Japanese tiger tattoos are a popular form of body art in Japan and around the world. Also known as Tora in Japanese, the wild animal was originally brought to the country from China. However, it holds immense cultural significance among the locals. It even holds a special place in Japanese art, literature, poetry, and history. In this article, we’ll introduce you to the different meanings of Japanese tiger tattoos and take you through some of the best designs for your next inking session. Keep reading to get inspired!
Meaning of Japanese tiger tattoos
In Japanese folklore, tigers are often believed to ward off evil spirits and protect against harm. Even the Kurama Temple, one of the oldest temples in Kyoto, is guarded by tigers. Furthermore, the White Tiger, also called Byakko in Japanese, is one of the four beasts that guard the cardinal directions; north, east, south and west. Therefore, a tiger tattoo can symbolize a talisman to protect the wearer from negativity and danger. In addition, a tiger tattoo can also mean the following:
Physical and mental strength: Tigers are known for their physical strength and prowess, which is important for samurai warriors. Their tattoo can also represent inner strength and the ability to overcome challenges in life. Wildness and fearlessness: The tiger is known in Japanese as Tora, which is short for totsugeki raigeki. The words translate to “lightning attack.” A tattoo of them can indicate a person’s fierce and fearless nature during a fight or confrontation. Knowledge and courage: In modern spirituality, tigers serve as a symbol of courage and personal power, while in other cultures they symbolize wisdom, enlightenment, and inner strength. Their tattoo can reflect your spiritual journey or a quest for knowledge and deeper understanding.
In addition, there are several other cultural references to tigers in Japan that can contribute to the meaning of your tattoo. Some of these include:
Hanshin Tigers is one of the most popular baseball teams in Japanese sports. The fans call their club mascot Torakki, which means the lucky tiger. Japan also has numerous idioms that reference tigers. For example, if you “step on the tail of a tiger”, it means that you are taking a big risk. Similarly, the idiom “a fox borrows the strength of a tiger” means that you act as if you have more strength than you do.
It is clear that Japanese tiger tattoos are rich in symbolism. Moreover, their meaning can also depend on your values and beliefs. If you are looking for designs, scroll down to the next section to find out.
8 Japanese Tiger Tattoo Ideas for the Fearless
If you like tattoos with strong and bold appearances, then Japanese tiger tattoos will surely win your heart. Here are some stunning designs that you can try.
1. Traditional Japanese tiger tattoo
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This tattoo shows a tiger with piercing eyes that reflect a sense of inner wisdom and strength. They also carry an air of mystery and hint at its untamed nature. The single flower with its leaves below the tiger serves as a contrast to the tiger’s raw power and symbolizes the balance of beauty and strength.
2. Tattoo of a white Japanese tiger with death motifs
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If you are looking for a Japanese white tiger tattoo, this is the one for you. The majestic beast is surrounded by swirling, menacing dark clouds, skulls, and the snake that often symbolizes death. Among all these dangerous and mysterious elements, the tattoo also includes a black rose that serves as a symbol of beauty in the midst of adversity.
3. Japanese white tiger tattoo
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Isn’t this upper arm tattoo truly mesmerizing? It features a white tiger’s head with piercing eyes and a delicate flower beneath. The white tiger symbolizes strength, courage and resilience, while the flowers with surrounding leaves symbolize beauty, growth and vulnerability, serving as a reminder to find the balance between our inner strength and vulnerability to live life to the fullest.
4. Japanese tiger tattoo on chest
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This is no ordinary chest tattoo! It covers a large portion of the chest and extends down the arms on either side. The roaring tiger head in the center perfectly captures the raw power and beauty of the magnificent creature. The leaves and flowers surrounding it help create a bold contrast between the pristine wilderness and the serenity of blooming life.
5. Japanese tiger sleeve tattoo
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This quarter sleeve tattoo is the epitome of fearlessness and majestic beauty. It perfectly captures the intricate details of the tiger’s fierce expression, symbolizing pure confidence and unwavering determination. The floral elements above and below add to the overall aesthetic of the design.
6. Japanese tiger back tattoo
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This back tattoo is a bold statement of strength and courage. It features a roaring tiger’s head surrounded by swirling black patterns that add depth and complexity to the design. The tiger’s piercing eyes indicate its determination, while its powerful jaws convey a sense of fearlessness, symbolizing the wearer’s invincible spirit that refuses to be subdued by life’s challenges.
7. Japanese white tiger and samurai sword tattoo
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If you need a bold and visually striking design for your next tattoo, look no further! This back tattoo features a white tiger head with piercing golden eyes. It is set against a dark painterly background that adds a touch of mystery to the design. The white tiger symbolizes purity, courage, and protection, while the samurai sword at the bottom symbolizes honor, loyalty, and discipline.
8. Japanese white tiger and waves tattoo
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The colors and details in this tattoo are truly amazing! It starts at the shoulder and covers a large part of the upper arm. The central element is a white tiger with piercing eyes, symbolizing strength, courage, and intensity. It is surrounded by perfectly shaded, blue and white crashing waves at the top and bottom, symbolizing the beauty and unpredictability of life.
Japanese tiger tattoos feature intricate details, vibrant colors, and bold lines, and symbolize power, strength, courage, good luck, and protection. In addition to the tiger, they can also feature elements such as waves, samurai swords, skulls, and cherry blossoms that add to their symbolism. So before you decide to get your tattoo, understand its meaning to ensure that it resonates with your ideas and beliefs.
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