Spirited Away’s Journey is a story about courage, growth, and love. and these awesome spirit-inspired tattoos will turn heads and bring strength.
Traditional Japanese bathhouse, endless party, strange creatures and perfect adventures… Miyazaki Hayao introduced us to a fantasy world in Spirited Away.
Since its premiere in 2001, it has become one of the most beloved films by children and adults around the world.
If the film’s story, images and music resonate with you on a deep level, you’ve come to the right place. From spirited away tattoos to faceless to haku, these spirit tattoos could be your next ink.
what is spirited away and what is it about?
Spirited Away is an anime film about Spirited Away Ogina, the adventures of an ordinary Japanese girl. she and her family entered a strange new world by accident. and her parents turned into pigs and lost their humanity. So Chihiro has to navigate the unknown world and save her parents.
Spirited Away’s Journey is also a documentary about the growth of Spirited Away. As he takes us with her through her journey, we learn about the real meaning of courage, love, friendship, honesty, and purpose.
the plots, the images and the music are simple. but the message behind it is inspiring, and most people can be found in the film. That is why two decades have passed and it is still one of the most influential anime in history.
why do people get ghost tattoos?
There are many reasons why people get fantasy tattoos. And they all boil down to three reasons: visual appeal, a tribute to an identifiable character, or reminders of a quality the film reflects.
- eye appeal
- a tribute to the characters
The anime movie is definitely beautiful. As the story unfolds, it introduces us to stunning sights and unique characters. even supporting characters like the faceless ones are so visually distinctive that they grab your attention from the start.
It’s no wonder people get spirit tattoos for the love of imagery.
Each character in the story reflects certain qualities or characteristics.
chihiro is a spoiled teenager who finds courage and responsibility. Haku is lost, but his loyalty to Chihiro guides him to this true self. Faceless represents loneliness and greed, but ultimately completes self-redemption for him.
No character in Spirited Away is perfect. but it is the flaw that makes them unique and identifiable. for many, they see themselves in one of the characters, and the faded tattoos honor the bond.
Disclaimer: This collection of tattoos is for inspiration only. please do not copy the artwork. If you love these tattoos, follow the artists and show them some support.
inspired tattoos with meaning
chihiro made tattoo disappear
@andreabarreda
Chihiro Ogino, the protagonist of Spirited Away, is a schoolgirl who started out as a spoiled teenager. however, as her adventure unfolds, she learns about friendship and love, and develops tremendous courage and kindness.
chihiro is one of the most popular themes for spirited away tattoos, not only because she is the face of the movie. but it also represents change and growth.
This black and gray spirited away tattoo is inspired by a scene where she looks back with determination and courage. the artist keeps the lines clean and makes it a classic studio ghibli tattoo.
chihiro eating the rice balls
@hansantattoo
food is an important element in studio ghibli movies.
This small bookmark tattoo shows a scene where haku comforts the sad chihiro with her magical rice balls. It is also the time when her friendship and love begin to blossom.
chihiro blocking the paper birds
@makeup
chihiro could be an ordinary girl. but on her journey, she gained strength. and this tattoo is the proof.
it’s from a scene in the movie where haku got hurt by zeniba’s spell and her paper birds chased her. Chihiro jumps to protect him and fearlessly blocks the paper birds with her body.
It is Chihiro’s love for Haku that finally breaks the spell and saves her life.
chihiro’s journey and salvador dalí’s tattoo
@13thedoc
great minds think alike and great art elevates each other.
This tattoo is based on salvador dalí’s painting of a young woman in a window. the tattoo artist replaced the woman with chihiro, and the two blend seamlessly.
Also read: 40 Salvador Dalí tattoos out of this world with meaning
sad chihiro
@barbaranobody
don’t look back
@ink.by_.kiki
This black and gray tattoo originates from the scene in the movie when Chihiro leaves for the train station and will probably never return. However, she is willing to sacrifice herself to save Haku.
Beneath the tattoo, there is a line that says “go now and don’t look back”. this is a quote from haku at the end of the movie when he sends chihiro back to the human world. the two together paint a picture of a girl exploring the unknown and leaving the past behind. it is the moment when she becomes her authentic mature self.
cheer up, chihiro
@yurici_tattoo
Being stuck in an unknown world with parents turning into pigs sure is annoying.
However, tattoo artist yurici adds a bouquet of doodle flowers to the images and brightens up the tone. he reminds us that even in the worst of times, there is hope.
chihiro and the bathhouse
@kevinfurnesstattoo
In the movie Spirited Away, the bathhouse has significant symbolism. represents greed, consumerism, the hierarchy of society and toxic work culture.
This tattoo shows Chihiro in front of the bathhouse, not knowing what awaits her. but she is also the place where she would become a better version of herself.
This sleeve tattoo beautifully recreates the impressive bath house. vivid colors and accurate illustrations demonstrate the skills of the tattooist.
black and gray tattoo from the bath house from spirited away
@dudutattooist
another version of the bathhouse from spirited away. this is a more subtle option for those who don’t want a cartoon character tattoo.
haku, the river god
@arslonga_tattoo
haku is the river god who is lost in the spirit world. he became an apprentice to yubaba, the witch who owned the bathhouse. he has two forms, the young human form and the dragon form.
This tattoo shows his human form. it has perfect lines and shadows and perfectly captures the shine of the hair.
dragon shaped haku
@kico.tattoo
Dragons symbolize disastrous power and sometimes evil energy in Western culture. this is why dragon tattoos can be seen as threatening.
but in eastern countries like japan and china, it’s a different story. dragons often represent royalty. In some cases, they are the guardians of a dynasty, a city, or a river, much like Haku in Spirited Away.
This tattoo perfectly captures the shape and details of haku. the combination of pure white and green color gives a divinity to the character.
awesome haku bookmark tattoo
@newtattoo_franky
another awesome haku tattoo. Such a dazzling and elaborate tattoo will grab the attention of anyone, even people who aren’t fans of the movie.
Sunrise background provides color contrast. and the way haku is placed outside the frame adds movement to the stillness.
chihiro and haku tattoo
@shellordxink
what appears to be a normal black and gray anime tattoo actually comes from an important scene in spirited away’s journey.
took place when haku meets chihiro at zeniba’s house. Chihiro is delighted to see him because she believes that he is dead. and what this scene implies is clear: it is love that breaks the curse.
you’ll be fine.
@saili_ink
haku and chihiro begin to bond early in the movie. This tattoo features the scene where Chihiro bursts into tears after seeing his parents as pigs. haku reassures her and gives her strength and comfort.
Chihiro might be unlucky enough to fall into the strange world. but meeting haku is a blessing of life. if you have someone in your life that makes you feel the same way, this tattoo may resonate with you.
chihiro and haku falling from the sky
@sai_rgb
By helping others, we help ourselves. And this couldn’t be more true when it comes to haku. she lost his name and the way home at the beginning of the movie. but by selflessly helping chihiro, she eventually remembers his name as well.
This tattoo is from the scene after Haku remembers his name and identity. her scales fall off and she falls from the sky with chihiro. it marks the moment when he finally finds himself. Such a tattoo is a tribute art and a reminder to never get lost.
say goodbye
@massimiliano_art
Chihiro’s return to the human world is bittersweet. On the one hand, she can get her parents back and a normal life. but on the other, it means that she has to say goodbye to her haku soulmate.
This tattoo features two scenes when they say goodbye. Haku tells him to go away and never look back. he released her hands and she did what he told her to do. but she gives a glimmer of hope with haku’s promise to meet again. the love between the two makes this black and gray anime tattoo an emotional piece.
chihiro and haku friendship tattoo
@loqueseamiriam
another simple and small tattoo dedicated to spirited away and haku. in the tattoo, the two hold hands and look in the same direction.
In the movie, they’re looking at grass that used to be a river. now that the water is gone, chihiro can return to the human world. it is the last scene of the film of the two together. but your connection will continue forever.
I will protect you
@ian_tattooer
haku, in the movie, is not just a river god with magical powers. he is also chihiro’s protector, his guardian angel.
This tattoo captures the moment when Yubaba flies over the city in search of Chihiro. and haku is blocking her from yubaba’s view.
If you have someone in your life who keeps you safe, this tattoo will honor your relationship.
beautiful love tattoo of spirited away and haku
@hktattoo_face
One thing that fans discuss is whether chihiro and haku fall in love on spirited away’s journey. The tattoo artist gives her answer with this beautiful tattoo.
chihiro hugs haku from behind. and both are surrounded by cherry blossoms. and there is nothing more real than the love between them.
I will always find you
@drew.inker_tattoo
there are a lot of spirited away and haku tattoos. but what makes this one special is the red thread that connects the two. two worlds could separate them at the end of the movie, but the red line suggests that their bond will remain strong.
black and gray chihiro and haku tattoo
@yamae.tattoo
Movie tattoos, painting tattoos or anime tattoos don’t always have to be exact replicas. this tattoo is inspired by the love between chihiro and haku, but it is not based on any scene in the movie.
Instead, it represents a likely future of the two of them together again and never apart. represents pure love born from an incredible journey.
cute little faceless tattoo
@oozy_tattoo
Faceless is probably one of the most memorable supporting characters in Spirited Away. he appears alone in the bathhouse and finally makes a scene by swallowing food and the staff. he becomes a monster due to loneliness and greed.
This little tattoo represents a nice assumption. in the movie, faceless consumes everything in front of him. but in this tattoo, the chopsticks pick him up and he is about to be eaten. imagination and creativity contrast the film and make this tattoo unique.
twin faceless tattoo
@pj_tattoos
There are many Siamese concept designs in Gemini tattoos or tattoos for twins. if one of them happens to you, such a tattoo will combine your identity with your love for the character.
faceless tattoo and vincent van gogh
@inkflow_akiwong
This tattoo has a lot to offer in a small diamond setting. the background comes from the painting field of wheat with cypresses by vincent van gogh.
The tattoo artist recreated the painting with stunning colors. And those who love Vincent Van Gogh tattoos will have no trouble identifying the iconic painting.
In the foreground, we have a faceless figure chasing a butterfly. his face shows no emotion as usual. but from his posture, we see joy. It’s worth mentioning that the butterfly is the same yellow-orange color as the field, which maintains a cohesive balance in the painting.
also read: 21 impressive vincent van gogh tattoos with meaning
a nice bathhouse charm and no face
@sen.tatuajes
A charm is a small ornament that is usually placed on key chains, clothing or bracelets. in ancient times, amulets were used to protect people from bad luck. This little faceless amulet tattoo and spirited away bathhouse is a good talisman for lovers of Japanese movies or anime.
faceless tarot card – the hermit
@muetattoox
hermit often refers to those who love to be left alone, or in short, the lonely. This tattoo puts no face on the hermit tarot card. It’s a perfect match because Faceless is probably the loneliest character in the movie.
When face up, the card suggests self-exploration and calm. it also means that someone turns away from temptations and searches for a deeper meaning within, which coincides with faceless’s destiny.
I’ll give you what I have
@porcupinemhen
This is a tattoo that makes you smile but breaks your heart at the same time.
When you see the story from Chihiro’s perspective, it’s nice to have someone willing to give her everything she needs. but, as shown in this tattoo, he rejects the faceless gold it bestows upon him. it shows the difference between her and the rest of her staff. materials don’t bother him.
but when you look at it from the perspective of a faceless person, the tattoo is sad. he is willing to give everything he has in exchange for friendship. but he was rejected because he misunderstood the basics: money doesn’t buy love and happiness. such a meaningful tattoo will be a permanent reminder of this message.
cute little faceless
@oozy_tattoo
It is not as easy as it seems to tattoo a face. yes, it’s basically a black cylinder with a mask on. but he is also a shadow character, which means that he becomes translucent towards the tail.
This tattoo does a great job of capturing this characteristic. it almost feels like a face doesn’t come off the body.
monster faceless tattoo
@marco.hate
While most faceless tattoos show the character as innocent and harmless, let’s not forget that he has a wild side. This black tattoo shows that he is someone not to be messed with.
faceless tattoo on arm for food lovers
@sidtattoos
no-face is definitely an enthusiast. this cute little tattoo shows him eating a cheesecake, just like everyone else in real life. if you love food and character, this tattoo can speak to you.
faceless lollipop
@inkflow_akiwong
if there really is a faceless lollipop, will it be sesame or chocolate?
norigae faceless
@loveyoon.too
norigae is a traditional Korean pendant that represents good luck. but the one in this tattoo is regular.
You will find the little faceless one on the pendant when you look closer. and on top of that there is a bathroom token that was used to exchange for bathroom remedies to disappear. in fact, faceless of hers stole the bathroom tokens for spirited away, which turns out to be a great help to her.
Because of the thoughts that are included in the tattoo, it is perfect for fans who are away and want to invite good vibes into life.
no face in a hurry
@inkflow_akiwong
where does the faceless one go? nobody knows. but the tattoo artist brings us closer to the character by placing him in an everyday setting. adding the rainbow is a smart move because it makes the tattoo stand out on the skin.
the journey of spirited away and princess mononoke
@carlitotattoo
this is a beautiful yin yang tattoo for studio ghibli lovers. on the yin side, we can see no face and the stars used to feed the soot goblins.
on the yang side, it features the red mask of princess mononoke and kodama, the creatures of the forest.
Combining the elements and classifying them by color, this tattoo perfectly integrates the two films.
faceless tattoo and haku
@kozo_tattoo
no-face and haku might not have many encounters in the movie. but both are important in spirited away’s journey.
haku in this tattoo is seriously injured. the scene happens when he is chased by the zeniba paper birds that surround him in this tattoo. His blood and hair contrast in color and make this tattoo stand out.
impressive haku dragon tattoo
@yubarta_tattoo
Haku tattoos are not only popular because people love the character. Dragon tattoos are, by nature, striking and versatile. you can add decorative elements such as flowers to customize a design to your liking.
faceless ramen tattoo for foodies
@tattooist.yes
who doesn’t like ramen? a missing ramen? sign me up.
chihiro and haku tattoo on the sleeve
@goatstudios_dus
From afar, this arrow tattoo on the shoulder can look symmetrical. but in fact, it is the position of the elements that gives it balance.
the soot goblins took the tattoos of couples
@axel_alien
Soot sprites are the little insects that carry the coal to the bathhouse burner. they are considered the base of the house hierarchy.
in disappearing, they may seem less important. but the fact that so many people love them proves otherwise. show kindness greater than their size. Matching tattoos like these would belong to a good-hearted couple.
cute little soot goblin on the arm
@dontsleepvincci
small size, big strength. In addition to courage and kindness, this is how these little blacks win the hearts of people all over the world.
soot sprites on a gashapon
@vrsartist
such a fun sleeve tattoo featuring tororo and the soot goblins. Gashapon is a popular gambling machine that originated in Japan. when you insert a coin, one of the balls will come out. but the fun part is that you never know exactly what you’re going to get.
This sleeve tattoo is a perfect piece that pays homage to both childhood memories and love for studio ghibli.
dark spirit manga tattoo
@kimsatgat_ttt
Creepy and dark, this sleeve tattoo shows a faceless man picking up spirited spirits from a bowl of ramen. In the movie, Chihiro manages to escape. but will he be so lucky this time?
boh mouse forearm tattoo
@angelaxx.tattoo
boh is a big fat baby and the son of yubaba, the villain of the movie. when he is turned into a mouse by zeniba, he is forced to follow chihiro. and becomes his travel companion.
He used to be a spoiled brat, just like chihiro. but they grow together and learn to be good friends. the boh mouse could make a cute tattoo, like this one. but it also represents something deeper: strength and kindness can be small and quiet.
kashira tattoo on the arm
@fineline_chom
kashira are the heads of three brothers bouncing. they are yubaba’s helpers.
kashira’s name in Japanese also means “I wonder”. they resemble Japanese daruma dolls, reminding us of the deep connection between the film and real life.
ōtori-sama – the missing duck
@takko.san
Ōtori-sama, also known as the orphaned ducks, are clients of the yubaba bathhouse. And honestly, who doesn’t love these cute little ducks taking a bath in hot water?
ōtori-sama and soot sprites
@veroni.ink
ōtori-sama in a bowl
@1k.ghosts
yubaba from spirited away’s journey tattoo
@bogna.rumi
yubaba: the witch, the villainess and the owner of the bath house. She turns Chihiro’s parents into pigs and steals her name. however, the fact that her identical twin is so kind and loving speaks to an important truth: good and evil can look alike. and we can only tell them apart by our hearts.
yubaba and its bathhouse
@lyubov_kot_tattoo
which of these spirit tattoos is your favourite?
Leave a comment below and let me know what you think!
