
How Much do Kanji Tattoos Cost?
The average cost of a small tattoo is around $50-$250 and a large tattoo is around $150-$450. Kanji tattoos vary from small to medium to large. So, the cost of getting the tattoo depends on the size of the design, the place you’re living, the location of the tattoo on your body, the complexity of the design, and also the experience of the artist. So, it can’t be said firmly how much the tattoo can cost.
Different Kanji Tattoo Designs Ideas
“Love,” “belief,” “strong,” “respect,” “patience,” and “live for today” are among the most popular kanji tattoos. There are many designer kanji tattoos for example like Cherry Blossoms and Kanji Tattoo, they are full of symbolism so one can use them as a form of self-expression. Cherry blossom, in Japanese culture, means life, rebirth, and rejuvenation. They are mostly done on the thigh or forearm.
If someone wants something to show their strength or want to stay positive in challenging circumstances, they can get Bamboo Kanji Tattoo as in Japanese culture, they are regarded as the symbol of strength. They are best to be done on the forearm. Kanji Stamp Tattoo is famous among travelers to mark their travel to Japan. They are best to do on the sidearm. Minimalist Kanji Tattoos are small, subtle yet straightforward, and tasteful. If someone wants to be discreet about getting a tattoo, this one is best to do behind one’s ear. There are many other forms of this tattoo like Dragon and Kanji, Kanji Characters, Kanji Wrist, Cryptic Kanji, Cursive Kanji tattoo, etc.
1. Kanji Tattoos on Rib
2. Kanji Tattoos on Cest
3. Kanji Tattoos on Back Cover Up
4. Japanese Kanji Tattoos on Rib
5. Black Ink Japanese Kanji Tattoos on Neck
6. Dark Ink Kanji Tattoos on Leg
7. Dark Ink Kanji Finger Tattoos
8. Amazing Gray Art Tattoo on Half Sleeve
9. Cool Kanji Tattoo on Finger
10. Amazing Art Kanji on Forearm
11. Amazing Japanese Tattoo on Head
12. Simple Kanji Tattoo on Belly
13. Kanji Tattoo Behind Ear
14. Black Ink Tattoo on Arm
15. Bad Kanji Tattoo on Neck
16. Tattoo with Flower Design on Hand
17. Black Ink Design Kanji Leg Tattoo
18. Simple Design Kanji Hand Tattoo
19. Protective Kanji Arm Tattoo
20. Incredible Kanji Cartoon Tattoo on Chest
21. Beautiful Kanji Full Back Tattoo
22. Beautiful Color Ink Kanji Neck Tattoo
23. Super Stylish Kanji Rib Tattoo
24. Awesome Color Ink Kanji Hand Tattoo
25. Amazing-Simple Kanji Chest Tattoo for Women
26. Single Word Kanji Leg Tattoo
27. Incredible Samurai Tattoo on Back
28. Tattoo with Red Flower on Arm
29. Black Red ink Japanese Tattoo on Leg
30. Beautiful Japanese Tattoo in the Circle on Back
31. Japanese Quote Tattoo on Hand
32. Kanji Quote Chest Tattoo
33. Tattoo with Baby Face on Wrist Hand
34. Beautiful Kanji Tattoo Behind the Ear Women
35. Dark Ink Tattoo on Chest
36. Meaningful Kanji Thigh Tattoo
37. Kanji Black Ink Tattoo on Full Sleeve
38. Floral Kanji Letter Tattoo on Forearm
39. Super Ink Tattoo With Lase on Chest
40. Fine Ink Tattoo Covering Rib to Belly
41. Fine line Ink Kanji Wrist Tattoo
42. Red Ink Kanji Tattoo Behind the Ear
43. Blue Ink Kanji Turtle Tattoo on Arm
44. Amazing Gray & Red Colored Kanji Flower Tattoo
45. Cutest Kanji Thigh Tattoo Girl
46. Cutest Black Ink Kanji Small Tattoo on Chest
47. Color Ink Tattoo on Half Arm
48. Glorious Color Ink Tattoo Covering Chest to Arm
49. Gray Ink Tattoo Covering Full Hand
50. Beautiful Color Flower Kanji on Half Hand
51. Pink & Black Ink Tattoo on Leg
52. Red & Black Ink Kanji Lower Leg Tattoo
53. Insane color Ink Tattoo on Forearm
54. Black Ink Kanji Friendship Tattoo on Wrist Hand
55. Black Line Kanji & Lion Tattoo on Full Back
56. Eye-Catching Black Ink Tattoo With Birds Design on Back
57. Tattoo With Love & Snake design on Hand
58. Black Ink Tattoo on Half Sleeve
59. Color Ink Kanji Red Flower Tattoo on Sleeve
60. Black & Simple Ink Tattoo Lower Chest
61. Black Ink Simple Tattoo on Back
62. Black and Red Ink Tattoo on Half Leg
63. Black and Red Ink Tattoo on Half Arm
64. Flower String Half Arm Tattoo
65. Chrome Letters Head Black Tattoo
66. Japanese Black Rib Tattoo
67. Simple Black Neck Tattoo
68. Red Inked Neck Tattoo
69. Black Inked Men Neck Tattoo
70. Black Inked Men Chest Tattoo
71. Disney Mulan Tattoo
72. Black Circled Hand Tattoo
74. Red Flowered Black Arm Tattoo
75. Black-Inked Neck Girl Tattoo
76. Authentic Lettering Hand Tattoo
77. Oriental Kanji Tattoo
78. Fine Line Simple Tattoo
79. Dark Black Lettered Tattoo
80. Anime Print Leg Tattoo
Even though kanji tattoos are very popular, it is very easy to get confused over the meaning behind the characters. Some people get these tattoos permanently linked to their body, only to find later what they mean. They are left with embarrassment and regret. So, it is very important to go to an experienced tattoo artist who knows good Japanese and knows the real meaning of the kanji characters.
FAQ:
| 01. Are Kanji Tattoos Tacky?
The most common question before getting a kanji tattoo is if they are tacky as they are a very popular form of tattoo to get, so someone can think if they have become trite. But no, it is not. They are cool. If someone wants something minimal or fashionable on their body, kanji is the best option, but it is important to know the full and hidden meaning of the tattoo before getting it. |
| 02. Are Kanji Tattoos Offensive?
Another common question is if these tattoos are offensive to natives. The answer is both yes and no. Japan has a strong stigma against tattoos. Until 1948, they were prohibited. While it’s legal now to have tattoos in Japan, there are some very harsh rules for tattoo artists and some public places where tattoos are still banned. While these tattoos aren’t offensive to natives, the incorrect meaning of the tattoo may be annoying to them. |
I love to do tattoos. And work as a freelance writer part-time.
