The impact of Japanese anime and manga on Western culture is undeniable, and the growing popularity of anime tattoos is proof of this. These tattoos aren’t just a way to show your passion; they’re also a way to carry with you a piece of the stories and characters that have inspired you.

In this article, we’ll explore the evolution of this phenomenon in the West and how it has become the subject of stunning tattoos and ink compositions on the skin.

Evolution of Anime and Manga in Western Culture

The evolution of anime and manga in Western culture is a fascinating story that began in the 1970s. In Italy, the first anime to arrive were iconic series like Astro Boy (Tetsuwan Atom, created by Osamu Tezuka) and UFO Robot Goldrake (by G? Nagai). These series were broadcast on local TV channels – often in time slots dedicated to children and frequently collected on VHS tapes for repeated viewing – and represented an absolute novelty for Italian audiences, who were primarily accustomed to Western cartoons

The resonance of these early anime in Italian culture was remarkable: not only did they capture the hearts of the youth, but they also began to permeate popular culture. The theme songs of Japanese series became hit singles, the main characters were printed on notebooks, toys, and clothing, and the anime themselves began to influence other forms of entertainment and media.

This was just the beginning of a long journey that would see anime become an essential part of youth culture in Italy and many other Western countries.

Anime in the 80s, 90s, and Today

The influence of anime on Italian youth and pop culture has been profound and lasting. In the 80s and 90s, television programming dedicated to anime expanded significantly, including series like Dragon Ball, Sailor Moon, and Pokémon. These shows not only entertained but also introduced themes of friendship, courage, and perseverance that resonated particularly well with younger audiences.

The emergence of fan clubs dedicated to anime was a significant phenomenon. These clubs were often organized by enthusiasts who gathered to discuss their favorite series, exchange videotapes and promotional materials, and organize events. Comic conventions, such as Lucca Comics, became (and still are) unmissable annual events for fans, offering a space to meet artists, purchase exclusive merchandise, and participate in conferences and workshops.

With the advent of the internet, online communities dedicated to anime proliferated. Forums, websites, and later social media offered new platforms for discussing, sharing fan art, fan fiction, and theories about anime plots. This connectivity allowed fans to feel part of a global community, amplifying the cultural impact of anime.

Anime’s influence also extended to fashion and lifestyle. Cosplay, the art of dressing up as anime and manga characters, became a popular form of expression, both at comic conventions and in everyday life. This passion for cosplay and anime in general was also reflected in tattoos: many people began choosing designs inspired by their favorite characters, turning their skin into living canvases that told stories of courage, love, and adventure.

Anime and Manga: The Most Famous, Loved, and Tattooed

But which anime and manga are the most loved and requested by those who want to get a tattoo today? Let’s try to list them – along with the most famous anime characters – even though the list could be endless.

Dragon Ball

Beloved Characters: Goku, Vegeta, Gohan

Popular Tattoo Motifs: Super Saiyan transformations, Dragon Ball, Kamehameha, Turtle symbol.

Naruto

Beloved Characters: Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, Kakashi Hatake

Popular Tattoo Motifs: Clan symbols, Sharingan, Rasengan, Nine-Tails Fox marks, Leaf Village symbol.

One Piece

Beloved Characters: Monkey D. Luffy, Roronoa Zoro, Tony Tony Chopper

Tattooed Elements: Jolly Roger, Straw Hat symbol, battle scenes, Luffy’s smile.

Sailor Moon

Beloved Characters: Usagi Tsukino (Sailor Moon), Ami Mizuno (Sailor Mercury), Rei Hino (Sailor Mars)

Tattooed Elements: Magic wands, planetary symbols, Sailor transformations, crescent moon symbol.

Attack on Titan (Shingeki no Kyojin)

Beloved Characters: Eren Yeager, Mikasa Ackerman, Levi Ackerman

Tattooed Elements: Titans, Survey Corps symbol, Wings of Freedom, battle scenes.

My Hero Academia (Boku no Hero Academia)

Beloved Characters: Izuku Midoriya (Deku), Katsuki Bakugo, All Might

Tattooed Elements: Hero symbols, battle scenes, masks and costumes, One For All symbol

Fullmetal Alchemist

Beloved Characters: Edward Elric, Alphonse Elric, Roy Mustang

Tattooed Elements: Alchemy circles, Elric brothers’ symbols, Edward’s automail, alchemical cross symbol.

Pokémon

Beloved Characters: Pikachu, Ash Ketchum, Charizard

Tattooed Elements: Poké Ball, Pikachu or just the lightning bolt, the original three starter Pokémon.

Death Note

Beloved Characters: Light Yagami, L, Ryuk

Tattooed Elements: The Death Note notebook, apples (Ryuk’s symbol), silhouettes of Light and L.

Neon Genesis Evangelion

Beloved Characters: Shinji Ikari, Rei Ayanami, Asuka Langley Soryu

Tattooed Elements: EVA Unit 01, NERV symbols, apocalyptic imagery or iconic scenes from the series.

Jujutsu Kaisen

Beloved Characters: Gojo, Sukuna, Itadori

Tattooed Elements: Character portraits, cursed energy seals, sorcery techniques

Hunter x Hunter

Beloved Characters: Gon, Killua, Hisoka, Kurapika

Tattooed Elements: Gon and Killua duo, Phantom Troupe symbol (spider), Hunter license.

Bleach

Beloved Characters: Ichigo, Aizen, Urahara, Kenpachi

Tattooed Elements: Zanpakuto di Ichigo (spada), maschera Hollow di Ichigo, ritratti dei personaggi principali

Kaijuu No 8

Beloved Characters: Soshiro Hoshina, Kafka Hibino, Reno Ichikawa

Tattooed Elements: Ichigo’s Zanpakuto (sword), Ichigo’s Hollow mask, portraits of the main characters

Japanese Anime Tattoo Style

The style used for these types of tattoos is incredibly varied, ranging from realistic to new school. Below, we’ll list some of the most common stylistic features.

1. Clean and Defined Lines

Clean black lines are fundamental in manga-style tattoos. The outlines are often thick and well-defined, clearly separating the different elements of the design. The most intricate details, such as facial expressions, hair, and accessories, are precisely drawn, maintaining the sharpness of the lines. Even with many details, the composition remains balanced and well-organized, ensuring that each element is visible and recognizable.

Kinetic Lines and Motion Effects are often included to give a sense of dynamism and action, as if the character were caught in a fight scene or fast movement.

2. Use of Black and White

Many manga tattoos use a strong contrast between black and white, emulating the aesthetics of printed manga pages. Shadows and details are often created with hatching and stippling techniques.

Negative space is also commonly used, allowing for light and shadow effects without additional colors.

3. Intense Facial Expressions

Facial expressions in manga and anime characters are extremely expressive, with large, detailed eyes that convey strong emotions like joy, anger, sadness, or surprise. Thin lines around the eyes and mouth are used to emphasize emotions, creating a dynamic and vivid look.

4. Bright Colors and Intense Palettes

When manga tattoos are colored, they use vivid and saturated colors, reflecting the aesthetics of colored manga and anime. Colors can be presented either flat or shaded, depending on the anime’s style. Specific palettes are chosen to represent the characters faithfully, such as Sailor Mercury’s blue hair or Goku’s orange uniform.

5. Recurring Themes and Symbolism

Manga tattoos often reflect common themes such as friendship, courage, adventure, and the fight against evil. Iconic elements like clan symbols, emblems, and specific character accessories are included to add depth and meaning to the tattoo.

Tips for Choosing Your Perfect Anime Tattoo

Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:

• Find the Right Artist: Not all tattoo artists specialize in anime tattoos. Look for artists with a
  portfolio that demonstrates experience and skill in this specific style. At Tattoo Lab, our tattoo artist Beatrice Buttazzoni can bring your desire to life.
  
  

• Design and Size: Think about what you want to represent and where you want to place the tattoo. Some designs may require more space to be detailed and recognizable.

• Colors: Anime is known for its vibrant and distinctive colors. Consider how the colors of the tattoo will complement your skin tone and how they may change over time.

• Personalization: Even if you take inspiration from a character or scene, try to add a personal touch to the design. This makes the tattoo unique and even more “yours.”

• Consultation: Talk to the tattoo artist about your ideas. A good artist will help you turn your vision into a practical and aesthetically pleasing design.

Anime Tattoo Photos: Our Work

If you’re an anime fan and are considering a tattoo, we hope this article has provided you with useful information and inspiration to take the next step in your journey into the art of anime tattoos. Below, you can find more photos of our work.

Tattoos are an ancient and fascinating form of art. Over the centuries, their value and perception have changed significantly, evolving from sacred and tribal symbols to individual expressions of identity and style. In this article, we’ll explore the history of tattoos, how their meaning has evolved over time, and the significance of the most common symbols. Additionally, we’ll discuss that tattoos don’t always need to have a deep meaning; they can also simply serve as aesthetic ornaments.

The Meaning of Tattoos in History

Tattoos have a millennia-old history, with archaeological evidence dating back over 5,000 years. The earliest records of tattoos are found on Egyptian mummies and in various ancient cultures, such as the Celts, Scythians, and Maori.

Tattoos and Ancient Egypt

In Ancient Egypt, tattoos held various meanings and functions, often related to religion, magic, and protection. Archaeological evidence shows that tattoos date back at least to the 12th Dynasty (circa 1991-1786 BCE), with the discovery of tattooed mummies suggesting widespread use of this practice.

• Protective Symbols: Tattoos were often used as amulets for protection against evil spirits and diseases. Symbols like the Wadjet (Eye of Horus) were common and considered powerful talismans.
• Fertility and Motherhood: Many tattooed female mummies bear designs on the lower abdomen, thighs, and breasts, indicating a possible connection to fertility and protection during pregnancy and childbirth. A well-known example is the priestess Amunet, who had geometric tattoos on her breasts, thighs, and belly.
• Status and Social Role: Some tattoos might have indicated the social or religious role of the individual. For instance, priestesses and other religious figures might have tattoos identifying their position and responsibilities within the temple.

Meaning and Symbols of Celtic Tattoos

The Celts were a group of European tribes with a rich and complex culture, primarily spread across Central and Western Europe during the Iron Age. Their tattoos — rich in symbolism — were part of their cultural and spiritual traditions, although historical documentation on their specific uses is limited. Some of the most common symbols include:

• Celtic Knots: One of the most well-known symbols is the Celtic knot, representing eternity and the interconnectedness of life. These intricate designs have no beginning or end, symbolizing infinity.
• Triskelion: This symbol with three spirals represents continuous movement, progress, and growth. It is also associated with the three realms of life: earth, water, and sky.
• Celtic Cross: It combines the Christian cross with a circle that symbolizes the sun or infinity. It is a symbol of faith and protection.
• Animals: The Celts attributed particular meanings to animals, such as the boar for courage and strength, and the stag for peace and abundance.

The Meaning of Tattoos in Scythian and Maori Cultures

The Scythians were a group of nomadic tribes that lived in the Eurasian steppes, mainly between the 7th and 3rd centuries BCE. Known for their skills in battle and nomadic lifestyle, tattoos played a significant role in their culture, often representing social status, tribal identity, and spiritual protection. It was believed that tattoos had magical powers and provided protection against evil spirits and diseases.

The Maori, on the other hand, are the indigenous people of New Zealand, with a rich cultural tradition that includes the art of tattooing, known as “Ta Moko.” Ta Moko is the traditional Maori tattoo, primarily applied on the face but also on other parts of the body. Each design is unique and tells the individual’s personal story, including their ancestry, achievements, and social role.

From the Middle Ages to Today: How the Meaning of Tattoos Has Changed

During the Middle Ages in Europe, tattoos lost popularity and were often seen as symbols of paganism and barbarism. With the discovery of the New World, tattoos regained appreciation and popularity, particularly among sailors and merchants who brought home symbols of adventures, exotic lands, and conquests.
With the advent of modernity, the meaning of tattoos began to change: in the first half of the 20th century, tattoos were often associated with subcultures like pirates, bikers, and criminals. However, from the 1960s onwards, with the hippie movement and growing acceptance of cultural diversity, tattoos started to be seen as artistic and personal expressions.

The Meaning of the Most Common Symbols

Anchors

Anchors are traditional symbols associated with the maritime world. Originally used by sailors to represent stability and safety, today anchors symbolize strength, determination, and overall stability.

Roses

Roses are among the most popular symbols in the world of tattoos. They can represent love, beauty, passion, and sacrifice. The color of the rose can slightly alter the meaning: a red rose symbolizes romantic love, while a yellow rose can represent friendship.

Skulls

Skulls can represent death and mortality, but also rebirth, change, and protection from evil spirits.

Animals

• Wolves: symbolize loyalty, family, and a wild spirit.
• Lions: represent courage, strength, and royalty.
• Butterflies: are symbols of transformation, rebirth, and fleeting beauty.

Religious and Spiritual Symbols

• Crosses: represent Christian faith but can also symbolize hope and redemption.
• Mandala: originating from Indian and Tibetan culture, symbolizes the universe and spirituality.
• Om: is a sacred symbol in Indian religions, representing the essence of ultimate reality and spiritual consciousness.

Beyond Meaning: Tattoos as Pure Art

Not all tattoos need to have a deep meaning; in fact, sometimes they may not have any meaning at all. 

Nowadays, people choose to get tattoos to decorate their bodies and express their aesthetics, making tattoos increasingly personal and entirely detached from the “historical” meanings that no longer exist in the modern world.

Tattoos can be seen as a form of living art, a mode of expression that allows people to adorn their skin with designs that are beautiful and meaningful only to them. This approach does not diminish the value of tattoos but highlights their function as a form of artistic expression.

Tattoos have spanned millennia of history, evolving from sacred and tribal symbols to personal expressions of identity and style. Their meaning varies greatly depending on cultural context, time, and individual choices. Whether they carry deep meanings or are simply aesthetic ornaments, tattoos continue to be a living and dynamic form of art, capable of telling stories and adorning the bodies of those who choose them.

A Navel piercing is one of the most popular choices among piercing enthusiasts. However, sometimes you might notice redness, swelling, or other symptoms that could suggest an infection. In most cases, it’s just irritation. In this article, we’ll explain how to distinguish between an infection and irritation, how to care for your piercing, and the best practices for optimal healing.

The Difference Between Infection and Irritation

The most common discomfort after getting a piercing is irritation, which can be caused by various factors, such as:

• Friction: Tight clothing rubbing against the piercing.
• Chemicals: Harsh soaps or lotions.
• Excessive Movement: Handling the piercing too much.

How can you tell if your piercing is irritated? Some symptoms include:

• Redness: The skin around the piercing appears red.
• Swelling: The area may be slightly swollen.
• Mild Pain: Manageable pain, especially when touched.

A piercing infection is less common but can occur if proper hygiene practices aren’t followed or if the piercing is exposed to bacteria.
Common symptoms of an infected piercing include:

• Intense Redness: The area appears very red and extends beyond the piercing.
• Significant Swelling: Noticeable and painful swelling.
• Sharp Pain: Persistent and intense pain.
• Pus: Yellow or green discharge present.

Cleaning the Piercing: The Key to Smooth Healing

The number one rule to follow is this: don’t disinfect, but clean.

One of the most common misconceptions is that a piercing needs to be disinfected. In reality, a belly button piercing should be cleaned, not disinfected. Disinfectants can be too harsh and cause further irritation.

How to Clean the Piercing: Step-by-Step Guide

Before touching the piercing, always wash your hands with soap and water. Then, use a saline solution to gently clean the area. Rinse gently with warm water, and finally, pat the piercing dry with tissue paper, toilet paper, or a tissue.

Post-Piercing Best Practices

• Listen to Your Piercer: Your piercer is your best ally when it comes to healing a piercing. Follow their post-piercing instructions carefully and don’t hesitate to ask for advice if you notice anything unusual.
• Avoid Touching the Jewelry: Frequently touching the piercing with dirty hands can introduce bacteria and cause infections.
• Wear Comfortable Clothing: During the healing period, wear loose and breathable clothing to reduce friction on the piercing.
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Do not use soaps, lotions, or other products that can irritate the skin around the piercing.

Piercing Still Hurts: When to Consult a Doctor

If the symptoms of irritation don’t improve after a few days of proper care, it’s advisable to consult your piercer. In case of suspected infection, your piercer will assess the situation and recommend if medical intervention is necessary. Don’t ignore their professional advice.

Taking care of a belly button piercing requires attention and patience. Often, what seems like an infection is just irritation that can be easily resolved with proper cleaning and following recommended best practices. Always consult your piercer with any concerns and follow their instructions to ensure a healthy and safe healing process.

Getting a tattoo is an exciting experience, but it can also be painful. Many people want to know how to feel less pain during a tattoo to approach the session with more ease. In this article, we’ll explore various tips and techniques to reduce pain and make your experience as pleasant as possible.

Preparation Before the Tattoo

Preparation is key to minimizing pain during the tattoo. Here are some essential tips:

• Sleep and Rest: Make sure you’re well-rested. Lack of sleep can increase your sensitivity to pain.
• Nutrition: Eat a meal rich in protein and complex carbohydrates before your session to keep your blood sugar level stable.
• Hydration: Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to and on the day of your tattoo. Well-hydrated skin is more elastic and less sensitive.
• Avoid Alcohol, Caffeine, or Drugs: Alcohol is a blood thinner and can increase pain sensitivity, while caffeine can heighten anxiety.
• Avoid Taking Vasodilator Medications

During the Tattoo Session

During the tattoo, there are various techniques you can use to manage pain. Deep, controlled breathing can help you relax. Inhale deeply through your nose and exhale slowly through your mouth. This technique can help reduce the perception of pain.

Another useful tip is to communicate with your tattoo artist. Let them know if you need a break. Most tattoo artists are understanding and will give you the time you need to rest. Some artists also use distraction techniques like conversation to help take your mind off the pain.

Other methods include listening to music or podcasts, which can help distract you and focus your attention on something other than the pain. Some people find it helpful to bring a friend for moral support during the session.

After the Tattoo: Care and Healing

After getting a tattoo, skin care is essential to reduce pain and promote quick healing. Follow your tattoo artist’s instructions regarding cleaning and moisturizing the tattooed area. Avoid direct sun exposure and wear loose clothing to prevent rubbing.

Applying tattoo-specific creams can help keep the skin hydrated and reduce pain. Keep the area clean, and avoid scratching or touching the tattoo to prevent infections and further discomfort.

Knowing how to feel less pain during a tattoo can make the difference between a stressful experience and an enjoyable one. Prepare adequately, use relaxation techniques, and breathe deeply. Consider using numbing creams and follow post-tattoo instructions for quick, pain-free healing. With these tips, you’ll be ready to enjoy your new tattoo with less pain and more satisfaction.

Taking care of a tattoo is crucial not only for maintaining the desired aesthetic appearance but also for preventing infections and complications. A tattoo is essentially an open wound that requires proper attention and care to heal correctly. This article provides a comprehensive overview of how to best care for your tattoo, highlighting recommended practices, common mistakes to avoid, and the importance of timing in tattoo aftercare.

Tattoo Care: 3 Tips After the Session

1. Keep the Tattoo Protected from the Start

After application: The tattoo artist should cover the new tattoo with a sterile bandage. This bandage should remain in place for the first 2-24 hours, depending on your tattoo artist’s instructions. The goal is to protect the open wound from bacteria and infection.

2. Clean the Tattoo

Once the bandage is removed, it’s essential to gently but thoroughly clean the tattoo with warm water and antibacterial soap, avoiding harsh or scented products. Repeat this process 2-3 times a day to keep the area clean and promote healing.

3. Moisturize with a Good Lotion

Apply a thin layer of healing lotion or tattoo-specific moisturizer, following your tattoo artist’s recommendations. Moisturizing helps prevent excessive scabbing and keeps the skin elastic.

5 Things Not to Do After Getting a Tattoo

1. Don’t Touch the Tattoo with Dirty Hands. Avoid touching the tattoo with unwashed hands.
   Dirty hands can transfer bacteria and increase the risk of infection.
2. Avoid Sun Exposure. UV rays can fade the tattoo colors and damage the skin during the healing process. When exposed to the sun, use a high-SPF sunscreen specifically designed for tattoos.
3. Avoid Prolonged Baths, Pools, Saunas, and Steam Rooms in the First Few Weeks. Immersion can increase the risk of infection and affect the healing of the tattoo.
4. Wear Loose and Breathable Clothing. Tight clothing can irritate the tattooed skin and interfere with healing. Opt for loose and breathable clothes that don’t rub against the tattoo.
5. Don’t Pick the Scabs. It’s normal for scabs to form during the healing process. Avoid scratching or removing them manually, as this can cause scarring and remove ink from the tattoo.

Tattoo Healing Times: All the Stages

Generally, a tattoo takes about 2-4 weeks to heal superficially, but full healing can take up to six months.

Tattoo healing times can vary slightly depending on location, size, and post-tattoo care, but they can generally be divided into these stages:

First Stage: 3 to 7 Days

• Inflammation and redness: Right after the tattoo, the skin will be red, swollen, and may show slight bleeding or oozing. This phase usually lasts 3 to 7 days.
• Scabbing: As the skin begins to heal, scabs will form. It’s crucial not to remove them.

Second Stage: 7 to 14 Days

• Exfoliation and itching: After about a week, the skin will start to exfoliate, and itching may occur. It’s important not to scratch the tattoo.
• Fading of scabs: The scabs will gradually begin to fall off on their own.

Third Stage: 2 to 4 Weeks

• Shiny and dry skin: The new skin under the scabs will be shiny and may appear dry. This is a sign that the skin is healing.
• Return to normal: After about a month, the skin should return to normal, although the tattoo may still look slightly faded or uneven as the skin continues to regenerate.

Tattoos: Better to Get Them in Winter or Summer?

The season you choose to get a tattoo can influence the healing process. During summer, it’s harder to avoid sun exposure, which can compromise the quality of the tattoo if not properly managed. In winter, the skin is less exposed to UV rays, reducing the risk of ink fading and skin damage during healing.

However, regardless of the season, it’s crucial to carefully follow the post-tattoo care instructions provided by your tattoo artist to ensure optimal healing and keep your tattoo vivid and beautiful for years to come.

Always consult your tattoo artist for specific advice related to your tattoo and skin, ensuring the best possible care.