The Japanese tattoo style is quite different from the American styles of style. They are bold, textually clear, and have beautiful curls in them (for example, the Japanese cloud or wave symbol.) Usually, Japanese tattoos are full-blown designs but when it comes to the Japanese skull, it can be small and simple. But there is more than one way of looking at a Japanese skull tattoo too. Here’s a list of ideas and their meanings that you can consider.
Meaning of Japanese Skull Tattoo Designs
Contents (Click to Jump)
New Life:聽In Japanese culture, there is a lot of importance that has been given to the question of life and death. The skull represents the same symbolism.
Death: Due to the increasingly negative connotations attached to the skull in general, the Japanese meaning of the skull has also taken a negative meaning to it.
Ideas For Japanese Skull Tattoo Designs
Skulls with Cherry Blossom: The skull tattoo can be added with cherry blossoms which are the popular flowers of Japan. They will also help the design look more beautiful and colorful – an amalgamation of beauty and beast.
Samurai Skull: Skulls already represent death and samurai represents someone who brings death to evil. Thus it makes an amazing combination.
Skull and Snakes: Skulls and snakes have always been a classic combination.
Skulls and Dagger:聽 Dagger is another element that would go well with the skull tattoos
Flames and Skull: Flaming skulls done in the Japanese style of tattooing would look quite impressive!
List of Japanese Skull Tattoo Designs & Meanings
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Marvelous Japanese Skull Tattoo Design on Arm
Other Locations: Leg, Ribs
Tattoo Style: Japanese
Other Elements: Not Required
Colors/Black & Grey: Colored
More Suitable For: Men and Women
Author’s Review: The addition of bright colors in the flowers makes this skull design stand out.
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Awesome Japanese Skull Tattoo Design on Arm
Other Locations: Leg
Tattoo Style: Japanese
Other Elements: Not Required
Colors/Black & Grey: A hint of color
More Suitable For: Men and Women
Author’s Review: The beautiful Japanese flower in this tattoo design makes the theme of beauty and the beast turn into reality.
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Amazing Japanese Skull Tattoo Design on Chest
Other Locations: Back, Thigh, Upper Arm
Tattoo Style: Japanese, Shading
Other Elements: Not Required
Colors/Black & Grey: Colored
More Suitable For: Men and Women
Author’s Review: We might have heard about the flaming skull, but this skull has tried to be different and is instead pouring out water. But, in Japanese tradition, there is a lot of importance attached to water as a symbol of strength and purity.
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Snakey Japanese Skull Tattoo Design on Arm
Other Locations: Leg
Tattoo Style: Japanese, Shading
Other Elements: Not Required
Colors/Black & Grey: Black and Grey
More Suitable For: Men and Women
Author’s Review: Snakes and Skulls are a very classic combo!
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Wonderful Japanese Skull Tattoo Design on Upper Arm
Other Locations: Thigh, Ribs
Tattoo Style: Japanese, Shading
Other Elements: Not Required
Colors/Black & Grey: Black and Grey
More Suitable For: Men
Author’s Review: The skull here is standing like a samurai and that is quite a japan vibe right here.
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Kingly Japanese Skull Tattoo Design on Upper Arm
Other Locations: Leg
Tattoo Style: Japanese, Realistic
Other Elements: Not Required
Colors/Black & Grey: Black and Grey
More Suitable For: Men
Author’s Review: A realistic image like this would sell and attract a lot of people.
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Warrior Japanese Skull Tattoo Design on Arm
Other Locations: Leg
Tattoo Style: Japanese, Realistic
Other Elements: Not Required
Colors/Black & Grey: A hint of color
More Suitable For: Men
Author’s Review: The skull, the samurai helmet, the sword, and the Japanese flower! What else can shout Japanese more than this?
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Fabulous Japanese Skull Tattoo Design on Leg
Other Locations: Arm
Tattoo Style: Japanese, Shading, Realistic
Other Elements: Not Required
Colors/Black & Grey: A hint of color
More Suitable For: Men
Author’s Review: If you have a lot of elements to be added to your design,聽 then the leg is a perfect place to make any design.
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Massive Japanese Skull Tattoo Design on Back
Other Locations: Stomach and Chest
Tattoo Style: Japanese, Shading, Realistic
Other Elements: Not Required
Colors/Black & Grey: Black and Grey
More Suitable For: Men
Author’s Review: This skull tattoo covers the whole back and gives a very engaging theme.
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Incredible Japanese Skull Tattoo Design on Leg
Other Locations: Arm
Tattoo Style: Japanese, Shading, Realistic
Other Elements: Not Required
Colors/Black & Grey: Black and Grey
More Suitable For: Men
Author’s Review: This exact design can also be made on the arm where it would be more visible.
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Excellent Japanese Skull Tattoo Design on Arm
Other Locations: Leg
Tattoo Style: Japanese, Shading, Realistic
Other Elements: Not Required
Colors/Black & Grey: Black and Grey
More Suitable For: Men
Author’s Review: The bold and curvy pattern makes the whole design stand out in its appearance and theme.
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Japanese Skull Tattoo Design on Arm
Other Locations: Leg, Ribs, Thigh
Tattoo Style: Japanese, Shading
Other Elements: Not Required
Colors/Black & Grey: A hint of color
More Suitable For: Men and Women
Author’s Review: The use of strong black and grey colors sets out the tone for the gruesome nature of the tattoo. The flowers on the other hand provide a great way to add colors.
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Colorful Japanese Skull Tattoo Design on Chest
Other Locations: Back, Thigh
Tattoo Style: Japanese, Shading
Other Elements: Not Required
Colors/Black & Grey: A hint of color
More Suitable For: Men and Women
Author’s Review: Once again, adding flowers is a great idea. You can choose the kind of flowers that needs to be added.
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Snake Japanese Skull Tattoo Design on Front Body
Other Locations: Back
Tattoo Style: Japanese
Other Elements: Not Required
Colors/Black & Grey: Colored
More Suitable For: Men
Author’s Review: In japan, people have a lot of reverence towards snakes as gods or creatures sent by god. The addition of the skull and snake can be used to show the mix of good and evil.
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Enormous Japanese Skull Tattoo Design on Back
Other Locations: Leg, Ribs
Tattoo Style: Japanese, Shading, Realistic
Other Elements: Not Required
Colors/Black & Grey: Black and Grey
More Suitable For: Men
Author’s Review: This tattoo is quite huge. So, it is recommended only for people who have the patience (and a high level of pain tolerance 馃榾 )
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Japanese Skull Tattoo Design on Arm
Other Locations: Leg, Ribs
Tattoo Style: Japanese, Shading, Realistic
Other Elements: Not Required
Colors/Black & Grey: Black and Grey
More Suitable For: Men
Author’s Review: The beautiful shaded design that covers the whole arm represents a Japanese theme.
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Creative Japanese Skull Tattoo Design on Arm
Other Locations: Leg, Ribs
Tattoo Style: Japanese, Shading, Realistic
Other Elements: Not Required
Colors/Black & Grey: Black and Grey
More Suitable For: Men
Author’s Review: The addition of floral imagery into the Japanese skull tattoo is quite intriguing.
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Aquatic Japanese Skull Tattoo Design on Arm
Other Locations: Leg, Ribs
Tattoo Style: Japanese, Shading, Realistic
Other Elements: Not Required
Colors/Black & Grey: Black and Grey
More Suitable For: Men
Author’s Review: The full-arm tattoo looks quite nice. It is not too congested either and looks pretty spacious.
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Wavy Japanese Skull Tattoo Design on Arm
Other Locations: Leg, Ribs
Tattoo Style: Japanese, Shading
Other Elements: Not Required
Colors/Black & Grey: Black and Grey
More Suitable For: Men
Author’s Review: The floral patterns and leaves added in the background is inspired by the culture of japan.
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Monstrous Japanese Skull Tattoo Design on Leg
Other Locations: Leg, Ribs
Tattoo Style: Japanese
Other Elements: Not Required
Colors/Black & Grey: Colored
More Suitable For: Men and Women
Author’s Review: The colors used here are super bright and looks amazing.
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Perfect Japanese Skull Tattoo Design on Arm
Other Locations: Leg, Ribs
Tattoo Style: Japanese, Shading, Realistic
Other Elements: Not Required
Colors/Black & Grey: Black and Grey
More Suitable For: Men
Author’s Review: Most people like to go with black and grey shading when it comes to a bit manly designs.
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Multicolored Japanese Skull Tattoo Design on Arm
Other Locations: Leg, Ribs
Tattoo Style: Japanese
Other Elements: Not Required
Colors/Black & Grey: Colored
More Suitable For: Men
Author’s Review: The skull here is very intimidating and expresses a very emotive state of mind.
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Amazing Japanese Skull Tattoo Design on Arm
Other Locations: Thigh, Leg, Ribs
Tattoo Style: Japanese, Shading
Other Elements: Not Required
Colors/Black & Grey: A hint of color
More Suitable For: Men
Author’s Review: This Japanese-inspired tattoo looks very similar to the American traditional tattoo design.
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Flowery Japanese Skull Tattoo Design on Arm
Other Locations: Thigh, Leg, Ribs
Tattoo Style: Japanese, Shading
Other Elements: Not Required
Colors/Black & Grey: A hint of color
More Suitable For: Men
Author’s Review: The realism that has been captured in this tattoo design is superb!
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Sketchy Japanese Skull Tattoo Design on Arm
Other Locations: Thigh, Leg, Ribs
Tattoo Style: Japanese, Minimalistic
Other Elements: Not Required
Colors/Black & Grey: A hint of color can be added
More Suitable For: Men
Author’s Review: If anyone is into minimal designs, then this outline design of the skull with a bit of shading would interest them.
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Lovely Japanese Skull Tattoo Design on Arm
Other Locations: Thigh, Leg, Ribs
Tattoo Style: Japanese, Shading
Other Elements: Not Required
Colors/Black & Grey: A hint of color can be added
More Suitable For: Men
Author’s Review: The shading effect in this design is pretty intricate.
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Dynamic Japanese Skull Tattoo Design on Arm
Other Locations: Thigh, Leg, Ribs
Tattoo Style: Japanese, Shading
Other Elements: Not Required
Colors/Black & Grey: A hint of color
More Suitable For: Men
Author’s Review: The design is very intricate here but has been well made with the colors and the black and grey space.
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Japanese Skull Tattoo Design on Thigh
Other Locations: Thigh, Leg, Ribs
Tattoo Style: Japanese, Shading
Other Elements: Not Required
Colors/Black & Grey: A hint of color
More Suitable For: Men
Author’s Review: This is a great shaded skull that has been made on the thigh – which is also a perfect place for the tattoo.
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Artistic Japanese Skull Tattoo Design on Shoulder
Other Locations: Thigh, Leg, Ribs
Tattoo Style: Japanese
Other Elements: Not Required
Colors/Black & Grey: A hint of color
More Suitable For: Men
Author’s Review: I liked the idea of starting with the chest and covering the whole arm to give a consistent theme to the design.
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Creative Japanese Skull Tattoo Design on Back
Other Locations: Thigh, Leg, Ribs
Tattoo Style: Japanese, Shading
Other Elements: Not Required
Colors/Black & Grey: A hint of color can be added
More Suitable For: Men
Author’s Review: The middle part of the design which is the skull has been given a lot of focus while the background is kept pretty simple.
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Cloudy Japanese Skull Tattoo Design on Shoulder
Other Locations: Thigh, Leg, Ribs
Tattoo Style: Japanese, Shading
Other Elements: Not Required
Colors/Black & Grey: A hint of color
More Suitable For: Men
Author’s Review: The beautiful flow of the water incorporated with bright-colored flowers makes for a great addition to the skull tattoo.
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Ideal Japanese Skull Tattoo Design on Arm
Other Locations: Thigh, Leg, Ribs
Tattoo Style: Japanese, Shading
Other Elements: Not Required
Colors/Black & Grey: A hint of color
More Suitable For: Men
Author’s Review: The black ground has been made to add the bright elements on top of it – this is such a unique idea.
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Japanese Skull Tattoo Design on Arm
Other Locations: Thigh, Leg, Ribs
Tattoo Style: Japanese, Shading
Other Elements: Not Required
Colors/Black & Grey: A hint of color
More Suitable For: Men
Author’s Review: The images in the design here are very potent. The use of dark ink has been made to show the same!
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Outstanding Japanese Skull Tattoo Design on Arm
Other Locations: Thigh, Leg, Ribs
Tattoo Style: Japanese, Shading
Other Elements: Not Required
Colors/Black & Grey: A hint of color
More Suitable For: Men
Author’s Review: This Japanese skull tattoo has a lot of extra elements added to the design – maybe because of the added meaning that it brings along.
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Lovely Japanese Skull Tattoo Design on Arm
Other Locations: Thigh, Leg, Ribs
Tattoo Style: Japanese, Shading
Other Elements: Not Required
Colors/Black & Grey: A hint of color
More Suitable For: Men
Author’s Review: Everything about this tattoo speaks of the Japanese culture and hence it remains to be an ideal tattoo design.
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Cool Japanese Skull Tattoo Design on Arm
Other Locations: Thigh, Leg, Ribs
Tattoo Style: Japanese, Shading
Other Elements: Not Required
Colors/Black & Grey: Not Necessary
More Suitable For: Men
Author’s Review: The skull is added with an image of the monster which forms a great accomplice to the design.
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Exceptional Japanese Skull Tattoo Design on Arm
Other Locations: Thigh, Leg, Ribs
Tattoo Style: Japanese, Shading
Other Elements: Not Required
Colors/Black & Grey: Black and Grey
More Suitable For: Men
Author’s Review: This Japanese skull has been added with a tiger that is a representation of strength and courage itself. Together, the elements show a sign of fearlessness.
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Amusing Japanese Skull Tattoo Design on Hand
Other Locations: Foot
Tattoo Style: Japanese, Shading
Other Elements: Not Required
Colors/Black & Grey: Colored
More Suitable For: Men
Author’s Review: This is quite a simple design that does not require a lot of effort. It is pretty straightforward.
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Unique Japanese Skull Tattoo Design on Shoulder
Other Locations: Thigh, Leg, Ribs
Tattoo Style: Japanese, Shading
Other Elements: Not Required
Colors/Black & Grey: Black and Grey
More Suitable For: Men
Author’s Review: The Japanese skull has again been added with a tiger design. Tigers have a lot of importance in the Japanese culture and hence are a popular element to be added.
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Marvelous Japanese Skull Tattoo Design on Arm
Other Locations: Thigh, Leg, Ribs
Tattoo Style: Japanese, Shading, Realistic
Other Elements: Not Required
Colors/Black & Grey: Colored
More Suitable For: Men
Author’s Review: I am especially enthralled by the skull’s jaw which looks super detailed.
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Superb Japanese Skull Tattoo Design on Arm
Other Locations: Thigh, Leg, Ribs
Tattoo Style: Japanese, Shading
Other Elements: Not Required
Colors/Black & Grey: Colored
More Suitable For: Men
Author’s Review: The dragons are another great element that can be added to the Japanese skull design. It is a great way to represent the culture too.
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Amazing Japanese Skull Tattoo Design on Back
Other Locations: Chest
Tattoo Style: Japanese
Other Elements: Not Required
Colors/Black & Grey: A hint of color
More Suitable For: Men
Author’s Review: To get a tattoo in a big space like the back, you need multiple themes. This design looks the best here.
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Japanese Skull Tattoo Design on Arm
Other Locations: Thigh, Leg, Ribs
Tattoo Style: Japanese, Shading
Other Elements: Not Required
Colors/Black & Grey: Not Needed
More Suitable For: Men
Author’s Review: The skull posing as a Japanese emperor or samurai is a great way to add tradition and culture to the ink.
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Pleasing Japanese Skull Tattoo Design on Back
Other Locations: Chest
Tattoo Style: Japanese
Other Elements: Not Required
Colors/Black & Grey: Colored
More Suitable For: Men
Author’s Review: The neon shades look pretty surreal in this design!
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Creative Japanese Skull Tattoo Design on Arm
Other Locations: Thigh, Leg, Ribs
Tattoo Style: Japanese
Other Elements: Not Required
Colors/Black & Grey: Colored
More Suitable For: Men
Author’s Review: This tattoo made here is quite resourceful in itself. It has a lot of elements added which adds depth in terms of meaning as well the aesthetic nature of the design.
