Japanese tattoo: placements, size and longevity
Koi, dragons, waves and blossoms in flowing compositions that follow the body. Made for large areas – arm, back, thigh.
How the style ages
The lines are bold enough to age well and fine enough for detail. That makes the style versatile: it works on most spots, as long as the design is not tattooed smaller than its details allow.
Colour and sun
Colour is the most sensitive part of a tattoo: sun fades it faster than black. If you wear this style on a spot that is often exposed, use sunscreen consistently once it has healed.
How much room it needs
The style only unfolds on a large area. Back, thigh, chest or a whole arm are its natural places; on small spots, little remains of what defines it.
Which placement?
Of 16 placements, 9 are a good fit, 3 are possible and 4 are difficult. It gets difficult on the wrist, the hand and fingers, the neck, the ankle and foot.
| Placement | Verdict | Width |
|---|---|---|
| Forearm | possible | 12–14 cm |
| Inner arm | possible | 12–12 cm |
| Upper arm | good fit | 12–18 cm |
| Shoulder | good fit | 12–20 cm |
| Wrist | difficult | 2–6 cm |
| Hand and fingers | difficult | 1–6 cm |
| Chest | good fit | 12–30 cm |
| Ribs | good fit | 12–25 cm |
| Stomach | good fit | 12–25 cm |
| Upper back | good fit | 12–35 cm |
| Lower back | good fit | 12–25 cm |
| Neck | difficult | 3–10 cm |
| Collarbone | possible | 12–15 cm |
| Thigh | good fit | 12–30 cm |
| Calf | good fit | 12–18 cm |
| Ankle and foot | difficult | 2–10 cm |
Frequently asked questions
Where does a Japanese tattoo hold up best?
Good spots include the upper arm, the shoulder, the chest. Of 16 placements, 9 are a good fit, 3 are possible and 4 are difficult.
Does a Japanese tattoo age quickly?
The lines are bold enough to age well and fine enough for detail. That makes the style versatile: it works on most spots, as long as the design is not tattooed smaller than its details allow.
Does a Japanese tattoo need sun protection?
Colour is the most sensitive part of a tattoo: sun fades it faster than black. If you wear this style on a spot that is often exposed, use sunscreen consistently once it has healed.
See it on your body before you ink it
Tattvue places your design on a photo of your own skin, so you can judge size, placement and style before you book an appointment.