Peony
The peony originates from China where it symbolizes wealth and good fortune. These meaning have been maintained in the Japanese culture. In Japan, the peony is considered the “King of Flowers” and because of their association with the game hanafuda, it also represents gambling, daring and masculine bravery. The crimson color of the peony relates to blood and the red rising sun on the flag of Japan. Peonies are typically included in warrior depictions.

Chrysanthemum
Though originally of Chinese origin, the Chinese meaning is no longer acknowledged. The Chrysanthemum has traditionally symbolized the imperial house and is on the crest. The bloom is long-lasting and has medicinal purposes, therefore is representative of steadfastness and determination. Because Japanese tattoos cover such a large portion of the body, chrysanthemums are effective in filling space.

Cherry Blossom
Cherry blossoms are a popular flower design in Japan. The cherry blossom is commonly used in Japanese poetry, prose and art. The beautiful flower only blooms for a day or two. As a result of its short life, the flower has come to symbolize all things that are transient and evanescent in life as well as ephemeral beauty. Cherry blossom tattoos are often found surrounding women, depicting transient beauty. The blossom is also associated with samurais signifying an undetermined lifespan. Similarly, it has found popularity among the yakuza, indicating a consciousness of their fate.

Lotus
The Lotus flower has important meaning in the Buddhist tradition. The flower is able to rise above mud to bloom, representing a human’s power to rise above the world’s impurities and attain enlightenment.

Tiger
Tigers, or tora, are borrowed from the Chinese culture. In present day Japanese body tattoos, a tiger is a space filler, but was once associated with bravery. Japanese legend states that tigers live for a thousand years and as a result, samurai have adopted it as their symbol. This tattoo is popular because of the Suikoden character who has a tiger tattooed on his back.

Lion
The lion, or shishi, has been borrowed from the Chinese culture. The lion is known as “The King of Beasts” and in tattooing is usually placed in peonies, “The King of Flowers.” They are either depicted with their mouths open to scare off demons or closed to protect and keep good spirits. A shishi is often tattooed on a woman’s stomach to protect her during childbirth or to watch over the unborn child.

Falcon
To the Japanese, falcons are regal birds. They are a representation of success, power, courage and endeavour. Like the Chinese, no distinction is made from falcons and hawks and the word taka designates the two. Falconry was adopted from the Chinese in the fourth century and its initial practice was seen in the Kojiki. Samurai soldiers in the Kamakura period felt a kinship with the falcon due to their keen eyesight, fierceness, boldness and “predatory nature.”

Carp
One of the most significant motifs in Japanese tattooing is the carp or koi. Originating from China, the carp has become a symbol of masculinity. The fish bravely swims up waterfalls and is steadfast in his climb. When captured, the carp is stoic awaiting an inevitable death.

The carp is often depicted climbing a waterfall, resulting in vertical design, typically found on the back. The owner of this tattoo either embodies or wants to embody the same qualities of this fish. The carp tattoo is often depicted with the mythical Kintarō or the historical figure Benkei as a boy. Typically, three types of carp are shown in tattoos, higoi, a red carp, magoi, a black carp, and nishikigoi, a multicolored carp.

Dragon
The dragon is one of the most popular themes in Japanese tattooing. The dragon embodies the yin-yang because the dragon breathes fire but lives in the water. The dragon stands for wholeness and power and is often found clenching a pearl, a ball or a jewel. The jewel is said to contain the spiritual essence of the universe and with it, the dragon has power over the winds, rain and planets.

Different variations of the dragon have different meanings. A four clawed dragon is an ordinary dragon, but a five clawed dragon is imperial. The positioning of the dragon also changes the meaning. The dragon could be coiled, rampant or supine which stands for energy, change or dissolution. Unlike in the West, the dragon is a benevolent and wise creature which means the wearer is not only brave but also cunning.

Clouds
Clouds are a frequently occurring symbol in Japanese art. They are usually very intricate and hold various meanings. In some cases, clouds denote divine authority or hold religious connotations. In many instances, clouds are pictorial dividers or background filler. Most cloud designs stem from Chinese design.

Water & Waterfalls
In Japanese art, water is depicted by stylish lines opposed to Western art, where water depictions occur as is a large color mass. Waves appear to be combed and types of lines differentiate between water in ponds and rivers. The lines allow for spaces to insert other motifs such as plants or birds. For instance, chrysanthemums, maple leaves or floating cherry blossoms are common. Waterfalls are also popular tattoos because in Japan waterfalls are considered sacred.

Fire
Fire represents all the moving, energetic and forceful things in the environment. This element is usually portrayed through predators and other bodies of force.

Kintarō
Kintarto or Golden Boy is the equivalent to Hercules in Japanese mythology. Some of his notable achievements are defeating a bear and eagle simultaneously, uprooting a tree to dam rushing water, and swimming with a giant carp. Kintaro was raised near Mount Ashigara playing with wild animals and goblins. His amazing feats of strength became widespread. He is often depicted carrying a large axe or in battle with a large carp, in order to unite the symbolism if strength and tenacity.

Kumonryū Shishin
He was considered the most popular of the Suikoden heroes, was adorned with a nine-dragon tattoo. In fact, the name Kumonryu Shishin translates as ‘Nine-dragoned’. Kumonryu was born to a wealthy family with a large estate. After his father passed away, Kumonryu’s life switched gears as he dedicated himself to military service. Kumonryu later joined the bandits he originally set to capture. He is one of five Suikoden heroes known to receive the original Chinese story tattooing. He gained fame amongst those in the tattoo community.

Geisha & Shunga
The Geisha is a very popular motif. Other popular images are taken from Shunga, or the woodblock-prints with erotic depictions such as seductive women, sex manuals as well as more humorous caricatures. Shunga prints often are forbidden due to their sexual content. Due to the eroticism of the shunga genre, these tattoos are often placed inconspicuously in the armpit and inner thigh regions.

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