Should You Get Japanese Tattoos

Should You Get Japanese Tattoos Pros and Cons of Getting a Tattoo in Japan ChaptersTraditional Japanese Tattoos: Ancestral Practices and Recent TabooTattoos: a Real Art FormA Decision for LifeFind Inspiration in the Land of the Rising SunTattoo culture has always been more popular in the U.K. than in other European countries. That has probably something to do with the fact that Great Britain, being an island, is a nation of sailors.It is a well know fact that even King George V, while only Duke of York and serving on the HMS Bacchante, got himself tattooed on a stopover in Japan, just before meeting the Japanese Emperor and Emperess. The royal tattoo trend was started by George V's father, Edward VII, when he visited Jerusalem and had a cross tattooed on his arm.Following the example of the Royal family, many noble Englishmen, Army and Navy officers and even soldiers were encouraged to get one.It is not surprising that today, one in every five Briton is inked, going up to one in three young adults being tattooed.While having a tattoo in the U.K. is pretty s tandard, it is still frowned upon in Japan despite being a part of ancient folklore.The question is: should you get one?Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau boxing, in New York, NY and showing his traditional Haida tattoo.(Broadimage/REX/Shutterstock/CP)Overall this kind of tattoo can quickly reach more than 1 million yens ( £7500). A big investment!Yakuza parading during a festival in Tokyo and showing their traditional full body tattoos.Find Inspiration in the Land of the Rising SunFor this price tag and the lifetime commitment that such a tattoo involves, better be sure of the design in the first place.A visit to the Horiyoshi Tattoo Museum might give you some ideas.The design is one thing, you actually might want to choose where you want to get inked first. The position of the tattoo on your body will probably influence the size, style and esthetic of your dream tattoo.You will also have to decide if you want your tattoo to just be artistic and decorative or to carry a symbol ic meaning. Many symbols in Japan have a specific meaning.The Phoenix  will symbolise rebirth and triumph, a Japanese dragon tattoo will represent wisdom and strength while the tiger will protect against evil spirits and diseases.Kanji characters are also very popular as a tattoo but make sure to ask your tattoo artist to check the meaning for you.Even if you're looking at getting a traditional Japanese tattoo, feel free to include other styles of tattoo in your design. Japanese tattooers are very creative and are always looking to do their best to design a tattoo that will be perfect for you.Tip: politeness is essential everywhere in the world but even more in Japan. When talking to a Japanese tattoo artist foreigners should remember to be very polite and humble, that will go a long way especially if you are looking for a big tattoo (you will have to spend a lot of time with the artist).One of the best ways to find inspiration is to scroll down the Japanese tattoo shops' Instagram account. You will see all their work on there and often will have other tattooer commenting.If you are looking for a traditional Japanese tattoo design or something more new school make sure you're sure it is perfect. No going back!There's much to learn about Japanese Culture,  Japanese Literature  with our further guides.Don't get a tattoo you'll regret... learn japanese online  or take japanese lessons london! It's not difficult, just search 'japanese lessons near me'.