One of the most popular and striking Japanese tattoo themes for men is the snake. Unlike predominantly Christian cultures, it lacks the ties to evil and temptation that many in the United States have grown up with.
The Japanese snake tattoo, or hebi, can have a few different symbolic connotations. It is often seen as a phallic/sexual symbol, but is also linked to the element of water and protection.
Snake tattoos, as in many other cultures and mythologies, can also be related to rebirth and immortality due to the reptile’s ability to shed its skin and start anew.
A hebi-themed tattoo is often paired with a secondary motif (keshoubori) such as peonies and cherry blossoms, as these blossoms coincide with the cycle of movement of the serpent in spring.
The Japanese snake is a popular design. The “mamushi” is a beautiful animal with a circular pattern on the scales on its back and a more detailed black and white mosaic on its belly. Although generally small, this venomous snake is excellent at sneaking up on its prey when they least expect it.
A Japanese snake tattoo on the wrist, coiled around the bicep, or coiled around the leg will surprise and delight people, especially if peeking out from under clothing. There are also opportunities to color the snake gorgeously, such as bright greens, blues, and yellows.
The following collection of the 81 best Japanese snake tattoos shows an incredible variety of symbolic designs in color and in black and gray that you could use for a new tattoo design.
1. hikae: japanese snake tattoos on arm and chest panel
2. nagasode: long sleeve japanese snake tattoo ideas
3. gobu: upper arm 1/2 sleeve snake tattoo ideas
4. Japanese snake tattoos on the chest
5. senaka: japanese snake tattoos for the back
6. Japanese snake tattoos on the ribs and sides
7. Japanese snake tattoo ideas for the leg
8. black and gray japanese snake tattoo ideas
9. Japanese snake tattoos in progress
frequently asked questions about Japanese snake tattoos
what does a japanese snake tattoo symbolize?
The Japanese snake tattoo, or hebi, can have a few different connotations. It is often seen as a phallic/sexual symbol, but is also associated with water and protection.
A hebi-themed tattoo is often paired with a secondary motif (keshoubori) such as peonies and cherry blossoms, as these blossoms coincide with the cycle of movement of the serpent in spring.
what are irezumi tattoos?
nothing has had a greater impact on western body art illustration than Japanese tattoo design, collectively known as irezumi.
Irezumi tattoos are used as an umbrella term to describe various styles of hand tattoos originating in Japan.
Tattoo technology has caught up with tradition and most designs are now done by a tattoo artist using a machine, however the mystique of traditional Japanese tattooing remains.
are tattoos illegal in japan?
Not currently, but they are highly stigmatized. attitudes are slowly changing, but the Japanese government has linked body art to criminality.
Yakuza organized crime gangs flaunted laws prohibiting tattoos and adorned themselves with elaborate full-body tattoos of exceptional detail and quality, a style now popular in Western tattoo art.
what is a hikae tattoo?
hikae is the Japanese style chest panel tattoo, usually paired with an upper arm (gobu) or full sleeve (nagasode) design. a deep hikae goes below the nipple of the breast, while a shallow hikae stays above the nipple.
