Kanji Tattoos – Points to Remember
Kanji, Katakana, and Hiragana are the three types of scripts in
Japanese. Kanji is the oldest of them and the most complex. Like the
Chinese scripts, Japanese Kanji symbols represent a word or a sound.
Every line within the Kanji symbol illustrates an object or an action.
To somebody who doesn’t know Japanese may find Kanji quite complex to
read and write. However when they are drawn, the letters look very
beautiful. Owning to its beauty in design and character (and especially
because the script remains a mystery to the world at large), Kanji
tattoos have also gained tremendous popularity all over the world.
However, if you wish to engrave a Kanji tattoo on your body, there are
certain things you should keep in mind. You should not show complete
naivety for the language, and know at least about the symbol/s you
intend to acquire. Otherwise someone knowing Japanese may sarcastically
pass a comment on you tattoo, and you may look at her, obtusely, making
a fool of yourself. Another situation may arise such that after the
tattoo is engraved, you may chance upon a website and scream out loud by
looking at the symbol saying that ‘this is not something that I
desired!!!’ however, Kanji tattoos are permanent and not much can be
done about it… Do not panic. In order to avoid such a situation, you
need to remember certain points.
Avoid engraving foreign names into Kanji
There are as many as 80,000 Kanji symbols which often have several
meanings. When a foreign name is translated into Kanji, it simply
extracts the right phonetics. This translation often becomes hilarious
as in many cases the meaning of the word changes completely. However, if
you are still interested to get your name tattooed, you should use the
Katakana script that may simplify the process. You should find out how
your name would sound and mean in Kanji and only then go for it.
The art of keeping it simple
When you use the Kanji script for tattooing, never indulge in
translating a whole sentence. The meaning will tend to get completely
lost in translation. If you intend to convey a certain message across
with your tattoo, it is always advisable to consult an expert,
preferably a native speaker. For example, if you like a certain proverb
in English, do not go engrave the original translation in Kanji. It may
not make any sense. Instead you can find out an original Japanese
proverb that carries similar meaning.
Seek advice from a Kanji expert
It is important to consult a Kanji consultant, who has a sound knowledge
of the script and the language. Most of them have an extensive catalogue
from where you can select your symbol by knowing the proper meaning of
it and whether it is something you wish to opt for.
A number of websites carry information about Kanji symbols and the
meaning of these symbols. Unfortunately, several of these symbols are
incorrect. So if you are choosing the symbols from the internet, you
should go for a trusted site. Thereafter, you should get it verified
from an expert before engraving it on your body.
An inaccurate or misinterpreted tattoo would be extremely painful to
carry on your body for the rest of your life. Therefore, knowing these
points will help you in avoiding certain common mistakes people often
tend to make in Kanji tattooing.
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