It is one of the most popular tattoo styles that exist, but as the saying goes, “no one is a prophet in his own land.” He is viewed with bad eyes in his country of origin, but it is tremendously popular on this side of the world. We are talking, of course, about the Japanese tattoo style.
A Little History
The Irezumi, or its literal translation, “insert ink”, dates back with some doubt to the Paleolithic era, located more than 5.000 years before Christ.
What is indisputable is that between 300 BC and 300 AD, during the period Yayoi, tattoos were strongly reported by Chinese visitors to Japanese lands.
In this period, tattoos were used as status symbols, signs of social rank or protection against spirits.
Tattoos in Japanese lands followed this line until the year 720, where for the first time the use of tattoos with negative connotations and related to crime was documented. In that year, the emperor used the tattoo as a form of punishment in exchange for the death penalty.
Later, specifically during the period Edo (1600 -1868 AD), the tattoo system for criminals evolved. And the type of tattoo that was done on the criminal, indicated the act that the person had committed. In this way, his mark on society was permanent. Of course, the consequences of these marks were absolute social rejection. Families avoided having tattooed people around them, and even They were expelled from festivities and recreational activities. These tattoos were called Bokkei.
At the beginning of the period Meiji, which spanned from 1868 to 1912, the Japanese government, in an attempt to protect its image and make a good impression with the West, banned tattoos. However, there were certain groups that had their bodies inked, such as the workers, firefighters and gangsters.
A very heavy legacy
During the occupation forces in 1948, tattooing was legalized again. But its use still had some criminal connotations and was associated withon the notable Japanese mafia: Yakuza. The yakuza chose tattoos as a personal brand for several reasons. First for the pain, second for the loyalty that a permanent mark entailed, and of course for the role of recognition of being outside the law.
Even today, when the younger generations begin to break these social taboos, it is generally maintained, a certain discretion regarding tattoos.
Having reviewed a little the path of Japanese tattooing to the present day, let's now get to know some of the meanings behind the most used symbols in the Japanese tattoo tradition.
Japanese Dragon Tattoo
The Japanese They believe that Asian dragons originated in Japanese lands, before spreading to other areas of Asia. In Korea and China the opposite is believed, proclaiming themselves as the birthplace of dragons.
Whatever the origin, all Asian dragons They are associated with water and rain. represent generosity and wisdom. In addition, they are considered very benevolent animals, who use their power and strength only to do good. The opposite is true in European mythology, where the dragon is confronted and represents ferocity.
Japanese Flower Tattoo
The flowers have a variety of meanings and they are a highly valued design in Japan.
Chrysanthemums, lotus flowers, cherry blossoms, peonies and others are constantly portrayed in this style.
Take for example the Cherry Blossom: It is a flower that does not bloom for a long time and is blown off the trees by the slightest wind. The fragility of this flower represents human existence and the beautiful period of one's life. The Japanese see them as a reflection of their own mortality.
A las peoniesFor example, they are known as the Queens of Flowers and symbolize both wealth and elegance.
Japanese tiger tattoo
Although it is a widely used symbol in China, the tiger has great power within the culture of the rising sun. The tiger represents the very qualities of the animal: strength, courage and long life. They are chosen as part of a tattoo for protection against bad luck, bad spirits and illness.
Japanese Koi fish tattoo
It is, without a doubt, the most popular japanese tattoo that exists. Koi carp are specially bred and originate from China. They are a symbol of strength, fight, effort, determination and the ability to prevail successfully.
It is known that the Koi, in China, swim against the current in the Yellow River. Very few manage to pass beyond the point called the Dragons Gate. Popular belief says that those who achieve this will be rewarded by becoming dragons.
Oni Masks
Oni are popular characters in Japanese art, literature, and theater. They are creatures of Japanese folklore that with its fierce expression, its bulging eyes, its mouth full of fangs, and its horns protruding from the sides of its forehead, bear a great similarity to the demons represented in Western religions and popular art. The Oni mask is a design widely used in Japanese tattoo art and represents the belief in a world of spirits, where demons carry out their functions of punishing the unjust and evil.
The Hannya Masks, another widely used design and similar to the Oni, have nothing to do with the figure of the devil or Satan as popularly believed. According to Japanese folklore stories, The Hannya were women who were transformed into abominable monsters, either out of passion, jealousy or envy.
