Tattoo Design Ideas – Re-published after reviewed by the Tattoo Specialist for the correct information.
Reviewed & fact checked: September 12, 2023 by Jamie Wilson (BA)
Looking for some amazing Japanese full-sleeve tattoo designs, then you have reached the right place. Check out these amazing designs.
Japanese full-sleeve tattoo designs have gained a lot of popularity in recent years among tattoo enthusiasts.
Japanese tattoos usually have larger-than-life symbols and motifs, deep hidden meanings, line work designs, and beautiful bright colors. Japanese tattoos usually contain designs that include flowers, snakes, tigers, birds, clouds, cherry blossoms, Samurai, or temples.
Japanese tattoo designs are very versatile designs and have a lot of variations. When making a Japanese tattoo, the most common is either a full sleeve tattoo or a half sleeve tattoo. A full sleeve Japanese tattoo is called a ‘Nagasode’, and a half sleeve Japanese tattoo is called a ‘Gobu’. Another common method of making a Japanese sleeve tattoo is the ‘Hikae’, which starts from the chest panel and then goes on to the upper arm. To complete this design usually vibrant bright colors are used with bold black outlines. Each pattern in a Japanese tattoo design comes with a hidden meaning behind it. These designs are not necessarily gender-specific. It can be gotten by either men or women. However, a large client base for Japanese full-sleeve tattoos is men. These designs are cool, trendy, and unique and have gathered a lot of preference amongst youngsters.
If you are looking for some unique chic Japanese full sleeve tattoo designs then we have a list ready for you. Check out the designs below and select your next body art.
Koi Fish Tattoo
The koi fish is actually a very common Japanese tattoo design. The meaning of a koi fish tattoo is actually perseverance. This fish is a representation of all the struggles that one person has to overcome in their life. However, the meaning of this tattoo gradually changes if the color changes. The colors that are used in traditional koi fish tattoos are red, black, gold, blue, and white. Old koi fish represents wealth and fortune. A black one represents masculinity. A red fish represents bravery and strength, a blue koi fish represents fertility and a white one represents success in a career.
This particular tattoo is of full sleeve designs and has 3 colors of koi fish. The first and the main koi fish is made in black color with hints of gold and the other one is made in a light shade of red and white. The detailing of this tattoo is very intricate. Other elements like water and sun add to the beauty of the tattoo.
The Hannya Tattoo
The Hannya mask is another common Japanese tattoo design. It is a representation of pain and rage amongst females. The mask itself looks demonic, frightening, angry, and very dangerous. At the same time, it also gives out a wife that depicts melancholy and sorrow. The angle at which the mask is held changes the meaning behind it.
According to Japanese culture, the word Hannya means wisdom, and the mask is considered good luck. Even today in Japan, the mask is used as a means to ward off evil.
Japanese tattoos are generally made with bright colors and bold lines. However, this tattoo sleeve is made in shades of black and grey. Right in the middle of the design, you can see the Hannya mask with its horns and in the background, there are some other elements that add to the beauty of this design.
Japanese Snake Tattoo
Snakes in Japanese are called heavy. According to Japanese culture, snake tattoos represent protection against bad luck and illness. This belief has come from the old culture and beliefs, which said that if you spot a white snake, you will get good luck in life while spotting a dead snake is a bad omen.
Even today, in rural Japan some people believe that snakes are alien creatures that will kill rats and protect farms from being destroyed. Old temples also have snakes at the entrance, which symbolizes protection against evil.
This particular tattoo shows a large snake wrapped around the arm in a Japanese full-sleeve tattoo. The snake is made in shades of black, red, golden, and brown. The eyes of the snake look fierce and the mouth is open as if the snake is hissing. Other elements like flowers and the black waves add to the design. If you are looking for a tattoo that will give protection against evil, then this one is for you.
Traditional Japanese Tattoo
This tattoo is a traditional Japanese full-sleeve tattoo with a lot of different Japanese cultural elements. At the top of the tattoo, which is near the shoulder, is a big Hannya mask, which is a representation of protection against evil. Below the hannya mask, you see different flowers. First, there are cherry blossoms. Then there is a red and yellow rose.
Cherry Blossom is actually a symbol of life, spirit, and beauty. This tattoo is an inspiration of experiencing beautiful things happening in life. A red rose tattoo is a symbol of unrequited passion and love. A yellow rose symbolizes friendship. It also states that people need more positivity and happiness in life and that can be drawn from this bright flower. To make this tattoo more appealing, the tattoo artist has added another hannya mask. This hannya mask is blue in color, opposite the red hannya mask on top. The background of this tattoo is made with wavy black, white, and grey lines. This Japanese-style tattoo has a mixture of all colors and is an amazing design for your next body art. This would also look great as a Japanese half-sleeve tattoo.
Japanese Dragon Tattoo
The Japanese Dragon is a symbol of strength, blessing, the force of God, and wisdom. Dragons are also part of the old Japanese culture where they were seen as manipulative elements that were used for the good of people and the benefit of the world. These mythical creatures are actually made with different elements of different animals. In a Japanese sleeve design, the body of the Dragon generally takes up the entire arm, and the head of the dragon is either placed near the shoulder or near the wrist.
In this particular design, the head of the Dragon is placed near the shoulder and it looks very unique. Different colors have been used to complete this tattoo. Colors like purple, red, orange, yellow, grey, and white. Have made up the entire dragon.
Peony Sleeve Tattoo
Peony is a symbol of good fortune, prosperity, and wealth. It is also a symbol of fragility and beauty. It means that you will get rewards only if you are willing to take risks. The common colors used to make peony flowers are pink, red, and blue.
In this particular tattoo, the Peony flower is red in color and there are some leaves beside it. There is also a white Peony flower and a pink one. The shading of black and grey in the background highlights these flowers further and adds to the element of the design.
Oriental Tattoo Sleeve
This particular tattoo is similar to the previous Dragon Tattoo and the Hannya Mask tattoo. This style with a tattoo starts from the chest, goes on to the shoulder, the upper arm, and then down the arm to the Lord is called the Hickey. Like traditional Japanese tattoos, it has a lot of vibrant colors and bold lines. On the left side of the tattoo, you see a honey mask, which is white in color. Some red flames around it and the body of a dragon, which is made in blue strokes. On the right side, you see a skeleton-like face, probably of the hannya, a mask, and then the body of Koi fish. This Japanese tattoo art is a sign of. Bravery and perseverance. Other colors that have been used to make this design are brown, pink, blue, and yellow. If you are looking for a design that will show your inner strength, this one is for you.
Traditional Japanese Full Sleeve Tattoo
This Japanese tattoo sleeve design is similar to the previous Dragon and Hanya tattoo designs. The bright colors and bold lines make this tattoo more beautiful. This tattoo is a beautiful representation of protection against evil. The different colors used to complete the statue of Black, grey, white, pink, and purple.
Traditional Dragon Tattoo
This design is of a Japanese Dragon Tattoo. It shows a grey color dragon with orange eyes which look extremely fierce. The body of the dragon is wrapped around the arm and the face of the dragon is near the shoulder of the upper arm. There are flowers and clouds that add to the element of this design. The colors used to complete this tattoo are red, orange, grey, white, and black.
Watch A Video Of The Best 90+ Japanese Sleeve Tattoos You Need To See!
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Geisha Tattoo
Odisha Tattoo is also a very common choice in Japanese-style tattoos. Although a geisha is a symbol of women with exceptional beauty, this tattoo has got it by both men and women. Geisha is one of the strongest symbols of Japanese culture and in other cultures, it is considered a symbol of grace and divine beauty.
Japanese Sleeve Tattoos
This beautiful tattoo is an amazing representation of the geisha. It shows the portrait of a beautiful lady on the upper arm. The colors used to make this portrait is black, Peach, pink, and grey. The tattoo artist has used fine line work as well as gold nights to complete the tattoo.
Japanese full-sleeve tattoos are some amazing designs that are bold and beautiful. Permanent tattoos of these designs require a lot of commitment. If you are skeptical about a permanent tattoo, you can get a temporary one instead. Once you are sure, you can request the tattoo artist to convert it into a permanent one. You can browse for some other designs as well, like –
feature image from Pinterest
How much does a full sleeve tattoo cost in Japan?
A full sleeve tattoo in Japan can cost anywhere from $200 to $2000. The price will depend on the size, complexity, and location of the tattoo. Tattoos placed on more visible areas such as the arms or legs will usually cost more than those placed on less visible areas such as the back or chest.
How long does a Japanese full sleeve tattoo take to complete?
A Japanese full sleeve tattoo can take anywhere from 20 to 40 hours to complete. The time will depend on the size, complexity, and location of the tattoo. Tattoos placed on more visible areas such as the arms or legs will usually take longer to complete than those placed on less visible areas such as the back or chest.
How painful is a Japanese full sleeve tattoo?
A Japanese full sleeve tattoo can be quite painful. The pain will depend on the size, complexity, and location of the tattoo. Tattoos placed on more sensitive areas such as the arms or legs will usually be more painful than those placed on less sensitive areas such as the back or chest.
How long does it take to complete a full sleeve tattoo in Japan?
The time it takes to complete a full sleeve tattoo in Japan can vary depending on the size, complexity, and location of the tattoo. Tattoos placed on more visible areas such as the arms or legs will usually take longer to complete than those placed on less visible areas such as the back or chest.
What are some common design elements of Japanese full sleeve tattoos?
Some common design elements of Japanese full sleeve tattoos include animals, nature scenes, and geometric patterns.
Are there any cultural considerations I should be aware of before getting a full sleeve tattoo in Japan?
Yes, there are a few cultural considerations you should be aware of before getting a full sleeve tattoo in Japan. First, tattoos are generally seen as taboo in Japanese culture. Second, Japanese people tend to be very conservative when it comes to body art. As such, it is important to make sure that your tattoo design is respectful and not offensive. Finally, keep in mind that full sleeve tattoos are permanent and will be visible to everyone. With that said, be sure that you are 100% certain that you want a tattoo before getting inked.
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