101 Best Japanese Tattoo Background Ideas That Will Blow Your Mind!

Reviewed and verified: July 26, 2023 by Jamie Wilson (BA)

Traditional and unique and beautiful Japanese tattoos. If you’re looking for ideas for Japanese tattoo backgrounds, you’ve come to the right place!

Traditional Japanese tattoos are the most recognizable and by far the most popular tattoo styles.

Initially, according to Japanese culture, getting a tattoo was a form of punishment for people who had committed a crime or were slaves. The tattoos clearly referred to the individual’s status in Japanese society. During the Edo period, traditional Japanese tattoos were prohibited; However, in 1948, the ban on tattoo culture was lifted and anyone was free to get one.

Japanese tattoo designs vary in size and color. There are also various symbols or motifs with specific meanings that are appreciated throughout the world. People have always been amazed by the art of Japanese-style tattooing.

Japanese tattoo background patterns are a very essential part of a traditional Japanese tattoo. It is usually spread all over the body, on the back or chest, or drawn as a tattoo on the arm or leg sleeve. Each tattoo is deep and meaningful. This form of body art is learned and used by traditional Japanese tattoo artists around the world.

Here we have curated a list of the top 10 Japanese background tattoo patterns for you to choose from!

The Japanese dragon tattoo

Japanese dragon tattoos are one of the most popular tattoo designs. Dragon tattoos, especially the Japanese dragon, symbolize strength, blessing, wisdom and above all the force of good. The dragon is one of the most important mythical creatures in Japanese culture. These tattoos can vary in size and design. In this particular traditional Japanese tattoo design, you will notice that the art starts on both sides of the chest and extends to the arms like a sleeve. This tattoo not only consists of the beast but also has other designs such as a Hannya mask on the right and a geisha tattoo on the left. The outline of the dragon tattoo and others is in black and the background has been filled with shades of black and gray. This tattoo is certainly a bold choice, but it is a combination of some beautiful and meaningful designs.

Japanese Phoenix Tattoo

According to Japanese culture, the phoenix symbolizes the imperial houses. That is why Japanese phoenix tattoos symbolize the imperial characteristics of the Japanese such as justice, obedience, the sun, fire, etc. In other cultures, a phoenix symbolizes harmony and good luck. The tattoos are usually large due to the bird’s outstretched wings, long neck, and more distinctive features. This is the reason why this tattoo is usually done on a larger surface such as the back or chest. You can also opt for a sleeve tattoo that will look like the bird is flying around your arm. The outline of this tattoo is done in black ink, however, you can use different shades of bright colors to give more depth to this Japanese art.

Japanese Snake Tattoos

This traditional Japanese tattoo design is that of a snake or “hebi”, which is very popular. According to Japanese tradition, snakes symbolize rebirth, change and transformation because the most important quality they have is shedding their skin. They can also be seen as a symbol of good luck. In this tattoo design, the snake is coiled around a blue-violet peony flower that is considered the queen of flowers in many cultures. Its symbolic meaning of love and prosperity is what makes it a popular tattoo choice. The swirls of black and gray in the background give this tattoo a 3D effect. The snake looks different as it is made with striking colors of red, yellow, orange and brown spots. An excellent work of tattoo art from the artist!

The Maneki Neko tattoo

“Maneki Neko” means “beckoning cat” according to the Japanese. This creature is meant to bring a lot of luck, fortune and wealth to whoever adorns this tattoo. This is one of the most famous Japanese mythical creatures. It is so famous that you have probably seen this cat in your favorite Japanese restaurants, it usually holds a coin and has pointy ears. The belief in this creature is immense. The cat is the main feature of this design, it is highlighted by the background work throughout the body and the blue lotus flower it is sitting on. the lotus means that you are on the path to becoming a better person. The whole tattoo could mean that you want to be a good person who has good luck and fortune in his life.

Oni Mask Tattoo

This is a very good example of a traditional Japanese tattoo design. In Japan, the Oni mask tattoo is commonly worn by those who believe in the spirit world. Most Oni have a negative connotation, however, in some folklores Oni are seen as good and protectors from evil. Getting a design like this tattooed might be a bold choice, but its meaning should help you move forward. This particular design is a black and gray Japanese background tattoo with the eyes and teeth of the demonic beast in yellow. On the side, there is a purple flower that increases the charm!

Water And Lotus Tattoo

This is one of the most sought after Japanese tattoo background designs. It may seem complicated but the design is very simple. This design wraps around the user’s arm like a sleeve. It shows running water and lotuses grown in the middle. The lotus flower represents purity as it usually grows in a murky, muddy pond. They are a symbol of spiritual awakening, truth, faith and harmony. Here they are combined with a stream of water, but they also combine very well with koi fish. Koi fish tattoos are very famous. The color combination of this tattoo is black and gray, however, you can add bright colors as per your choice!

Traditional Japanese tattoo background template

This is a beautiful template of small Japanese tattoos. Traditionally, a Japanese background tattoo is a tattoo art that is done on a large surface, such as the back or chest. However, this tattoo is done in the socket that joins the shoulder and arm. There are beautiful black swirls forming the background and pretty red flowers in the middle. The flowers are “Tsubaki”, which are symbols of love and noble death among Japanese warriors. If you are looking for some Japanese tattoo ideas, this should be the place!

the sakura

This is one of the most famous traditional Japanese tattoos! In Japan, cherry blossoms, or Sakura, are a very prominent flower known for both their beautiful color and beauty. It is a reminder of love and transience. They are the perfect metaphor for the passage of time because they have a very short life. Getting this design tattooed could be a constant reminder that life is short and to live every second as if it were your last. In the design above, the tattoo wraps around the arm like a sleeve. The background is black so that the pink flowers are properly highlighted.

Hannya’s mask tattoo

In Japan, this design is the pinnacle of traditional tattooing. It means intense passion and love that are associated with the jealous women of that society who had gone through betrayal. This tattoo has a layered meaning and resonates with someone who tends to give everything they have in a romantic relationship. In this design, you will see a person wearing the Hannya mask angrily charging towards something. Around this person, there are swirls of black and purple that help highlight her mask. You can add any colors you prefer to this design to make it more personal!

The geisha and dragon tattoo

The meaning of the background of a Japanese tattoo differs from one tattoo to another. This design is similar to something you may have already seen. The geisha at top left is a symbolism of beauty and grace in decline. In the same way a dragon also symbolizes grace in addition to strength and intelligence. This tattoo has a very intricate design on the left side of his chest and extends to his waist and hip region. The top extends to the arm like a sleeve. Although this tattoo is only black and gray, you can use different colors according to your choice!

Meaningful designs are the reason why the Japanese tattoo tradition has lasted for so long. Here are some other inspirations you can consider:

• Japanese skull tattoo
• Japanese tiger tattoos
• Japanese koi tattoos
• Japanese Fo Dog Tattoo

There are several Japanese tattoos that mean good health and a new beginning. It can be difficult to choose from so many options, as body art is a big commitment. However, these beautiful options presented to you in the list mentioned above can help you a little. Good luck!

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