The snake has many different meanings in Irezumi. Although in western symbolism snakes are often seen as evil, cunning creatures - in Japan they are associated with protection, femininity, wisdom, good luck, change/regeneration and strength. It is said that encountering a snake grants you good luck, however coming across a dead snake is very bad luck. People in Japan may even carry snake skin around with them for luck. Hebi are seen as guardians/protectors, often thought to protect shrines or treasured belongings, or even protect against illness or bad luck. They are known to have good instincts and leave an area if they feel something is “off”, and so they can grant wisdom. It is thought that snakes have the power to turn themselves into a human form, usually a woman who has been wronged, and so are commonly paired with the hannya mask. Regeneration, the cycle of life, rebirth, or healing are associated with the snake because of the ability to shed it’s skin. Snakes can also pair well with a namakubi (severed head), skulls etc. They have a strong relationship with water, as snakes are often found near lakes and rivers, and they are said to be able to control the rain.

Cranes represent gracefulness, fidelity, good fortune, family, love and long life. As cranes are known to fly over 4,500 meters high in the air, they are thought to carry those who have passed away to heaven. Clouds and wind of course should be paired with the crane. One of the more popular legends says that if you fold 1000 paper cranes you will have your wishes granted. Tsuru are known for their elaborate mating rituals, and once bonded, they stay with their partner for life. Very often cranes are paired with the mythical turtle minogame, to symbolise longevity - as both are said to live for up to 1000 years. It is also possible to combine cherry blossoms (spring) and maple leaves (autumn) with the crane if there is room - as together they represent the whole year, symbolising longevity.

the koi fish, or carp, represents determination, courage and strength. As a water animal it is of course paired with water themes like waves, waterfalls, other animals like goldfish, and flowers. In real life kois are known for swimming up stream, thus where determination and courage comes from. A well known story that says a koi swims up stream, and eventually gets to a waterfall. it tries to swim up the waterfall for 100 years, and when it finally reaches the top the gods are so impressed they turn it into a dragon. Lotus flowers can be paired with kois as they are a water flower, and together they represent self control, determination, rebirth, enlightenment, and have various other religious connotations. When paired with peonies, the koi takes on the meaning of success and wealth. Cherry blossoms are also depicted with koi to emphasise the motion of water, and symbolise beauty.

Oni are representations of evil, or the punishment of evil. They are often depicted surrounded by flames, wielding their iconic iron clubs and may be paired with symbols and creatures from hell. They come to the human world to rampage, kill or torture the souls of evil - the worst getting turned into oni themselves. Originally the word “oni” referred to any monster, ghost or spirit, however today it represents a specific ogre-like creature. Thought to be large, humanoid beasts that are red, blue or green in colour. They have one or more horns on their head, long sharp teeth & claws, and are usually wearing a tiger pelt loincloth. Oni (often males) can change into females to seduce and kill men. Although they are usually depicted as evil, some may be protectors - the most famous of which: Raijin and Fujin, control the thunder and rain. There are also stories of monks who become oni after dying, to protect their temples.

The minogame is an ancient turtle, said to live for thousands of years. Often depicted with a tail made of algae or seaweed because of its’ age. The minogame represents longevity, wisdom and prosperity. The most famous tale featuring the minogame is that of Urashima Tarō - who saves a turtle, and is in turn given a ride on the turtles back to the palace of the dragon king as thanks. Minogame are commonly paired with cranes, symbolising longevity. The turtle is one of the four cardinal beasts, representing: the direction north, colour black, season winter, and element water. The minogame will of course pair well with water themes!

The Baku is famous for its’ ability to devour nightmares. It is said that when the gods had finished creating all the animals, Baku were made with the left over parts: the body of a bear, head of an elephant, tail of an ox and paws of a tiger. Baku are seen as holy creatures which protect mankind, and so getting a tattoo of one would grant you good luck, prosperity, and of course good dreams. In older times Japanese people would sew the kanji for baku onto their pillows, today its’ image can still be found on good luck charms and carved into temples. Baku are also known to fend off evil spirits, so in irezumi it may be a good pairing to have a Baku fighting an evil demon. Alternatively, a Baku could be paired with more peaceful or protective animals or flowers.

The hannya comes from Noh Theatre, which features Japanese folklore and supernatural stories, performed in elaborate costume. The hannya mask is used by actors to portray a woman who becomes so angry that she turns into a demon. The most common story the hannya is used in is The Laughing Demon by Katsushika Hokusai (known for his famous painting The Great Wave). In this story the character Lady Rokujo gets cheated on, and kills the woman her partner cheated with! In irezumi the hannya can represent warding off evil, or the judgement of right and wrong, just as Lady Rokujo did. The hannya may also symbolise wisdom - the word ’hannya‘ in Japanese is actually translated to Buddhist wisdom. Getting this mask tattooed may help you see right from wrong clearer.  The hannya can also represent the complexity of human emotions, and of love itself. The hannya may be paired with chrysanthemums or maple leafs which both blossom in Autumn, representing the changes hannya undergoes. A pairing with cherry blossoms can symbolise life after death, or moving on after a traumatic past. Very commonly when a hannya mask is used in a sleeve/back-piece is will be paired with a snake, as the snake has a lot of the same meanings (wisdom, change, femininity, good luck, etc.). It is also common to see a Noh theatre themed sleeve/backpiece, where the hannya will be paired with other Noh masks. It is worth noting that a lot of people get the word ‘hannya’ and ‘oni’ mixed up. The hannya may be seen as a specific kind of oni, but it would be wrong to call the hannya mask an ‘oni mask’ or visa versa.

Heikegani are a species of crab native to Japan, known for their shells which have an uncanny resemblance to that of an angry samurai mask. These crabs are said to embody the vengeful spirit of drowned samurai soldiers. More specifically, the heikegani are usually viewed in reference to a famous battle between the Minamoto (Genji) clan, and the Taira (Heike) clan, in 1185. After the Heike’s general betrayed them, and it became clear they had lost the battle, the surviving Heike soldiers flung themselves into the ocean to drown rather than be killed or captured. The Heike’s souls lost at sea attached themselves to the crabs in the water, thus making the heikegani. The grudge of the Heike can still be seen in the heikegani’s shells to this day. The heikegani will of course pair well with water themed tattoo, especially a battle scene.