Dragons are cool mythical creatures many of us have a fascination with. However, they are wise and powerful magical creatures holding magic, mystery, and legendary tales.
In Japanese tradition, dragons are very holy creatures that bring happiness and good luck. Be it for a belief in this creature of good fortune or simply out of passion, you may want to get a traditional Japanese Dragon Tattoo. If that is the case, then you will never run out of options.
When you said you wanted to get the Dragon from Japanese mythology inscribed, we heard you clearly. So here are some recommendations you will love.
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Japanese Dragon Tattoo Ideas: What Is The Craze All About?
Do you know what the Japanese Dragon Tattoo meaning is?
Dragons are mythological creatures that originated from Chinese folklore. Dating back 6000 years ago, dragons are depicted as huge, mythical sea serpents.
The concept of dragons emerged more in Japan since the country is basically an island surrounded by oceans on all sides. Since Japan is also prone to earthquakes and tsunamis, mythological tales of these natural disasters happen due to dragons fighting amongst themselves.
In addition, the concept of dragons emerged from various elements which symbolize human emotions. These elements are collectively known as the Godai (Five Elements). They represent:
- Sui (Water) – This element is associated with benevolence, forgiveness, and kindness. It’s also associated with the color blue.
- Chi (Earth) – This element is associated with companionship and nobility. It’s also associated with the color brown.
- Ka (Fire) – This element is associated with virtue, value, passion, and ambition. It’s also associated with the color red.
- Fu (Wind) – This element is associated with nature. It’s also associated with the color green.
- Ku (Void) – This element is associated with wisdom, knowledge, and experience. It’s also associated with the color black.
7 Best Types Of Japanese Dragon Tattoo Ideas To Inspire You Today!
Here are some dragon tattoo ideas based on Japanese mythology. If you are a fan of Japanese mythology, you might love these tattoo recommendations. –
1. Full Back Japanese Dragon Tattoo
Who does not love a back tattoo? But nothing could be cooler than getting the Japanese Dragon tattooed on your back. Most importantly, they come in all shapes, colors, and designs. Also, if your Tattoo artist has a specific style, you are in for an extra advantage.
The back portion of your body offers a wide space. A tattoo artist can go wild if you are ready to pledge your back in the name of the great Japanese Dragon. You can get them in greyscale or get some blue and red to magic on your skin.
A popular example of this is a dragon and cherry blossom tattoo. Here, a dragon is depicted as being surrounded by cherry blossoms. Pink cherry blossoms are a marvelous sight to behold in Japan, and their marvelousness translates to the marvel of a dragon as well.If you wish to etch this on your back, then it’s a nice idea since this Japanese dragon tattoo takes up a lot of space. Therefore, it’s best suited for backs since it has more skin than your limbs.
2. Japanese Dragon Tattoo On Full Sleeve
A tattoo on the back is indeed impressive. However, if you want to show off, the back only helps a little; you cannot always go out with your back open, especially not in the winter. But if you want to show off a bit, then a full-sleeve tattoo can definitely work the charm.
You know what! You can add another animal or another element if you want. Do you remember Mighty Morphin Power Ranger? Tommy had a Green Dragon Zord first; later on, he had the Tiger Zord. Now, if you are getting a green Japanese Dragon Tattoo on the upper portion of your hand, you can get a white tiger on your arm. Now, that’s a heavy-weight tattoo.
3. Japanese Dragon Tattoo On Chest
Having a tattoo on your chest makes you look more attractive. But it needs to be done perfectly with the help of professionals. You can leave the back untouched or connect the chest, your sleeve, and the chest.
Or you can get the chest tattooed like Dwayne Johnson. When it comes to a chest tattoo, the face of a dragon fits perfectly.
4. Japanese Dragon Tattoo On Legs
No one is stopping you if you want to get Japanese dragon tattoos on your legs. You can make your whole body a work of art with these wise and powerful mythical creatures painted on it.
Yes, you can get the whole leg inked. Or you can get a small one and empty some of your legs. You may want to tattoo something else there. Who knows.
5. Neo Traditional Japanese Dragon Tattoos
A neo-traditional Japanese dragon tattoo is an amalgamation of traditional and contemporary styles. The traditional Japanese dragon tattoo usually has bold outlines.
On the other hand, the neo-traditional styles use colors and realism to make the tattoo pop. The bright colors add character and story to the tattoo, making you look almost like a dragon.
The color and style of the neo-traditional dragon tattoo tend towards a ferocious and darker dragon. Therefore, depicting the dragon head tattoo more evilly and ferociously (especially in the stare of their eyes) will make it way cooler!
In addition, a samurai dragon tattoo is also a popular choice for gamers, otaku, weebs, and even metalheads!
6. Greyscale Japanese Dragon Tattoos
So, you are not too fond of colors? Fine. A greyscale Japanese dragon tattoo looks just as beautiful.
Grayscale tattoos look cool, especially with dense artwork with lots of black, white, and shades of grey. Most commonly, we see this in the form of a dragon head or the full body of an older dragon. These dragons are depicted to have a goatee due to their age or even glasses!
7. Japanese Dragon Tattoo Linework
You don’t have to get it filled in with ink if you don’t want to. The Japanese dragon tattoo can look amazing with linework alone. Many people love to get the tattoo outline done and leave the insides empty. You can fill them in later on. Or you can leave them as they are.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Here are some popular questions people ask about dragon tattoos.
Ans: Dragons are part of different mythologies. Dragons have a part in Chinese, Japanese, and other mythologies worldwide. However, the origin of the Dragons originated in China 6000 years ago. Many Asian and Western tattoo artists love to use dragons as the element of their tattoos.
Ans: The Japanese dragon tattoos must cover your whole arm, back, or chest. The second rule of Japanese tattoos is to have the symbols and themes of Japanese culture.
Ans: The Japanese dragon tattoo symbolizes different meanings. The wise mythological creature means strength, wealth, health, and good fortune according to Japanese culture. These tattoos also symbolize power, knowledge, and nobleness.
To Be Inked Or Not To Be Inked…
Japanese Dragon Tattoos are one of the most sought-after tattoos among youngsters. If you are planning to get these tattoos on yourself, you can take inspiration from the ones I recommended.
You can choose from any style and get them inked on your back, chest, or any other place you would like them.
I hope you like the tattoos I recommended. If you have any queries, you can leave them in the comment.
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