+100 Anime Tattoo Ideas: How to Choose the Perfect Tattoo for Yourself

Anime Tattoo Ideas: How to Choose and Decide on the Best Tattoo Shapes

Anime is a popular Japanese animation style that has become a worldwide phenomenon. Its unique art style and storytelling have captivated fans worldwide, and many people have chosen to express their love for anime through tattoos. If you are an anime enthusiast considering getting an anime tattoo, then this article can assist you in selecting the perfect tattoo shapes that suit your preferences.

Why is anime so popular?

Anime has become popular because of its unique art style, storytelling, and diverse genres. Anime can range from action-packed shows like Attack on Titan to more emotional dramas like Your Lie in April. Since anime has a different western animation style, it has increased its popularity by standing out with its difference. It has its niche audience.

How to choose anime tattoo ideas

Finding the right anime tattoo idea can be complicated and intimidating if you’re new to anime. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect anime tattoo ideas:

Find inspiration: Look for inspiration on social media platforms like Pinterest and Instagram. Many anime tattoo ideas and designs on these platforms can help you find inspiration for your tattoo.

Placement is Key: Before you decide on the size of your anime tattoo, consider where you want to place it on your body. When it comes to getting a tattoo, certain body parts like the forearm or calf provide ample space for larger designs, whereas other areas like the wrist or ankle may necessitate a smaller tattoo. Additionally, some plans may look better on some body regions, so it’s essential to consider the placement when choosing the size.

Choose your favorite anime: Choose an anime that has a special meaning. It can be an anime you grew up watching or recently discovered. 

Think about the message: Anime tattoos can be meaningful and convey a message. Consider the meaning and significance you want your tattoo to hold, then opt for a design that truly captures that essence. To provide some inspiration, here are a few examples to explore.

One Piece Tattoos:

One Piece is a popular anime series that follows the journey of a pirate named Monkey D. Luffy and his crew as they search for the ultimate treasure known as One Piece. Some popular One Piece tattoos and their meanings include:

  • The Straw Hat Pirates: The Straw Hat Pirates are the crew that Luffy leads, and their symbol is a straw hat. This tattoo represents loyalty, camaraderie, and a desire for adventure.
  • Jolly Roger: The Jolly Roger is the pirate flag that the Straw Hat Pirates fly. It features a skull with a straw hat and two crossed swords. This tattoo represents a rebellious spirit and a refusal to conform to authority.
  • Ace’s Tattoo: Ace was Luffy’s adopted brother and had a tattoo on his arm that read “ASCE.” This tattoo represents brotherhood, family, and sacrifice.
  • Whitebeard’s Tattoo: Whitebeard, one of the mightiest pirates in the One Piece universe, had an imposing tattoo adorning his back that depicted a colossal skull. This tattoo represents power, strength, and fearlessness.
  • Going Merry: The Going Merry was the first ship the Straw Hat Pirates used. This tattoo represents the importance of teamwork and a desire to explore the world.

One Piece tattoos often represent the themes of adventure, freedom, and camaraderie central to the series.

Naruto Tattoos: Naruto is another popular anime series that has inspired many tattoos. 

  • Sharingan: The Sharingan is the most iconic eye-based jutsu on Naruto. It is the Kekkei Genkai of the Uchiha Clan, and it grants its users incredible abilities, such as predicting enemy movements, copying jutsu, and even hypnotizing others.
  • Konoha Symbol: The Konoha symbol is the emblem of the Hidden Leaf Village, where Naruto was born and raised. It represents the ideals of teamwork, loyalty, and perseverance central to the series.
  • Naruto’s Seal: Naruto’s seal is a marking his parents placed on him as a baby. It contains the Nine-Tailed Fox, a powerful demon that threatened the village. The seal keeps the demon in check, but it also causes Naruto to experience intense pain and suffering.
  • Jiraiya’s Toad Summoning: Jiraiya is one of Naruto’s mentors, and he can summon giant toads to do his bidding. His summoning jutsu is a popular tattoo choice among Naruto fans, representing strength and power.
  • ANBU Black Ops Mask: The ANBU Black Ops is a special ops unit within the Hidden Leaf Village. They wear masks to conceal their identities and carry out covert missions. The ANBU mask is a popular tattoo among fans who identify with the unit’s ideals of duty and sacrifice.

Fullmetal Alchemist:

Fullmetal Alchemist is a popular anime series with a wide range of tattoo designs with different meanings. Here are some of the most popular Fullmetal Alchemist tattoos and their meanings:

  • Flamel Symbol: This popular tattoo design features a circular symbol with a cross and a snake in the middle. It represents the Philosopher’s Stone, a powerful artifact that can grant immortality and infinite power.
  • Homunculus Mark: This tattoo design features a six-pointed star wrapped around a snake. It represents the mark of the seven homunculi, artificial beings created by alchemy.
  • Transmutation Circle: This tattoo design features a circle with various symbols and text. It represents the alchemical process of transmutation, the act of transforming one substance into another.
  • Ouroboros Symbol: This tattoo design features a serpent or dragon eating its tail, forming a circular shape. It represents the eternal cycle of life, death, rebirth, and the concept of infinity.
  • State Alchemist Tattoo: This tattoo design features a snake and a cross, with the word “alchemy” written underneath. It represents the State Alchemists, a group of elite alchemists who work for the military.

Fullmetal Alchemist tattoos represent the power of alchemy, the pursuit of knowledge, and the consequences of playing god by creating artificial life.

Bleach: Zanpakuto Tattoo: Zanpakuto is the primary weapon used by Soul Reapers in the “Bleach” series. Getting a tattoo of a Zanpakuto represents your strength and power.

  • Hollow Mask Tattoo: Hollows are evil spirits born from human souls that didn’t cross over to the afterlife. A tattoo of a Hollow mask represents your dark and mysterious side.
  • Shinigami Tattoo: Shinigamis are Soul Reapers tasked with guiding souls to the afterlife. A tattoo of a Shinigami represents your desire to protect and guide others.
  • Ichigo Kurosaki Tattoo: Ichigo is the main protagonist of the “Bleach” series. A tattoo of Ichigo represents your courage and determination to overcome any obstacle.
  • Bankai Tattoo: Bankai is a more powerful version of Zanpakuto. Getting a tattoo of a Bankai symbolizes your growth and transformation into a more powerful version of yourself.
  • “BANKAI” Kanji Tattoo: “Bankai” is a Japanese word that means “final release.” Getting a “BANKAI” kanji tattoo symbolizes your determination to reach your final form and achieve your goals.

Attack on Titan Tattoos: Attack on Titan is a popular anime series set in a world where humans must defend themselves against giant humanoid creatures called Titans. 

  • Wings of Freedom: The Scout Regiment’s iconic emblem symbolizes freedom and the ability to soar above one’s limitations.
  • Survey Corps Emblem: The Survey Corps emblem symbolizes the organization’s mission to explore and study the Titans beyond the Walls.
  • “Shinzou wo Sasageyo”: This is a phrase commonly associated with Attack on Titan, which means “Dedicate your heart” in Japanese. It is often associated with the Survey Corps and their determination to fight against the Titans.
  • Colossal Titan: A tattoo of the Colossal Titan, one of the series’ most prominent and terrifying villains. This tattoo could symbolize fear, power, or the struggle against seemingly unbeatable foes.
  • Titan Eye: A tattoo of a Titan’s eye could symbolize the sense of dread and unease that permeates the series. It also symbolizes seeing beyond surface appearances to uncover the truth.
  • Mikasa’s Scarf: A tattoo of the iconic red scarf worn by Mikasa, one of the series’ main characters. This tattoo could symbolize loyalty, protection, and the importance of familial bonds.

Death Note Tattoos: Death Note is a dark anime series about a high school student who gains the power to kill anyone whose name he writes in a special notebook. Fans of the series often get tattoos of the Death Note itself, as well as tattoos of characters like Light and L. These tattoos often represent intelligence, power, and a love for the Death Note universe.

  • L Lawliet’s Symbol: L is one of the main characters in the series, and his symbol is a popular tattoo choice. It is a simple circle with a vertical line through the center, representing L’s analytical and logical nature.
  • Death Note Text: The titular Death Notebook is a significant part of the series, and the text from the book’s cover or pages can be a popular tattoo choice. The text can be symbolic of the power and responsibility that comes with wielding the Death Note.
  • Ryuk: Ryuk is a shinigami (death god) who drops the Death Note into the human world, setting the events of the series in motion. He is a popular character, and a tattoo of his mischievous face can represent the unpredictability of life and death.
  • “I Am Justice” Symbol: One of the main characters in the series, Light Yagami, believes that he is carrying out justice by using the Death Note to kill criminals. His symbol, which consists of an “L” and “J” merged, can represent the desire for justice and the consequences of taking justice into one’s own hands.

Demon Slayer Tattoos: Demon Slayer, also known as Kimetsu no Yaiba in Japanese, is a popular anime and manga series that features a world where demons exist and demon slayers fight against them. Here are some popular tattoo designs and their meanings from the series:

  • The Demon Slayer Mark: This symbol appears on the forehead of the Demon Slayer Corps after they undergo a rigorous training program. It gives them increased strength, speed, and agility. The mark consists of a red dot surrounded by two curved lines.
  • Tanjiro’s earrings:- Tanjiro, the main character of the series, wears a pair of unique earrings with a floral design. The earrings were originally worn by his father and can protect the wearer from demonic possession.
  • The Nichirin Blade: The Nichirin Blade is a unique sword used by demon slayers to kill demons. The blade’s color changes to match the user’s personality, and each color has a specific meaning. For example, a black blade symbolizes a slayer with a strong sense of justice, while a red blade symbolizes a strong anger.
  • The Sun symbol: This symbol is often seen on the uniforms and equipment of the Demon Slayer Corps. It represents the sun’s power and is said to be effective against demons, who are weak to sunlight.
  • Hashira tattoos: The Hashira is the strongest demon slayer in the corps, and each has a unique tattoo. The tattoos are based on the Breath Style that the Hashira use to fight demons. For example, the Flame Hashira has a flames tattoo on his body.

Demon Slayer tattoos often represent strength, protection, and the fight against evil.

These are just a few examples of anime tattoos and their meanings. Ultimately, the meaning behind an anime tattoo will vary depending on the individual and their connection to the series.

How to decide on anime tattoo shapes

Once you’ve chosen your anime tattoo idea, it’s time to decide on the shape and design. Here are some tips to help you decide on the best anime tattoo shapes:

Research different styles: There are many anime styles, including chibi, shounen, and shojo. Research different styles and find one that matches your tattoo idea.

Consider the size: The size of your tattoo will affect the shape and design. Anime tattoos are known for their intricate details, and the size of your tattoo can affect how much detail can be included. A smaller tattoo may allow for less detail than a larger one, so it’s essential to consider the level of detail you want in your tattoo when choosing the size.

Think About Future Changes: While getting a large anime tattoo that covers a significant portion of your body may be tempting, it’s important to consider future changes that may affect the tattoo. For example, a large tattoo may stretch or warp if you plan on gaining or losing weight. Similarly, if you plan on getting other tattoos in the future, it’s essential to consider how the size and placement of your anime tattoo will affect future designs.

Consider Your Pain Tolerance: Tattoos can be painful, and larger tattoos may require longer sessions in the tattoo chair. If you have a low pain tolerance or are new to tattoos, a smaller design may be better. 

Consult with Your Tattoo Artist: Your tattoo artist is an expert in the field and can offer valuable advice when choosing the right size for your anime tattoo. They can help you choose a size that will work well with your chosen design and placement and provide insight into how the size will affect the level of detail and overall appearance of the tattoo.

Think about the colors: Anime tattoos can be colorful, vibrant, and black and white. If you want manga-style anime tattoos, black and white tattoos will be perfect. This way, you can move a chapter from the manga to any part of your body you want. So think carefully about the model and the visualization in your mind. Colors can change many things.

How do I find the right tattoo artist for anime tattoo ideas?

Finding the right tattoo artist is crucial for getting the best anime tattoo. The artist is critical for you to get the anime tattoos you want. We will give you some suggestions.

How to Find the Right Tattoo Artist for Your Anime Tattoo Ideas

A good tattoo artist will help bring your anime tattoo ideas to life while ensuring the tattoo looks great and lasts a lifetime. 

  • Research the Artist’s Portfolio

Before choosing a tattoo artist, make sure to check their portfolio. Look for artists specializing in anime tattoos or who have experience creating anime-inspired designs. You want to ensure your chosen artist has the skills and expertise to bring your anime tattoo ideas to life.

  • Read Reviews and Check References

Check the artist’s online reviews, and ask for references. Look for reviews that specifically mention anime tattoos, and pay attention to comments about the artist’s professionalism, cleanliness, and skill level. Talk to others who have gotten anime tattoos and ask for their recommendations.

  • Visit the Studio

After you’ve identified an artist that piques your interest, visiting their studio is a good idea. While there, take a moment to assess the cleanliness and upkeep of the space. Observe how the artists interact with their clients, and don’t hesitate to inquire about any concerns or queries you may have regarding the tattooing process.

  • Ask About the Tattoo Process

When you meet with the artist, ask about their process for creating tattoos. Find out what type of ink they use, how they sterilize their equipment, and what precautions they take to ensure your safety. It would be best to ask about the artist’s process for creating custom designs and how many revisions you can make before the design is finalized.

  • Trust Your Gut

Finally, trust your instincts. Looking elsewhere is best if you feel uncomfortable with an artist or studio. Your tattoo artist should make you feel comfortable and confident in their ability to bring your anime tattoo ideas to life.

In conclusion, finding the right tattoo artist for your anime tattoo ideas requires research, references, and intuition. By finding the right artist, you can ensure that your anime tattoo is a work of art you’ll be proud to show off for years.

 

Conclusion

Anime tattoos are a great way to express devotion and love for your favorite anime and its unique art style. When choosing and deciding on the best tattoo shapes, remember to find inspiration, select your favorite anime, think about the message and the placement, and research different styles, sizes, and colors. Finding the right tattoo artist is also important to get the best anime tattoo. Now we will show you 100 unique anime tattoo ideas.

For people who love anime and not ready for tattoos, it’s a good idea to turn these pattern to some custom stickers. So tattoo shops can use stickers as giveaways for customers. GS-JJ.com offers a wide variety of custom stickers, allowing you to feature your favorite anime.