101 Amazing Japanese Wave Tattoo Designs You Need To See!

by Jamie Wilson
Japanese Wave Tattoo11

Reviewed & updated: October 19, 2022 by Jamie Wilson BA

Your tattoo artist can give you amazing Japanese wave tattoo designs, so, are you up for them? Japanese tattoos are usually very well-detailed, precise, as well as colorful and attention-seeking. If you are a fan of koi fish, tiger Japanese art, as well as water prints – explore through this article, and find your perfect tattoo! 

What Do Japanese Waves Symbolize?

In Japanese culture, waves will symbolize strength and life, as well as going against the tide to achieve your life goals. Usually, this Japanese style and the wave itself will look amazing with an image of a koi fish.

What Does A Wave Tattoo Mean?

A wave tattoo usually represents and symbolizes emotions, hidden emotions, as well as secrets. The wave has a deeper and more meaningful representation than some other designs.

What Flowers Are Used In Japanese Tattoos?

Japanese art has a very specific way of styling and incorporating a flower into their tattoo designs. Usually, the most common flower which is used throughout Japanese history and in Japenese tattoos is a cherry blossom, as well as peonies and a lotus flower.

Top 10 Japanese Wave Tattoo Designs

1. Japanese Wave Small Tattoo

Japanese wave tattoo
@stephen_doyle_tattoo via Instagram – Love this design? Try a Temporary Tattoo

Some artists can achieve great tattoos, even when they only use black ink, and stick to smaller tattoo ideas. This Japanese wave in a small triangle looks amazing and is for minimalistic lovers.

2. Wave Tattoo Designs Japanese Art 

Japanese wave tattoo1
via Instagram – Love this design? Try a Temporary Tattoo

Wave tattoos such as this one will cover your arm or your bicep with ease. If you are a fan of color and you like bright ink get this water-inspired tattoo.

3. Water Japanese Wave Tattoo Designs

Japanese wave tattoo2
@andyharrison_ink via Instagram – Love this design? Try a Temporary Tattoo

Black ink and this amazing Japanese wave look very well-detailed and precise. Tattoo artists that have experience in doing maze or tribal designs will easily help you achieve this ink.

4. Traditional Japanese Wave Tattoo Ideas

Japanese style tattoo
@tonitakaaa via Instagram – Love this design? Try a Temporary Tattoo

Black ink Japanese wave is perfect for your leg placement. You could go for a bigger tattoo design and place this image on your right or left leg. Some artists could place a dragon, flower, or tiger ink next to this water wave design.

5. Bright Blue Japanese Wave Tattoo

Japanese wave
@bowieheng via Instagram – Love this design? Try a Temporary Tattoo

This bright blue Japanese wave is for men who like this color, as well as simple wave tattoos. If you are a fan of ink and water-like tattoos, get this one!

6. Japanese Wave With Geometric Pieces

Japanese style tattoo ideas
@pamela_vecera via Instagram – Love this design? Try a Temporary Tattoo

Some artists are amazing at doing Japanese inspired tattoos. If you find a trustworthy tattoo artist, and you often like to explore with your tattoos, give this one a chance. The arm placement won’t hurt a lot, and the design itself is beautiful in this bright life-like ink.

7. Wave Off Kanagawa Japanese Tattoo

Japanese wave1
@mereohia_ngata via Instagram – Love this design? Try a Temporary Tattoo

Guys who are into smaller water or wave tattoos can place this one anywhere on their body. This Japanese wave looks amazing in black ink, and the tattoo itself will be cheap as well as easy to get.

8. Bright Blue Traditional Japanese Tattoos 

Japanese wave2
@whambamtattoo via Instagram – Love this design? Try a Temporary Tattoo

Similar wave tattoos will look great if you go for blue ink. Do you know the meaning of blue color? Blue stands for trust, loyalty, wisdom, so why not get it as your Japanese wave?

9. Small Japanese Tattoos On Arm

Japanese tattoo
via Instagram – Love this design? Try a Temporary Tattoo

A smaller tattoo won’t hurt a lot, and nor will the arm or shoulder placement. If you like Japanese tattoos in general, make sure you stick with colorful ink since it brings them to life, and makes them stand out even more.

10. Japanese Style Water Traditional Image

Tattoos Japan
@0adelemagpies via Instagram – Love this design? Try a Temporary Tattoo

Lastly, you could stick with this wave off Kanagawa tattoo, or you could explore till you find the perfect wave tattoo. Either way, smaller designs will suit guys who don’t want to spend a lot of time nor money at the salon.

On That Note

Japanese tattoos are amazing since they have a deeper meaning. Since now you know the meaning of a wave tattoo, would you be willing to get one? A koi fish would also look great with your wave, but so would a dragon! Find your ideal tattoo among these 10 different options, and enjoy your tattoo asap!

Need More Inspiration

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Feature image from Pinterest

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