8 Japanese Tiger Tattoo Designs And Their Meanings

Japanese tiger tattoos are a popular form of body art in Japan as well as the world over. Also known as Tora in Japanese, the wild animal was initially brought to the country from China. However, it does hold immense cultural significance among the locals. It even holds a special place in Japanese art, literature, poetry, and history. In this article, we will introduce you to the different meanings of Japanese tiger tattoos and take you through some of the best designs for your next ink 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 Kurama temple, one of the oldest temples in Kyoto, has tigers guarding it. Further, the White Tiger, also known as Byakko in Japanese, is one of the four beasts who guard the cardinal directions; north, east, south, and west. Therefore, a tiger tattoo may symbolize a talisman to guard the wearer from negativity and danger. Apart from this, a tiger tattoo may 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 may also represent inner strength and the ability to overcome challenges in life.
• Ferocity And Fearlessness: The tiger in the Japanese language is known as Tora, which is short for totsugeki raigeki. The words translate to “lightning attack.” A tattoo involving them may indicate a person’s ferocious and fearless nature during battle or confrontation.
• Knowledge And Courage: In modern spirituality, tigers serve as a symbol of courage and personal strength, while in other cultures, they symbolize wisdom, enlightenment, and inner power. Their tattoo may reflect your spiritual journey or a quest for knowledge and deeper understanding.

Apart from this, there are several other cultural references about tigers in Japan, which could add to your tattoo’s meaning. Some of them 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 with tigers as references. For instance, if you are “stepping on a tiger’s tail,” it means that you are taking a big risk.
• Similarly, the idiom “a fox borrowing the power of a tiger” means that you are pretending to have more power than you have.

Emotionally, the Japanese tiger can serve as a powerful reminder of one’s personal goals. No matter what your goal is, just looking at your tattoo will remind you of it and push you towards that direction. It can also signify bravery, persistence, or a connection to one’s cultural roots. The presence of a tiger on the skin reinforces these values, reminding you of who you truly are.

Clearly, Japanese tiger tattoos are rich in symbolism. Further, their meaning may also depend on your values and beliefs. If you are looking for some designs, scroll down to the next section to find out.

8 Japanese Tiger Tattoo Ideas For The Fearless

If you love tattoos with powerful and bold appearances, Japanese tiger tattoos are sure to win your heart without a doubt. Here are some stunning designs you may try.

1. Traditional Japanese Tiger Tattoo

This tattoo features 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. This design would also make for a great tiger thigh tattoo!

2. Tattoo Of A White Japanese Tiger With Death Motifs

If you are looking for a tattoo with the Japanese white tiger, this is the one for you. The majestic beast is surrounded by swirling, ominous dark clouds, skulls, and the snake that often symbolizes death. Amongst all these dangerous and mysterious elements, the tattoo also features a black rose that serves as a symbol of beauty amidst adversity.

3. Japanese White Tiger Tattoo

Isn’t this tattoo on the upper arm truly mesmerizing? It features a white tiger’s head with piercing eyes and a delicate flower underneath it. This white tiger tattoo symbolizes strength, courage, and resilience, while the flowers with the surrounding leaves signify 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 The Chest

This is not your regular chest tattoo! It covers a major portion of the chest and extends towards the arms on both sides. The roaring tiger head in the middle captures the raw power and beauty of the magnificent creature perfectly. The leaves and flowers around it help create a bold contrast between the untamed wilderness and the serenity of blooming life.

5. Japanese Tiger Sleeve Tattoo

This quarter-sleeve tattoo is the epitome of fearlessness and majestic beauty. It perfectly captures the intricate details of the tiger’s fierce expression, which symbolizes pure confidence and unwavering resolve. The floral elements above and below add to the overall aesthetic of the design.

6. Japanese Tiger Back Tattoo

This Japanese back tattoo is a bold statement of strength and courage. It features a roaring tiger 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

If you need a powerful and visually striking design for your next ink, look no further! This tattoo on the back features a white tiger head with piercing golden eyes. It is placed against a dark scenic backdrop 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

The colors and details in this tattoo are truly amazing! It begins at the shoulder and covers a major portion of the upper arm. The central element is a white tiger with piercing eyes that symbolizes strength, courage, and intensity. It is surrounded by perfectly shaded, blue and white crashing waves on top and bottom, symbolizing the beauty and unpredictability of life.

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Ali AmanProfessional Tattoo Artist

 

Ali Aman is a professional tattoo artist hailing from Kazakhstan. He is a self-taught tattoo artist, who learned most of the skills related to this craft from online platforms like YouTube. He moved to the USA a few years ago and has been tattooing since 2022.

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Gracia OdileBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Gracia Odile is a teacher-turned-beauty and lifestyle writer with three years of professional experience. She has a bachelor's degree in English from St. Stephen's College, a master's in Anthropology from the University of Madras, and a degree in education from GGSIPU.

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