Non Japanese who have tattoos in Kanji

[TheNoNamedOne]

Seems like a lot of foreignors (most probably the military personel here) in Okinawa think it is cool to get a tatoo of some logo or catchphrase in Kanji that symbolizes a certain value or belief that they have. To be honest, in most cases they can't read it and are not able to pronounce it -- knowing just what it means from either what their girlfriend told them -- or worse yet, from what the tatoo artist told them it meant.

Perhaps it is the exoticness of having Kanji written on your body with indellible ink. I don't know. If not, then why not just spell it out in English? Having "Fighting Spirit" written in English on your body would allow for more to understand what you are trying to advertise about yourself.

They don't bother me too much, but my wife who is Japanese thinks Americans look pretty ridiculous sporting those types of tatoos, and she even says sometimes the Kanji combinations are quite weird, stunted, or unreadable.

Do you have a Kanji tatoo? If so, why? For those who don't, would you consider getting one, and how do you view them?

On second thought, like my wife, I am beginning to think they ARE ridiculous.

[dk]

I have 反戦 right over my heart in Kanji.

Just so I don't ever forget. Most problems can be solved without violence and war.

I wanted it in Japanese because I grew up here. When I got it, I didn't think I'd be coming back, and I wanted to take a piece of Japan with me. Nothing rediculous about it in my opinion. :P

[TheNoNamedOne]

Nothing rediculous about it in my opinion. :P

lol. As long as you can read it, I geuss.

I do remember I had an uncle who had a few from his days in the navy, and when all us neices and nephews asked him what it meant, he'd say he had forgotten. Perhaps rather than his tatoos being ridiculous, he was ridiculous.

But, dk, what if in old age you forget how to read it or what it means? Hmmmm.... well, perhaps for you your wife could always remind you. :)

Perhaps if you leave in the future you could get one in Katakana-- this one: ?????????

----------------
Edit: Crikey! I forgot -- I can't post in Japanese for some reason here on this forum. Anyways, it said: Japan Update.

[DoctorP]

I saw three young women two days ago. All three of them had kangi tatoos. One had a tatoo on her foot that said basically "fear nothing".

Another had a tatoo on her ankle (I wasn't sure what it said but the kanji wasn't even attractive)

The last girl had "angel" tatooed in the center of her back.

I'm never sure why people do this, but I guess they have their own reasons. I have my kids names tatooed on my arm in Kanji...but that makes a little more sense to me than just a random phrase.

[dk]

I'm never sure why people do this, but I guess they have their own reasons. I have my kids names tatooed on my arm in Kanji...but that makes a little more sense to me than just a random phrase.
I was thinking about doing this for my next tattoo actually. Kinda wanting to get it done soon.

[dk]

Perhaps if you leave in the future you could get one in Katakana-- this one: ?????????
A katakana tattoo would be so ugly I imagine. Kanji is refined! :P Well, it just looks cooler.

[TheNoNamedOne]

Hmmm...tatoos out of rememberance (which dk first mentioned), and tatoos for loved ones (which Dr.P mentioned having and dk saying he wants to do)....

I understand that reasoning, but for me, I'd be able to remember a place I had fond memories of after leaving, and I am not sure I'd want to be reminded of it every day.

The same goes with names. If my son or daughter were to die, of course I'd remember them, but I think for my own health and healing to move on, I would not want to be reminded of them every day. Closure I think means letting things go at some time, and having a name of someone I loved who had died on my body reminding me everyday of them would make the healing process much longer.

[dk]

It's a different strokes for different folks kind of thing. Several of my friends have HUGE tattoos all over their body. I have two small ones. I don't understand how they'd want so many, but they do. So I don't question it. We're all different.

[TheNoNamedOne]

Oh, don't get me wrong. I like tatoos. I think that many are aesthetically pleasing, but I do prefer to look at the ones which seem to be placed in more not showy off kind of locations -- like the shoulder, ankel, or abdomen. Text, though, in whatever language, particularly not one's native language leaves me puzzled to some extent.

I also like the smaller ones rather than larger ones.

The only reason I never got one is because I am thin. I think they look more attractive on more muscular people. But they alsol look terrible on fat people where they have been stretched out of their original proportions.

Maybe I will get one someday, though -- just not text.

Perhaps a butterfly near my navel.

[DoctorP]

Maybe I will get one someday, though -- just not text.

Perhaps a butterfly near my navel.

Sorry, but that just sounds gay!:(

[TheNoNamedOne]

Sorry, but that just sounds gay!:(

Then how about a butterfly on my bicep? Biceps are macho, aren't they?

I guess it is true that we should all try to fit into traditional social perceptions.

[DoctorP]

Then how about a butterfly on my bicep? Biceps are macho, aren't they?

I guess it is true that we should all try to fit into traditional social perceptions.

It has nothing to do with social perceptions. I'm just trying to get the picture out of my head of some skinny white guy with a butterfly tatoo on his navel! Damn Gross....next I guess you're gonna tatoo an elephant around your Johnson? At least the elephant would look somewhat manly!

I'm really sorry for your wife...the more you post, the more you sound like a real headcase!

[TheNoNamedOne]

It has nothing to do with social perceptions. I'm just trying to get the picture out of my head of some skinny white guy with a butterfly tatoo on his navel! Damn Gross....next I guess you're gonna tatoo an elephant around your Johnson? At least the elephant would look somewhat manly!

lol!

Well, you should use a little more discretion and wonder if I am just posting something in a humorous, rather than a serious manner.

I'm really sorry for your wife...the more you post, the more you sound like a real headcase!

Play nice now. No reason to kick sand in the eyes of someone who is playing in the sandbox with you.

[dk]

Sorry, but that just sounds gay!:(
I didn't want to be the one to say it. XD

Then how about a butterfly on my bicep? Biceps are macho, aren't they?

I guess it is true that we should all try to fit into traditional social perceptions.
I've got a bee on the inside of my arm on the bicep. I never added coloring so it looks like a fly. I'd say it's pretty neutral. But butterflies... I dunno. To me they seem more for girls. Unless it had fangs or shot lasers out of it's feelers.

[TheNoNamedOne]

It has nothing to do with social perceptions. I'm just trying to get the picture out of my head of some skinny white guy with a butterfly tatoo on his navel!

What is gay about butterflies or navels? Butterflies are cool, and we all have navels.

Or perhaps the thing that tips the scale is just being skinny?

[dk]

I personally liked the elephant idea. :D

[TheNoNamedOne]

But I don't know if Johnson would be comfortable covered in ink for the rest of His life. And how ridiculous would it look with an elephant with a stiff trunk pointing up for hours on end?

[TheNoNamedOne]

It has nothing to do with social perceptions.

Actually, the more I think of it -- it does.

[DoctorP]

But I don't know if Johnson would be comfortable covered in ink for the rest of His life. And how ridiculous would it look with an elephant with a stiff trunk pointing up for hours on end?


Actually the more I think of it...an elephant with a short trunk would look rather silly!:eek:

[TheNoNamedOne]

Yeah, I understand how some of you may have to worry about that.

[socalheart]

i've been mulling over getting a tattoo. i've hesitated, because needles hurt. but, if i ever get the courage to get a tattoo, it'll be of this: 鼠 it's my chinese zodiac birth year of the rat, shǔ in chinese or nezumi in japanese. i figure, if i can survive childbirth, i can deal with getting a tattoo. i am such a wuss.

p.s. butterfly at the navel for a man is very girly... unless you're an entemologist specialising in butterflies. then it's just odd. (o.O)

[Tempestuous]

Hmmm...tatoos out of rememberance (which dk first mentioned), and tatoos for loved ones (which Dr.P mentioned having and dk saying he wants to do)....

I understand that reasoning, but for me, I'd be able to remember a place I had fond memories of after leaving, and I am not sure I'd want to be reminded of it every day.

The same goes with names. If my son or daughter were to die, of course I'd remember them, but I think for my own health and healing to move on, I would not want to be reminded of them every day. Closure I think means letting things go at some time, and having a name of someone I loved who had died on my body reminding me everyday of them would make the healing process much longer.

Some people actually find it to be very healing to have a memory tat. Some actually go out and get one after the death of a close friend or relative to help them heal. Sometimes they cherish even more the one they had....as they know the person knew before they left that they meant enough to the inked person for he or she to add them to their body.

Personally I am mulling one over with the meanings of my "boys" names on it

As for the actual subject title....yeah, I don't get all these people getting tats that they aren't even sure of what it says. Guess they just think it's cool???

[Bones]

Personally, I hate tattoos. I hate needles.

I've recently seen people over here, who are in the military, with tattoos all over their bodies. When I joined the military, that was one of the things that they looked for during the initial physical.

During most of my military career, they were acceptable, as long as they could not be seen while wearing the uniform.

Don't know if this could be viewed as a "progressive" attitude by those in charge, or a sign of "desperation", to attract road-kill. :confused:

I guess that someone out there, will let me know.

NBTP

[Tempestuous]

Personally, I hate tattoos. I hate needles.

I've recently seen people over here, who are in the military, with tattoos all over their bodies. When I joined the military, that was one of the things that they looked for during the initial physical.

During most of my military career, they were acceptable, as long as they could not be seen while wearing the uniform.

Don't know if this could be viewed as a "progressive" attitude by those in charge, or a sign of "desperation", to attract road-kill. :confused:

I guess that someone out there, will let me know.

NBTP

I believe the rule is something like "it cannot cover more than "X" % of the visible body"

[quietasariot]

I have a tattoo on my back, in Kanji, and I was um, a stupid 19 year old when I got it done :). It is *supposed to* say "Eternal Love", but while getting a piercing done out in town, the piercer noticed my back and said it's more like "eternal pain" (which can still apply, because I've had a lot of hard times in my life).

Believe me, I bet most of the people with Kanji tattoos feel like asshats now ;).

[TheNoNamedOne]

THANK YOU QUIETASARIOT! Exhibit A.

Btw, do you know how to even read it in Japanese?

Also, there is one commercial here on AFN, a public service announcement, about saving energy, and there are these two really not so bright acting Marines going through the motions of cleaning and discussing saving energy. Well, one of them has a Kanji tattoo on his arm and it reads, "Toshi Ue."

Basically meaning, "getting older." How stupid! -- and that is the clean version off how my wife describes it.

Perhaps you have seen this commercial. If not, be on the look out for it and watch this guy's forearm.

Now, I am not calling you stupid Quiet -- as you said, you did it when you were younger and now realize that perhaps it was not the brightest thing to do at the time.

[quietasariot]

TheProsecutor: Nope, I don't. I thought it was the "cool" thing to do and while it still can "apply" it's not what the tattoo was supposed to stand for - it was supposed to represent my marriage to my husband, as eternal love, but ah... well, we all make mistakes. Some more permanent than others :P

I knew the guy with the Kanji on his arm. I've seen the tattoos before :P Trust me, he is not all that um... intelligent.

I know you're not calling me stupid... I promise not to get my panties in a wad and flounce out of here with a ball by myself. :P

[newvalor]

talking trash about somebody that has a foreign language tattoo doesn't do anything to help the situation. so what if they don't understand it or speak the language, let them have it and be proud of it. they atleast took the pain of having it done. I myself have 3 tattoo's, 2 being of kanji. yes I cannot speak the language but I do know for a fact what they mean and that they are correct as I did the research myself. why did I get them? well it would be a long story as they both were my first and second tattoo in the same day but to also remind myself of values and not have a word across my entire arm in the same. this is the type of mentality why sometimes I do not like foreign countries, they steal ideas of our culture and fashion, yet when we attempt it in reverse we get nothing but critics. oh well, if it's wrong then who cares they don't know so keep it to yourself on the subject rather than make people regret something they endured to be happy or have that memory. and my third tattoo I got prior to another trip to iraq incase you just gotta wonder why.

and it's 25% of the exposed bodypart for the dress and apperance standard.

[TheNoNamedOne]

Gee, newvalor, you sound angry. No need to be. Just talking about tatoos. Even quietasariot admits it wasn't the smart thing for her to do and she can't read them, and that the writings seem to be wrong. She and her experience just supports some of the things I have said and that even some of the Japanese here who see them on U.S. service men think they are strange looking, particularly when the readings are strange.

I don't think we were targeting you particularly, so no need to take it personal. If all that doesn't apply to you, then why get so upset?

btw, welcome to the forums.

[newvalor]

not upset at all. I've just realized that a majority of people that complain have not done it themselves and merely just criticize. people make mistakes of course they do, everybody does. I understand it may look strange to locals, but how do we percieve them when we see them immitate our styles. sometimes I find alot of complaining as just a waste of peoples time more than being of any real conversational topic.

[P_chan]

Hey if someone wants to get a kanji tattoo that is fine by me. But they should research it before they get. My wife told me that most americans with kanji tattoos have something stupid that really doesn't make any sense, or has a double meaning.

I was actually thinking about getting a small kanji tattoo somewhere on my body. I was going to get the symbol for tsuki which means moon. My wife's name has tsuki in it and moon is part of her name so I think it would be good. But I'm not sure I'd rather get something besides kanji.

[DoctorP]

sometimes I find alot of complaining as just a waste of peoples time more than being of any real conversational topic.

It's only a waste of time because it is falling on deaf ears! No one will listen anyway right?

[newvalor]

It's only a waste of time because it is falling on deaf ears! No one will listen anyway right?


sometimes you hope somebody is actually listening. echoes around here

but i'm not raging on anyone or anything. I just kinda think it's humerous in a way that people are actually involved in a subject like this. yeah so some idiot got it wrong, oh well, lets talk about it. if ya see it happen, oh well go on about your business. I could always complain of japanese getting tribal tattoo's or americanized tattoo's.

[P_chan]

sometimes you hope somebody is actually listening. echoes around here

but i'm not raging on anyone or anything. I just kinda think it's humerous in a way that people are actually involved in a subject like this. yeah so some idiot got it wrong, oh well, lets talk about it. if ya see it happen, oh well go on about your business. I could always complain of japanese getting tribal tattoo's or americanized tattoo's.


Exactly! It was their choice to get a tattoo! So what someone thinks it looks stupid but its' not on their body so they need to mind their own business.

[TheNoNamedOne]

I understand it may look strange to locals, but how do we percieve them when we see them immitate our styles.

You mean like Japanese wearing Levis? Doesn't look strange to me. Does it you?

...sometimes I find alot of complaining as just a waste of peoples time more than being of any real conversational topic.

I don't think this topic is a complaint. I think it is more of an observation. But you, too, have felt a need to weigh in on it with some thought of your own, so I geuss it is a valid conversation topic even from your perspective.

[dk]

You mean like Japanese wearing Levis? Doesn't look strange to me. Does it you?
Japanese hip hop is pretty retarded. That's one immitation I doubt they'll ever get right. And Japanese reggae is even worse.

But hey, it's better than Taiwanese rap.

[dk]

For the record, I still love my Japanese kanji tattoo. If you like it, good. If you think it's dumb, good for you. No one cares. Make your own decision and don't give two sh__s what anyone else thinks about you.

I'm going to get another one soon. Because kanji is more aesthetically pleasing to me than western text.

[TheNoNamedOne]

Japanese hip hop is pretty retarded. That's one immitation I doubt they'll ever get right. And Japanese reggae is even worse.

But hey, it's better than Taiwanese rap.

And I don't mind Japanese (or non-Japanese) making observations that Japanese doing that is such.

[dk]

I understand it may look strange to locals, but how do we percieve them when we see them immitate our styles.

Sorry. I was kind of replying to both of you. I figured you'd pick that up. It was in reference to the above quote which you replied to about levi's.

Japanese love to immitate western music.

[roxy_skyy]

I have the symbol for "faith" written behind my ear in kanji. I've always been discouraged in my life for one thing or another, and I had it tattooed behind my ear to remind me to always keep faith, rather it be religion, a goal, or just a reminder to keep my head above water. Even though I'm young, I've experienced a lot of hard times in my life and it took me a long time to decide on what I wanted to be a permanent in my life....

So when I decided, I made sure 6 different people (all of which my friends and all of which japanese) wrote it out on a little piece of paper and after I had collected them I went to a tattoo artist that I had talked to previously and as soon as I showed him he asked me "Faith??" so I'm pretty sure that it's the correct symbols. haha. I wouldn't have done that if my mom hadn't warned me "Now, look, what if it says something like "fat slob" hmmm??"...so I took the advice of an elder.

[sgtwho08]

I had the same problem, I think its stupid if you cant proove what it means,lol, I mean my wife is from Okinawa, so ofcourse she knows what mine says, its my kids name. After I return from Iraq Im going to get my other 2 kids names and believe it or not, my wifes!! I think that nearly 12 years, its probably safe(lets hope), I mean, she has mine over her left breast, and I didnt ask her to do that, that was great!! It will all be in Kanji around my left arm. Ofcoursse my wife will write it out for me as well. Mine will be legit!!lol

[DoctorP]

I had the same problem, I think its stupid if you cant proove what it means,lol, I mean my wife is from Okinawa, so ofcourse she knows what mine says, its my kids name. After I return from Iraq Im going to get my other 2 kids names and believe it or not, my wifes!! I think that nearly 12 years, its probably safe(lets hope), I mean, she has mine over her left breast, and I didnt ask her to do that, that was great!! It will all be in Kanji around my left arm. Ofcoursse my wife will write it out for me as well. Mine will be legit!!lol

Aren't you the same guy that posted this:

http://www.japanupdate.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6538

but now you say it's safe to put your wife's name on your body as a tatto??:scratchchin:

[uriel]

Eventually I will be getting my daughters name in kanji and her birtday. Other than that, probably not more kanji. Until we have some more kids.

[Crazysix]

Eventually I will be getting my daughters name in kanji and her birtday. Other than that, probably not more kanji. Until we have some more kids.

you can adopt me and get a big C6 on your back

[DoctorP]

you can adopt me and get a big C6 on your back

I'll do that...I'll put a big "C6 wuz here" right by my cock! :thumbup:

[regalpinoy]

I remember going through college and it seemed like the rage to get a kanji tattoo.

I never felt "right" to have kanji on my arm being filipino and all, so I went ahead and researched filipino script. After studying/researching it, I felt fully comfortable getting that tattooed on me.

I agree with the fact that people will get tattoos for their own reasons. It is an art, and ultimately at the end of the day:

"To each, his or her own":thumbup:

[uriel]

My daughter is half and her first name has it's own kanji, so I think I'm safe. I would get the script of my ancestors, but spanish isn't the most interesting language I've seen.

[okisteve]

I remember going through college and it seemed like the rage to get a kanji tattoo.

I never felt "right" to have kanji on my arm being filipino and all, so I went ahead and researched filipino script. After studying/researching it, I felt fully comfortable getting that tattooed on me.

I agree with the fact that people will get tattoos for their own reasons. It is an art, and ultimately at the end of the day:

"To each, his or her own":thumbup:

What is filipino script? You mean that old spanish gothic lettering?

[Trail]

I have the symbol for "faith" written behind my ear in kanji. I've always been discouraged in my life for one thing or another, and I had it tattooed behind my ear to remind me to always keep faith, rather it be religion, a goal, or just a reminder to keep my head above water. Even though I'm young, I've experienced a lot of hard times in my life and it took me a long time to decide on what I wanted to be a permanent in my life....

:::Breaks into George Michael's "Faith":::
http://jp.youtube.com/watch?v=viPWb3ieH6o

Sorry Rox, couldn't resist! :grin1:

[regalpinoy]

What is filipino script? You mean that old spanish gothic lettering?

It's called Alibata or Babayin. Here's a link for some samples:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baybayin

[Sex Wax]

It's called Alibata or Babayin. Here's a link for some samples:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baybayin

That writing looks cool!

[Sex Wax]

HA HA HA HA:

http://www.clubfuji.com/Ash/dumb%20tattoo.jpg

:grin1:

[Old guy]

I'll volunteer, if anyone wants a kanji tattoo you just let me know what you want it to say and i'll show you what it looks like.

やなかぎ＝i'm smart

[Trail]

A "legit" website for translations: :rolleyes:

http://www.dsfy.com/

[wenjam]

Think of it this way...I know what mine says on my back...I had an Okinawan friend help me out with some of the readings.."happiness" is on my back...that is all I want in life. Tattoos usually tell a story of a person...I also have a dragon, and a small daisy..which I am planning on covering up with a flaming phoenix. The bird that represents rebirth from death...for my father's memory.
People ask why some get kanji if you can't read it....well, why do Japanese get shirts with broken English or with curse words on them if they don't know what it means.....it all just depends on the person....Granted a shirt is not a tattoo, but still the same concept.

[mikersoft]

Aren't you the same guy that posted this:

http://www.japanupdate.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6538

but now you say it's safe to put your wife's name on your body as a tatto??:scratchchin:

LOL.......

[P_chan]

Saw a guy with a kanji tattoo at the onna station today. It said "kichigai", which isn't something I would want someone to call me. Why would you want to put "insane" on your arm?

[dk]

Saw a guy with a kanji tattoo at the onna station today. It said "kichigai", which isn't something I would want someone to call me. Why would you want to put "insane" on your arm?
Maybe he enjoys Cyprus Hill.

[cellophane]

I am going to go out on a limb here and say that I think I speak for the majority of folks who are inked. When a person gets a tattoo, even though it may be a aesthetic declaration, it is still a very personal expression. Oftentimes a tat is even meant to be esoteric in interpretation. I'm not talking about if you can read it or if I can read it or anything like that because it's not even so much about the language as it is the thought behind what those words mean to me. It's not suppose to be significant for everyone who sees it. I have few tattoos and the way I look at it you either get it or you don't. If you care to ask I will tell you the story behind why I made the commitment to put in on my body. If you don't do that and just judge me by something you don't understand, then that says more about what you are lacking then it does about anything I choose to put on my body in whatever language.

[Jimmy Hoffa]

Well I have wife and kids names and they are Japanese.

[OCanadaOurHomeAndNativeLand]

I imagine I've seen a few of y'all here...

http://www.hanzismatter.com/

[P_chan]

If you don't do that and just judge me by something you don't understand, then that says more about what you are lacking then it does about anything I choose to put on my body in whatever language.

So if I, and everyone else around you, understands that your kanji tattoo says "insane" is it all right for me to judge you as insane? After all, you were the one who put it there so you're obviously trying to say something about your personality IMO. One of the members in my group even said "His tattoo basically says insane/stupid/retarded (it could have been read in any one of those ways), I wonder if he knows that?" So sorry, doesn't really matter what you are trying to say with your tattoo. If it says the words "retarded" in any language I'm going to assume you really are "retarded" because after all, you labeled yourself as being retarded first.

[Meliai]

I think tattoos are perfectly private as far as reasons for having them go. It isn't anyone's business why you do this or that or whatever. But, if they are highly visible, you also have to understand that people are naturally inclined to judge others on their appearance. Right or wrong, I don't see that changing any time soon.

Who really cares in the end, though? If you have a negative opinion about someone because of how they look ... you're entitled to think what you want and even avoid them. And if you don't give a rats arse about what others think of your appearance, then it shouldn't be a problem for you, either.

What I don't get are the self-proclaimed "highly sensitive" folks who go out of their way to stand out and then cry foul at the arguably negative attention they get. If being stared at and having people say nasty things about you hurts your fweewings, for heaven's sake, don't pierce your face until it's hazardous, tattoo yourself like a mural, dress like you fell right out of the Rocky Horror Pictureshow, etc. Those things don't bother me ... I've had plenty of "freakish" friends over the years who are absolutely amazing persons ... but even I wouldn't want to garner that much attention.

Visual hazards or aesthetically pleasing? It's mostly subjective. And I think, as long as people continue to focus mostly on superficialities, everything visible about us is going to be open for discussion and/or judgement. Try to remember that opinions are like farts. Everyone has them, everyone passes them and everyone thinks their own are less offensive than someone else's. Just try to keep upwind. ;)