There would hardly be anyone who does not know what anime means. Anime is a style of animation show that has its origin in Japan. And while it is not something new as the roots of the anime could be traced back to the 1950s, the global appeal of anime has reached unmatched heights in recent years. This is especially due to the English and native dubs of the anime show that have made it easier to understand the storyline. In addition, the creative aspect of anime has been a strong force behind its rise in popularity.
Who does not know and love Pokémon? Well, you might not know, but it is also an anime. Many of the readers have grown up watching Pokémon, which has left a huge mark on their lives. There are thousands of similar animated shows that have garnered a following over the years. Therefore, one can resonate with the struggles of animated characters. And with the rising popularity of tattoos over the years, it has become common for one to get a tattoo inked on the body of their favorite anime.
One can now easily get anime tattoos inked on their body, especially if they are a devout anime lover. The powerful imagery could easily showcase to the world what you resonate with. But showing your devotion to an anime or its character is not the only thing an anime tattoo can do. An anime tattoo can also be visionary and has a philosophical message as well. The options are simply endless for one to choose from.
Amazing Anime Tattoo Designs for You
But while there are several anime tattoo designs that one can choose from, it could also make it difficult for one to find the right tattoo design. And it is quite understandable. There are so many excellent options for one to choose from. That is why we have compiled a list of some of the best anime tattoos ideas that you can take inspiration from. Whether you are looking for something casual or a more subtle tattoo design, you will find that and everything in between here.
#1. The Goku Back Tattoo
Are you a fan of Dragon Ball Z and its main protagonist Goku? Well, it is not hard for one to be a fan of a guy that is strong and loyal to his friends and family. But do you consider yourself to be the No 1 of this extremely popular anime character? If that is the case, then you could not go wrong with Goku’s complete back tattoo. A Goku back tattoo is one of the coolest tattoo designs that you can go for. Another benefit is that it is easily recognizable as well.
Unlike many anime characters that have a dedicated fanbase, Goku is a popular figure. It can be easily recognized even by folks that are not invested in anime. You can easily opt for a complete back Goku tattoo covering your back that captures the energy and vibrancy of the character. And with a masterful color combination, you can add to its appeal.
#2. Kakashi Hatake Calf Tattoo
Naruto is one of the best anime of all time; in fact, one could make a case of it being at the top of such lists. But nevertheless, there is no doubt regarding the popularity of this anime. And while there are several excellent anime characters that one can go for, Kakashi Hatake is undoubtedly one of the top choices in the lot. And the best place for one to get a Kakashi
Hatake tattoo inked on their calf. A subdued design of the Kakashi Hatake tattoo on the calf is indicative of the character’s trait. Therefore, it would be something one should consider if they personally resonate with the character. A Kakashi Hatake tattoo is easily recognizable because it is an extremely popular anime character. Second, its characteristics make it easily stand out.
#3. Alphonse Elric
There are few anime that have a wide appeal. In most cases, the anime would have a specific set of fans based on its genre. But if one anime has bucked the trend regarding this, then it would be the Fullmetal Alchemist. Fullmetal Alchemist & Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood have a wide appeal.
Ask any anime lover, and you would seldom find anyone who has anything negative about the anime, the plotline, and even its character development. And when it comes to popular characters that one can ink on their body, then Alphonse Elric would be at the top of any such list.
A hugely popular character, Alphonse has a metal body that can easily stand out on your skin. His armor, a unique mix of bluish-gray maxes for an excellent metal finish, especially if one opts to get the tattoo inked on their arm.
#4. Goku Arm and Upper Shoulder Tattoo
We have already discussed the popularity of Dragon Ball Z and its lead protagonist of the idea, so you should not be surprised if this is not the last time you see this tattoo suggestion. Suppose you are looking to get a smaller, compared to the full-back Goku tattoo, you can easily opt for Goku in Super Saiyan mode inked on your arm and the upper shoulder. It is an extremely vibrant tattoo that one can go for with several color combinations available to them due to the Super Saiyan mode.
Furthermore, a lined and shaded with highlights added to the figure for depth purposes adds a whole new dimension to the tattoo design. And since this tattoo design can be easily stretched to the upper shoulder and even the individual’s chest, it is an extremely versatile option for one to go for.
#5. A Miniature Arm Goku Tattoo
If you are thinking about getting a small and endearing tattoo on your arm, a small Goku tattoo might be what you have been looking for all along. A miniature Goku tattoo is not only endearing, but it is one of the lighter tattoo designs compared to several of the tattoo options mentioned here.
This small arm tattoo has a comic book vibe, making it an extremely appealing tattoo design, especially for manga readers. The orange color of the outfit is dominant here but also not overwhelming the other colors in the combination. The palette is rich, bright, and consistent with the shading, adding an extra dimension to the design.
#6. Black Shenron Dragon Wrist Tattoo
Not everyone is a fan of a large, vibrant tattoo. Some folks would prefer to have a simple but strong design to go for. And for such folks, the Black Shenron Dragon wrist tattoo could serve as excellent inspiration.
Black Shenron Dragon, the Dragon Ball Z fan, is the magical dragon in the show. It is the ‘Dragon God,’ the almighty being in the show, that is not only fierce but also mysterious as well. Dragons tattoos have a unique relevance in the far eastern cultures, and Japan is no different in that. They are more revered than feared in mythology, and the same is the case in this popular anime as well.
The black Shenron dragon tattoo is inked with the classic black color with extra shade added to enhance the design further and add more dimension. Now you can also add the green skin and red eyes to the design, but if you opt for a more classic variation, then you would be satisfied with the result as well.
#7. Kishami Hoshigaki Tattoo
While anime lovers could argue about the screen time given to the Kishami Hoshigaki character in the Naruto series, there is no denying the massive role he played in the plotline. Kishami Hoshigaki is a loyal character in the anime and also known as the Monster of the Hidden Mist.
He is the sort of guy you can count on regardless of the adversary you might face. He is also a battle lover, ready to joust and test his opponent anytime. If this is something that you resonate with, then the Kishami Hoshigaki arm tattoo is something that deserves its consideration.
With a natural affinity to water and sharks, the Kishami Hoshigaki character offers many opportunities to tattoo artists. The blue ink would work excellently with this tattoo design. You can also incorporate water as a shade to the character’s figure, giving it a mystical feel.
#8. Ichigo Kurosaki and Ulquiorra Cifer tattoo
If there is one way to easily define the Bleach storyline, it would be Ichigo Kurosaki and Ulquiorra Cifer, especially because of the struggle that defines the plot. Ichigo Kurosaki is the main protagonist of the storyline, while Ulquiorra Cifer is naturally the villain. But while it may seem straightforward, there are nuances to both of them.
This is probably why Bleach has a reputation as an exciting and well-created anime. And the best way one can give an ode to the anime is by having Ichigo Kurosaki and Ulquiorra Cifer inked on their body.
There are several different fan arts that one can take inspiration from when it comes to Ichigo Kurosaki and Ulquiorra Cifer’s tattoos. The only thing one needs to keep in mind here is not to emphasize one over the other and ensure a rich mix of color to the tattoo design.
#9. Pikachu Tattoo
Now you have to have seen this coming. There are few more reliable figures that one can count on than the companion of Ash from the Pokemon tattoo. The Pikachu is not just another of the lost line of Pokémon that Ash has befriended in his journey to become the Pokémon master.
He is the first of Ash’s Pokémon, but more importantly, he is a friend that can be counted on regardless of the situation. No matter the adversary Pikachu faces, he never gives up no matter the odds, and unsurprisingly he emerges victorious in the end. So, naturally, there are simply no downsides for one opting for a Pikachu tattoo.
In addition to being an excellent anime figure, the Pikachu tattoo allows one to showcase a rich, vibrant tattoo to the world as well. As the readers would know, Pikachu is an electric Pokémon, giving wide artistic freedom for the artist to go for. You can go for a simple and cute Pikachu tattoo with yellow ink, or you can add some lightning bolts to the mix as well, showcasing a powerful attack. There are just so many options that one can choose from, especially when it comes to Pikachu tattoos.
#10. Gengar Tattoo
Now, this suggestion might come as a surprise to many of the readers of the blog, and it is understandable why that is the case. Gengar is not the first Pokémon that would immediately come to one’s mind when they talk about the show. It is not a loving and cute character like Pikachu, and even it is not extremely powerful as well.
One can even make the case that it is not something that is particularly liked, especially due to the creepy skin the Gengar always seems to possess. And with the addition of the red eyes and purple figure, it gives a more demonic feel than a Pokémon. But that is exactly the case to make about the Gengar tattoo as well. It is a unique tattoo design, which you can be sure of that not many anime lovers would have inked on their bodies.
And regardless of what one’s opinion is regarding this Pokémon, there is no denying that it is a cool character in the show with a bit of a naughty side. An excellent option for folks who resonate with this, this tattoo also allows them to opt for a stark tattoo option and a color combination that is not often used in the tattoo industry.
#11. Hunter x Hunter Anime Tattoo
Hunter X Hunter is an extremely popular anime that has done a fabulous job of promoting the anime culture around the globe. While there is no doubting the credit that should be given to Pokémon for making anime a household term, it is more of a children-based anime with a wide appeal.
It is shows like Hunter x Hunter that have done the hard task and attracted the more mature audience to the appeal of anime. Its appeal can also be seen by how quickly Netflix has lapped up the rights of the show.
If you are a fan of the show, the best way you can show your allegiance is by getting a massive Hunter x Hunter anime tattoo, preferred on your arm. This tattoo has every main character of the show inked on the arm, reminding everyone about the adventures of Gon – the lead character and his friends, as well their battle against the antagonist of the show. It is a classic tattoo made using black tattoo ink and highlighted to add an extra dimension to the design. You simply cannot go wrong with the Hunter x Hunter anime tattoo design.
#12. Mai Sakurajima Bunny Tattoo
There would not be any anime lover that would say no to getting more of Mai Sakurajima. Mai Sakurajima is an extremely popular anime character, a junior high school student. A fan favorite for many in the anime community, the Mai Sakurajima bunny outfit is extremely popular.
A perfect mixture of feminine and romantic, this has an added mix of mischievousness as well, making for an excellent combination for an anime tattoo. This is a rich tattoo with a vibrant color combination making for an excellent anime tattoo option for one to go for.
#13. The Anti-Hero Tattoo
The world is not black and white, it is a different mix of gray, and that is exactly the point of an anti-hero in the storyline as well. And one of the most popular anti-hero characters in the anime is Lelouch from Code Geass. Lelouch is a complex character in the anime.
Still, two things are unquestioned about him: his devotion to those close to them and his ruthlessness. Lelouch is one of the smartest anime characters that is challenging the status quo and does not hesitate to get his hands dirty, regardless of the situation. His caring nature and the deviousness to dispose of his enemies are two sides of the same coin, giving a mystic feel to the character.
The same is the case with the Lelouch anime tattoo as well. One can easily find numerous fan arts to take inspiration from regarding their tattoo design, but if there is one thing you need to be certain of is to give justice to the character in your tattoo design. Ensure that not only is the tattoo showing the mystic side of the character but also his human side as well.
#14. The Anime Symbols
If getting a character inked on your body is something you are comfortable with, then there are several different anime designs that you can go for. The Naruto eyes would make for a fantastic tattoo design for Naruto lovers.
If you are a Fullmetal Alchemist fan, then you can always go for the widely popular State Alchemist tattoo design or even the alchemy circle. One can even go for a Poke Ball – the options are simply endless.
The only thing you need to ensure is that you must keep the design minimalist. It is essential, especially if you do not want the end product to be mistaken for something else. Just go for a minimalist design for your anime logo, and you are good to go.
#15. Pikachu, Charmander, Squirtle, and Bulbasaur tattoo
The fans of the show would understand the significance of this tattoo design. Charmander, Squirtle, and Bulbasaur are the starter Pokémon for one to choose from. And in addition to Pikachu, these are all Ash’s Pokémon. The bond between them is quite strong, which can be seen in the tattoo design as well.
Along with Pikachu, they are some of the most familiar characters of the show. So naturally, one cannot go wrong with a tattoo design containing all four. This design has four elements: Electric for Pikachu, Fire for Charmander, Water for Squirtle, and Grass for Bulbasaur, a variety that every Pokémon fan loves. While you can go for a fighting sequence of these Pokémon’s, it’s the adorable design that works best.
To Sum Up
Being an anime lover, you have many tattoo designs to go with. Now, find the best out of the above-listed ones that suit your personality and get your skin tattooed like a pro.