Thinking about getting Kanji tattoos in NYC? You’re not alone. At CJ Tattoo, we see more and more clients every month who love the look and meaning behind Kanji tattoos. But here’s the thing — while Kanji tattoos can be incredibly beautiful and personal, it’s important to get them done right. Let’s break it down so you can walk into your appointment with confidence.
Why Kanji Tattoos Are So Popular in NYC
What is Kanji?
Kanji (漢字) are Chinese characters that are used in the Japanese writing system. Kanji tattoos combine art and meaning — each symbol can express powerful ideas like love, strength, family, resilience, and more. On top of that, the style is elegant and timeless, whether you go for a small piece or a large flowing design.
In a city like New York, where culture and creativity collide, Kanji tattoos are especially popular. But with popularity also comes risk — we’ve seen too many tattoos with incorrect meanings or awkward designs because clients didn’t know what to look for. That’s where having an experienced artist at CJ Tattoo makes all the difference.
Common Mistakes People Make with Kanji Tattoos
Here’s the truth: Kanji tattoos are easy to mess up if you’re not careful — and once it’s on your skin, it’s not so easy to fix! Some of the most common mistakes we see are:
- Relying on Google translations — machine translations often miss the correct meaning, tone, or even the proper direction of Kanji characters
- Choosing characters that don’t go well together — in Japanese, combinations of characters need to be checked for flow and proper meaning
- Copying images online without understanding the calligraphy style — not every font or brushstroke looks good in tattoo form
- Skipping a consultation with a skilled artist — not all tattoo artists in NYC are familiar with Kanji style or Japanese tattoo flow
At CJ Tattoo, we help you avoid these problems. We work with native speakers and cultural experts to make sure your Kanji tattoo says exactly what you want — and looks amazing.
Some of the Most Common Kanji Tattoos We Like
Clients come to CJ Tattoo NYC with all kinds of ideas, but here are some Kanji designs that stay popular — because they’re simple, strong, and timeless:
- 愛 (ai) — Love
- 力 (chikara) — Strength
- 勇気 (yuuki) — Courage
- 家族 (kazoku) — Family
- 忍耐 (nintai) — Patience
- 自由 (jiyuu) — Freedom
- 幸福 (koufuku) — Happiness
Be Creative — Kanji Tattoos Can Go Beyond Just One Word
Many people think a Kanji tattoo has to be just one word — but it doesn’t! You can go deeper by choosing a phrase, proverb, or poetic expression that connects to your life.
For example:
- 水滴石穿 — “Dripping water penetrates stone” — a beautiful way to express persistence
- 七転八起 (shichiten hakki) — “Fall seven times, stand up eight” — a classic symbol of resilience and strength
- 風林火山 (fūrin kazan) —“Wind, forest, fire, mountain” — military strategy: be as swift as the wind, as quiet as the forest, as fierce as fire, as steady as a mountain
- 一期一会 (ichigo ichie) — “One time, one meeting” — cherish every moment / once-in-a-lifetime encounters
These types of phrases carry more depth and personality than a single word — and they make your tattoo even more meaningful.
How to Choose the Right Kanji Tattoos in NYC — Tips from CJ Tattoo
If you’re ready to get started, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Think about your meaning first. What do you want this tattoo to represent?
- Talk to your artist. At CJ Tattoo, we’ll walk you through different options and double-check meanings before we ink.
- Decide on placement. Kanji tattoos look great on the forearm, ribs, back, neck, or as part of a larger Japanese piece.
- Work with an artist who knows Japanese style. We’ve done hundreds of Kanji tattoos here in NYC — we know how to make them look clean and powerful.
If you already have a meaning or idea you love — but feel that one single Kanji might look too simple — we can help you create a short phrase or sentence that carries deeper meaning and cultural richness.
👉 Contact us to book a consultation — or just walk in for a small Kanji tattoo!