 |
"You Are My Life" Thank you Britt and Mayumi for sharing this most wonderful moment. |
Tattoo designs are often deeply personal expressions and so it is not always possible to find a ready-made design that is exactly what you want. For this reason we are proud to offer completely custom tattoo designs where we work with you on the translation, the font and the layout. This is a completely custom design where you will be working directly with Master Japanese Calligrapher Eri Takase to create a design that is just right for you.
Order your custom tattoo design at Custom Japanese Tattoo Design
With over fifteen years of experience and thousands of satisfied clients, Master Takase is the perfect partner to work with to create a Japanese tattoo that is uniquely for you. Master Takase's work has sold all over the world as custom art for individuals, on commercial products, in books, print and in film. Her brand ofTraditional Japanese Calligraphy has been described as refined and cultured. She has been praised not only for her beautiful art but also for her approachability, courtesy, and professionalism.
How To Get Your Perfect Japanese Tattoo
Your custom tattoo design starts when you place your order and describe what you would like. We would then create several options for the translation and present you with several sample designs with different fonts and layouts. These hand-lettered designs by Master Takase are then scanned, documented and emailed to you along with a detailed explanation and links to on-line Japanese dictionaries and other independent resources. This way you know the translation is correct and we are happy to provide you with as much information so you are as happy with the translation as you are with the design. You can then examine the designs at your leisure and decide which samples you like and the direction you would like to proceed. And in this fashion you and Master Takase would work together to create a design that is exactly what you want.
The design process is fun, informative and normally takes two or three sample sets to arrive at the perfect design. When all is finished the final design, along with the line art and explanation, is emailed to you. All you need to do then is print the design and take it to your tattoo artist to have the design inked. Your tattoo artist does not even need to know Japanese! We give you everything you need. And all this entire process can be done in as little as a few days.
For an specific example of the process see Custom Design Process where we show the designs and actual communications used to achieve the final design. This is the process we would use with you to create your perfect designs.
If you have questions or would like to learn more pleasecontact us.
Body Art is Expressing Yourself
Stock calligraphy will not always reflect you and what you want to say the way you want to say it. Body Art is about expressing yourself and can be as unique as you are. The creation of the design should be a collaboration between you and the calligrapher, an interactive process, resulting in a unique work of individual expression.
Body Art is a Personal
Japanese Calligraphy designs require absolutely correct translations. One needs to be sure that the design has the intended meaning and has a visual presentation that fits you and your style. Takase Studios has both a native English speaking translator and a Native Japanese translator. We take great care in making sure that the designs we create are absolutely correct and are happy to provide you with as much supporting material as you need to be completely confident with the translation. By doing this we are able to create a design that expresses what you want to say with a look and feel that matches your style.
| Mareena This design is a phonetic translation to kanji of the name Mareena and is simply fantastic. Thank you Hisaya for sharing this and for your permission to use the photo. For information on how names may be rendered into Japanese see How To Write Names in Japanesewhich are articles from Master Calligrapher Eri Takase's monthly column in Martial Arts Insider magazine. |  |
|
| |
Body Art is Permanent
Calligraphy based Body Art Designs require mastery of the art as well as accuracy and attention to detail. You need to be able to interact with the artist at every level to ensure the accuracy and appropriateness of the design. We take great pride in providing you with all the information and feedback you need to ensure that you are getting the design that is just right for you.
We work with you on each step of the design and give you personal attention you need to you will be completely comfortable and confident with your new Japanese tattoo.
| Custom Body Art Ideas Order Your Own Unique Tattoo Design at: Custom Japanese Tattoo | |
 Joy in Japanese Joy in Japanese | Custom Names in Japanese Names in Japanese make beautiful tattoo designs. As an example, the designs on the left are of the name Joy. The standard way names are translate to Japanese is a phonetic translation to katakana which is shown on the top. Names often have meanings which can also be translated to Japanese. In this case the name Joy means "joy" which in Japanese is yorokobi. The second design shows both "joy" (yorokobi) in kanji and the name Joy (joi) in katakana (written horizontally in the design). So both aspects of the name are translated in this one beautiful design. For information on how names may be rendered into Japanese see How To Write Names in Japanesewhich are articles from Master Calligrapher Eri Takase's monthly column in Martial Arts Insider magazine. We have a wealth of information and over 9000 names translated to Japanese. To find out more about a particular name seeNames in Japanese. And to order a custom tattoo design of a Name in Japanese visit our catalog Custom Body Art - Name in Japanese |
 Family Bonds | Family Bonds (kizuna) This design features kizuna meaning family bonds as the main kanji. Each member of the family is written in the lower left - in this case katakana works perfectly and all names can fit in this area. Katakana is the standard way names are translated to Japanese. The parents names are to either side in a protective position. Safe between the parents are the two children's names. This design also includes a small red Eternity seal between the children's name. While this design shows four names, we can do designs from one to eight names. For information on how names may be rendered into Japanese see How To Write Names in Japanesewhich are articles from Master Calligrapher Eri Takase's monthly column in Martial Arts Insider magazine. And to order a custom tattoo design of Family Bonds visit our catalog Custom Body Art - Family Bonds |
 Life inochi  | You Are My Life (inochi) This design is the character for Life with the loved one's name written to the lower left. This particular design also includes a small seal meaning Eternity. There is a long history behind this design. Historically a geisha forbidden to marry would proclaim her love in a tiny version of this design. Today the meaning is to proclaim someone as being your whole life and is used for all loved ones including a fiancé, spouse, or even one's child. While normally the design has one name, it can be done with more. For information on how names may be rendered into Japanese see How To Write Names in Japanesewhich are articles from Master Calligrapher Eri Takase's monthly column in Martial Arts Insider magazine. And to order a custom tattoo design of Life (inochi) visit our catalog Custom Body Art - Life |
 Love | Love (ai) In this beautiful design Love is the symbol connecting two souls. In the example on the left the names are written in katakana which is the standard way non-Japanese names are written in Japanese. Thank you Steve and Carrie for permission to use this wonderful image For information on how names may be rendered into Japanese see How To Write Names in Japanesewhich are articles from Master Calligrapher Eri Takase's monthly column in Martial Arts Insider magazine. And to order a custom tattoo design of Love connecting two names visit our catalog Custom Body Art - Love |
 Soul Mates | Soul Mates (tamashii no tomo) The central character in light gray is a design of the characters for Soul Mates. In the corners are the personalized names written in beautiful Japanese calligraphy. In this example the names are translated phonetically to katakana is the standard way that names are translated to Japanese. On our website we have a wealth of information and over 9000 names translated to Japanese. To find out more about a particular name see Names in Japanese. For information on how names may be rendered into Japanese see How To Write Names in Japanesewhich are articles from Master Calligrapher Eri Takase's monthly column in Martial Arts Insider magazine. And to order a custom tattoo design of Soul Mates connecting two names visit our catalog Custom Body Art - Soul Mates |
Testimonials
"Good evening, Eri -
Thank you! I have decided on (12) Respect, Love, Passion.
It is beautiful and I look forward to having it done. The completed size is great the way it is on the sample you sent.
If I need to do anything more, just let me know. I will highly recommend your site and your work to anyone.
Again, I sincerely appreciate your assistance, your knowledge and work in creating something I truly believe expresses me."Tiffany"I wanted to drop you a quick note to let you know that I received the final tattoo designs in priority mail on Saturday and I appreciate the speediness at which you sent them to me.
I also wanted to send you a huge Thank You for all the work you put into this project. I have been mulling this over for years and never found the "right" design or a way to go about getting one made until I came across your website. At first, I was a bit leery about doing business over the web but I was soon convinced that it was a perfect way to go after our first email conversation. The entire process was quite enjoyable and I am more than 100% satisfied with everything!" Kelli
- "Thank you so much for your wonderful designs! They are everything I had hoped for. Thank you again for all your help and if anyone wants a reference please do not hesitate to give them my email address." Don
-
"Dina received the piece this morning and she LOVED it! Thanks again for all of your help. I'll probably be ordering at least one more piece in the next month or two." Ron
-
"We just wanted to thank you again for your hard work and extra effort in getting the art mailed out to us. You were correct when you said that the originals would assist us with our decision. We ended up selecting the second, new to us version, of #2, which we jokingly called "2a".
We had our tattoos done and neither of us could be more pleased with the outcome. Thank you so much." Cameron
by Master Japanese Calligrapher Eri Takase
| Thank you Anke and Torsten for your |
If you are thinking about a Tattoo in Japanese then no doubt you have many concerns. A great place to start is with a reputable catalog that has a wide variety of styles and options. By knowing what is possible, you can get a much better feel for what appeals to you personally and perhaps even find a design that says exactly what you want to say with a look that fits your style.
AtStockKanji - Japanese Kanji Tattoos we have over 9000 Japanese Tattoo Designs and more are being added everyday. Each Japanese Kanji Tattoo was personally hand-lettered by Master Japanese Calligrapher Eri Takase and was professionally scanned and documented.
Each design when purchased can be immediately downloaded - There is no waiting. You get everything you need right when you order. And this includes the line art that your tattoo artist needs to properly ink the Japanese Kanji Tattoo. Just print the design and take it to your tattoo artist - they don't even have to know Japanese! It is now just this easy to get the perfect Japanese kanji tattoo.
Haiku Tattoos |
New! We are really excited about our new collection of Japanese Haiku Tattoos. Haiku are short Japanese poems that capture a point in life. From the simple but telling moments in life, to the self-sacrifice of motherhood, to being forced away from the one you love, to the loss of a child ... poignant moments in life that may help to put into words exactly what you would like to capture in your own tattoo.
Traditional Japanese Haiku are short 21 syllable poems in a 5-7-5 pattern. Often only seven to ten words at most. But for the Haiku poet this is enough to capture life's moments. These short poems, at the hand of a master poet, can truly touch us across the ages.
The poem "A world of grief and pain. Flowers bloom, Even then ..." by Kobayashi Issa was written upon the death his child and it speaks to all of us that have experienced tragedy. This is just one example of the powerful imagery and emotional content that is possible with Japanese Haiku.
To learn more and and for detailed descriptions of all our Japanese Haiku Tattoo designs see Japanese Haiku Tattoos. And if you have a favorite Haiku we would love to hear from you. We do show what we are currently working on but if you have a suggestion please let use know at Japanese Haiku Suggestion.
StockKanji.com is a catalog of Japanese character tattoos offering hundreds of options for names, words and phrases. Each coming in several different fonts and styles - this way you can get the meaning you want with a look that fits your style. As an example, below we show three of theseventeen designs for the maximTrue Victory is Victory Over Oneself.
The Block (kaisho) Script is what one most commonly sees for Japanese Kanji Tattoos. Though other fonts are popular once people see the range of what is possible with Japanese.Dave Beckham's Tattoo on his ribs uses a cursive font and while difficult for people to read, this is an elegant and flowing script. Japanese has many different fonts and, at the hand of a master, the possibilities are infinite.
| In the Martial Arts, as in Japanese Calligraphy, the concept ofTrue Victory is Victory Over Oneself is crucial. As an example, a common exercise given to calligraphers is to do a large work of 100 characters or more. These artworks are sometimes 7 1/2" tall and require both concentration and skill. The instructor closely watches over every movement and if a single mistake is made then the student must start from the beginning. The paper is expensive. The ink is made by hand which is time-consuming and exhausting ... these pressures can add up and, maybe the student begins to think about how bad it would be to fail ... and with just that seed of self-doubt, the student could lose focus for just an instant, the rhythm of the hand would be affected and the work would be ruined. Truly before one can master anything else, one must master oneself. | |
| True Victory is Victory Over Oneself Thank you Irma for your kind permission to use this stunning photograph Ordering is Safe and Easy |  True Victory is Victory Over Oneself |
 True Victory is Victory Over Oneself | |
 True Victory is Victory Over Oneself | |
|
| |
Once you find just the right Japanese symbol tattoo you can then purchase order and immediately download the design. There is no waiting - you get your design right away. And you get everything you need to take to your tattoo artist to have the design properly inked. The Japanese character tattoo will print out exactly as designed by Master Takase and you can easily change the size of the tattoo to fit your needs. You can get the perfect design right now!
And remember that all of the Japanese kanji tattoo designs atStockKanji - Japanese Kanji Tattoos are hand-lettered by Master Japanese Calligrapher Eri Takase. Don't confuse them with other sites that use computer fonts or designs of anonymous or unknown origins. Here you know that you are getting the care of a professional and the artistry of a master calligrapher.
| Looking for a Tattoo Artist? Try Client Recommended Tattoo Artists. When someone has taken the time to write us about their positive experiences with a tattoo artist inking one of Master Takase's designs, we feel it is important to pass this information along. The only way a tattoo artist can get on the list is to be personally recommended by a client of Master Takase's. Perhaps these recommendations will help you in your search. |
And you get the widest selection of original Japanese Symbol Tattoos available anywhere. The catalog is divided into over fifteen categories includingChristian Japanese Kanji Tattoos,Family Japanese Kanji Tattoos,Inspirational Japanese Kanji Tattoos,Martial Arts Japanese Kanji Tattoos,Motivational Japanese Kanji Tattoos,Names in Japanese Tattoos,Nature Japanese Kanji Tattoos,andZodiac Japanese Kanji Tattoos. And below we show just a few examples of the designs available.
Top Ten Most Requested Japanese Tattoo Designs:
1 Eternal Love 2 Inner Strength 3 Love 4 Hope
5 Live in the Moment 6 True Victory is Victory Over Oneself
7 Each Moment Only Once8 Honor 9 Beloved Son 10 Family
| | I LOVE IT! "Just wanted to let you know that I finally went to go get the tattoo this past week and I LOVE IT! (I already knew I loved the design, but I *really* love it now that it's on!) I've gotten many compliments in the few days that I've had it (including for the tattoo artist), and I've been telling everyone who asks what beautiful work you do, and what a pleasure it was to do business with you." Jessica |
And at StockKanji - Japanese Kanji Tattoos you can order with confidence because each design is carefully researched and documented. And you are provided with independent dictionary references so you can verify the design for yourself. For example, the designs forNinja includes an independent dictionary link and a link to a Wikipedia article on Ninja - this way you can be absolutely certain that the translation is correct and you can check for yourself with the click of the mouse.
For more information on our catalog of Japanese kanji tattoo designs see Japanese Kanji Tattoo Ideas below.
Japanese Kanji Tattoo Catalog
| Each word in the catalog is shown in several styles The meaning is the same but each has a different look and feel. | |||
| Crisis kiki  Crisis in Japanese is kiki which combines the kanji for danger and opportunity. |  Block |  Cursive |  Semi-Cursive |
| Mix and Match for a One of a Kind Design Step 1. Select the font for Love Is the name not in the Catalog? No problem, use Request A Name In Japanese which has options in both katakana and hiragana and in a few days you will be emailed the design. Or, if you are looking for a completely custom design, use Custom Japanese Tattoo Design where you work directly with Master Takase to create a unique design that is just right for you. Remember you can resize a design to fit your needs. | |
| Love | Love connects two souls This pattern uses the kanji for Love with the lovers names written to each side. Love as a bond that connects two souls. Combine Love with your Names in Japanese for a completely unique design. Thank you Steve and Carrie for permission to use this wonderful image. The on-line catalog contains several hundred Names in Japanese. And if your name is not in the catalog you may order a name at Request A Name In Japanese. |
Our 
Body Art Designs You Can Trust - Master Japanese Calligrapher Eri Takase has been creating custom body art designs for over ten years with thousands upon thousands of satisfied customers. You have probably even seen Master Takase's work in movies, on TV, or in print or even on a favorite product. Now you can have beautiful Japanese Calligraphy in your own personal expression of body art.
Looking for a Tattoo Design of a Name? Well you have two options. One is to browse our extensive list of names at Name in Japanese List which features over 2400 of the most popular given names. The other option is to start shopping at our online catalog at Name in Japanese On-Line Catalog.
Can't Find Your Name in the Catalog? No problem, use Request A Name In Japanese which has options in both katakana and hiragana and in a few days you will be emailed the design. This includes both the design that the line art (sometimes called a stencil). This is a hand drawn set by Master Japanese Calligrapher Eri Takase of three different versions of the name in a font and size matching the other tattoo designs in our catalog. Within a few days your finished body art design along with the line art will be emailed directly to you - Nothing could be easier.
Looking for a Kanji Design? We also maintain a larger list of words used throughout this website and in tattoo designs. If you are looking for a particular word browse our list of kanji designs at Japanese Kanji Word List or start shopping at our online catalog at Japanese Kanji Tattoo Designs
Mix and Match With the names and stock art designs you can create unique and individual designs. Take the downloaded designs you have purchased to your tattoo artist and collaborate to create a truly unique work of art with beautiful Japanese Calligraphy.
How About a Completely Custom Design? Can't find exactly what you want in the Catalog? How about working directly with Master Calligrapher Eri Takase to create aCustom Tattoo Designs. Master Takase has collaborated with thousands upon thousands of satisfied clients over the last ten years creating unique and personalized designs. Designs can usually be completed in as little as a few days.
Carefully Documented Tattoo Designs
These unique and sophisticated designs are carefully documented with the Japanese reading and the dictionary version of the kanji - this means that you can easily verify the meaning yourself by either using an on-line dictionary such as Japanese <-> English Dictionary or by visiting your favorite library or book store. And if you have a question please feel free tocontact us.
Along with accuracy you want a design that matches your personality and style with just the right look and feel. For each carefully documented design we offer a variety of fonts and styles. Whether you are looking for bold permanence or flowing movement, we have the design that is just right for you.
And it is not enough to have a calligraphy design that just says something - the way it is said is just as important. This is why for each design we offer options in font and style - from bold and daring to feminine and delicate - with all the options you are sure to find a design that fits you.
Thousands of Beautiful Designs
Each design in the catalog was hand drawn by Master Japanese Calligrapher Eri Takase specifically for body art. These designs were then scanned in and digitized using the best software available. The result is that you will have in your hands a beautifully and accurately rendered version of the original that is ready to take to your tattoo artist.
| Balance kinkou |  Block |  Cursive |  Semi-Cursive |
See Names in Japanese. We will mainly be adding names in katakana which is the standard way that non-Japanese names are rendered into Japanese. Because katakana is an angular syllabary women will often want to use the more feminine hiragana. This is exciting and are designs that you may not have seen before.
We are seeing Japanese Calligraphy designs all over in new programming. In ABC's show Fast Forward the Japanese Calligraphy and Tattoo Design for "Believe" is a major theme and used brilliantly in the plot. It was fantastic to see! If you love this like we do then see Believe (shin) for more than a dozen of Master Takase's original designs.
When you purchase a design you get the design as it should appear on the skin and the stencil / line drawing that your tattoo artist will need to ink the design. Each design is also documented with the meaning, the Japanese reading and the kanji as it appears in the dictionary.
And did you see in Stargate Universe thatCol. David Telford (ie Lou Diamond Phillips) sports a tattoo of "Wabi Sabi". This was great to see and, from what we could see, it looks great. Master Takase, as many Japanese, loves this theme and so she has created many high resolution designs at.
And one more. We were so excited to see tonight that Jillian Michaels from "Biggest Loser" has a tattoo forFriend (tomo) on her right shoulder. This kanji has several meanings, any of which she could have had in mind. One of the great things about Japanese Calligraphy is that there are many possible meanings ... and for her no doubt this is a personal and special design. And it looks great.
I don't know what Jillian Michaels had in mind with her tattoo but this image is absolutely amazing. She is tough. She is motivated. She is in your face ... she is .... what's that kanji .... a friend? In Japanese the kanji Jillian Michaels has on her right shoulder reads tomo meaning "friend; friends; friendship". I don't know if this is the meaning she had in mind when she had it inked, I can think of a dozen other reasons and an infinite number of motivations. Maybe with her extremely difficult job this a way she reminds herself "I come in peace" or "I am your friend".
Eri Takase's variations of the designFriend (tomo)
For Crafts - If you are looking for quality Japanese calligraphy at an affordable price for your personal use then you are going to LOVE this. We have spent the last four months re-mastering ALL of our Japanese Calligraphy Designs. If you are looking for Japanese Calligraphy designs to use in your Gift Cards, as Artwork, or for all of your personal needs then visitResizing Eri Takase's StockKanji Designs which shows in detail, and with examples you can follow along yourself, how to use Master Takase's designs to create all sorts of designs for your craft and hobby projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do I get the Japanese Tattoo design?
Immediately. Non-custom designs are made immediately available after your order is placed. The design will remain in your "My Downloads" area for two weeks. It is important to save the design to a safe location on your disk.
What if I need a different size for the design?
The designs are in a PDF format with the image vectorized. This means that you can increase or decrease the size of the design and the image will still be clean and accurate.
The simplest way to change the size is to change the size in acrobat reader, then print and select "current view." This way you can easily resize the design to fit your specific needs.
Can I use the image on my website?
No. The images in the tattoo section are priced and licensed for a single non-commercial use. Mass distribution of a design regardless of whether it is for commercial purposes is now allowed.
Can I use some of the love designs on my wedding invitation?
Each design comes in three formats. The PDF format is most suitable for body art. If you are looking to reproduce the design we have two commercial use options in .JPG format.
Can I use an image on a wood carving that I am doing?
Yes. If a design is to be use more than once though it should be purchased for each use.
Can I incorporate the design into a larger tattoo design?
Yes. This may be done for your personal use. The resultant design, however, may not be sold. This is strictly for personal use.
What exactly do I get when I order?
Each design starts out as an original hand-drawn design by Master Calligrapher Eri Takase.
The individual design is then scanned in, a stencil is created and the final work converted to the Adobe PDF format. By using this format the image you print will be the same as Master Takase designed.
The downloadable artwork (an actual design is on the right) shows the design as it should appear on the skin and includes the stencil your tattoo artist will need to ink the design.
Also included is the Japanese reading and the kanji as it appears in the dictionary.
And, as almost all computers have Adobe PDF reader installed all you need is to just download and go.
For a complete list of designs see List of Japanese Words and Names in Japanese.
© 1995-2014 Takase Studios, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Travelling is my life
ConversionConversion EmoticonEmoticon