130+ Traditional Japanese Tattoos Sleeve For Men (2024)

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Japanese tattoos are not just popular in Japan but in fact world-age. The history of Japanese tattoo dates back to 300 BC when they were considered a symbol of power and wealth. However, in the next few centuries, the tradition of tattooing changed drastically in Japan.

Later tattoos were inked on criminals and dacoits to identify them from normal people. Here are 65 Japanese tattoo design that you can try –

Table of Contents

Japanese Tattoos Meanings

1. Japanese art paved way to many tattoo designs. Japanese tiger tattoos for example are symbolic to courage and fear.

2. People try full back tattoos only if they find a meaningful design. This oni mask tattoo is a good choice because it shows how the demon tricks us to do evil things.

3. Japanese tattoos were not considered cool throughout history. However, one tattoo design that was adored in all periods was the koi fish tattoo design.

4. If you are going for Japanese armband tattoos then be aware that they were mostly inked on criminals and slaves so that they can be distinguished from other people of society.

5. Japan is known for its varied flora and fauna. There are many beautiful birds that inhabit Japan. My favorite is the Japanese quail.

Japanese Flower Tattoo

6. Buddhism is the second major religion in Japan. People who have faith in Buddhism opt for Japanese Buddhist tattoos like this.

7. Most Japanese are cat loving people and they consider the cat as their lucky charm. Maneki-Neko is the most popular cat figure that is believed to bring good fortune. Here is a Japanese cat tattoo.

8. Cherry blossom is the most common flowering plant in Japan and they can be found outside every Japanese school or office. Here is a beautiful Japanese cherry blossom tattoo.

9. If you want a bigger size cherry blossom tattoo then try the tree version just like this.

10. As Tiger and Samurai, both are associated with fear and courage in Japanese culture so a cool idea would be to try Tiger holding Samurai sword inked on the chest. Japanese art has many foreign elements too that are often shown in tattoos.

Japanese Style Tattoos For Guys

11. Japanese depicts clouds as the door to heavens and they are elegantly showed in the background of all popular anime and manga series.

12. The red-crowned crane or the Japanese crane is also the logo of Japanese airlines. They represent freedom and beauty. So they are ideal tattoo designs for those who love to live freely.

13. If you are going to try a Japanese demon mask as tattoos then let me warn you that a lot of kids are going to run away from you. Here is the reason why –

14. Most artists love to give dragon eyes to demons especially in Japan. Here Is a Japanese demon tattoo that represents that death always awaits you.

15. The Fu-Dog in Japanese culture were considered heroes and courageous. You can try them if you believe yourself as a hero.

Japanese Tiger Tattoo

16. Japanese dragon is derived from Chinese dragons, therefore, there is not much difference between the two. However, most mythical Japanese dragons can swim in the sea as well.

17. If you want a fullback tattoo then the best choice for it is the Japanese dragon tattoo. Look for yourself how majestic this tattoo is.

18. One cool thing about Japanese flower tattoo is that the outline of the petal is inked in such a way that it gives a distinct look to the whole design.

19. Even though I would suggest trying flower vine instead of just one flower tattoo but if you insist on having just one flower then bicep is the best place for it.

20. If you want to try a sleeve tattoo inspired by Japanese art then dragon is the best option for it because the size and shape of the dragon perfectly suit sleeves.

Japanese Sleeve Tattoos for Women

21. Kitsune or Japanese fox are said to have magical abilities. If you are a foxy lady then try the fox tattoo design.

22. Sadly Japanese geisha are portrayed in a bad light but they are the most important part of their culture. If you respect them then try Japanese geisha tattoo.

23. Japan is an island country. You will find a huge diversity in Japanese marine life. Here is a half sleeve tattoo inspired by Japanese sea plants.

24. I must say that this Japanese oni mask tattoo on the hand of this guy is very impressive – Kudos to the imagination of the tattoo artist.

25. This Japanese inspired tattoo will look even better in a smaller size. You can even try is behind the ear.

26. Koi fish is the favorite pet animal of Japanese people. Koi fish is considered lucky. Here is a sweet and neat koi fish tattoo design.

27. If you want to try a Japanese tattoo on the leg then two best choices are dragon and oni mask. Here is the oni mask version for you for consideration.

28. Try Japanese lettering tattoos only if you know the meaning of those letters. Here is one great design for you.

29. Even though lion are not given much importance in Japanese culture but still Japanese lion can be easily distinguished from real lions because of their distinct facial features.

30. Lotus is considered a spiritual flower by Japanese people. The consider it a way of enlightenment. Here is a beautiful Japanese lotus tattoo on the chest of this boy.

31. Japanese maple is one of the most popular gardening plants that is grown worldwide. If you love gardening then this is ideal choice for you.

32. If you opt for Japanese mask tattoos then be sure that you give the eyes of the devil a distinct color as they are considered hypnotizer.

33. Japanese folklore is full of stories that describe the mythical animal. One mysterious creature that Japanese love to eat is the octopus. Don’t eat it. Tattoo it.

34. Owl is considered wisest bird in Japanese culture. If you are a geek then try Japanese owl tattoo.

35. The Japanese peony flower often gives the illusion of animals. If you like to have illusion tattoos then try Japanese peony tattoo.

Japanese Tiger Tattoo

36. The mythical bird phoenix is associated with rebirth and a fresh start. If you are giving your life a new start then try this tattoo for positivity.

37. Do you know that Sun rises first in Japan? It is the easternmost country. Here is a rising sun tattoo that is good for inspiration.

38. The samurai culture in Japan is popular worldwide. In fact, Samurai Jack is one of my favorite cartoon series. Here is a majestic Japanese samurai tattoo on the back of this man.

39. Here is a cool shoulder tattoo idea where a golden koi fish is inked on one side of the shoulder.

40. Just like other culture Japanese art is also full of human skull portrayals. However, they like to illustrate it along with flower vines as shown in this picture.