Michelle Branch has a Kanji Tattoo on her lower back as you can see with the picture insert. This tattoo was done by Chris O’Donnell and is believed to be her daughter’s name.
You may know Michelle Branch as a solo artist or as a member of the Wreckers. I the first time I
heard her singing was on buffy the vampire slayer (that’s a few years ago now).
If you ever thought that those guest appearances didn’t work, think again. I look up the credits to get her name, bought the album and years later I’m posting about her!
When Michelle was 8 she was taking voice lessons so she’s been at this quite a while now. Michelle has a beautiful voice and a personality to match. Only proving again that tattoos can be for anyone! For more information see Kanji Symbols
Understanding Japanese Symbols for Tattoos
While most people generally associate kanji as being the Chinese alphabet or more commonly referred to as the writing system, they are actually Japanese symbols as well. This is where creating and interpreting these tattoos gets a little confusing because although you many assume that Chinese and Japanese symbols would be the same because the symbols are used with both languages, they certainly are not.
History of Japanese Symbols
Chinese characters found themselves being used in Japan after some articles were imported from China many years ago. At the time, Japan did not have a writing system like China did nor did they understand the meaning of all of their symbols. Any documents that were viewed, were read as Chinese, typically by a translator.
Over time, kanbun, a Japanese system, eventually emerged that allowed Japanese speakers to read and restructure Chinese sentences by adding particles, verb endings and changing word order. This is why using Japanese symbols as tattoos can be quite risky because the piece could hold a different meaning in Chinese.
In modern times, Japanese kanji symbols are used for adjective stems, verb stems and nouns while adjective endings, inflicted verbs and particles are written with hiragana. It’s all quite confusing. Always research your tattooist thoroughly if you are using Japanese symbols and make sure of the meaning of your piece before it becomes a permanent fixture.
Chinese symbols for tattoos are incredibly popular, especially with Western civilizations. This Chinese writing system, otherwise known as kanji plays a huge role in the tattoo world today as do many flowers and animals that have a symbolic meaning in the Chinese culture.
No matter which type of Chinese symbols you choose for your tattoo, make sure that you are receiving your piece from a knowledgeable and experienced tattooist who has worked with these types of symbols before.
Kanji – These types of Chinese symbols look great on anyone with any color skin tone. Kanji symbols are perfect for men and women and can be created as larger pieces or done quite small in areas like the ankle, wrist and neck. Some of the most popular Chinese symbols in this category include love, strength, faith, luck, happiness, harmony, dream and mystery.
In contrast to the alphabetical letters you are familiar with, kanji symbols belong to a complex writing system made up of pictograms.
Each symbol represents something different with its own set of lines and curves. Some symbols take up to 30 brush strokes to properly create which is why only the most experienced artists should be trusted with kanji symbols.
Varieties
Although there are many different types of kanji symbols, some are used much more in tattoos while others are commonly found in writing.
Kaisho – Bold angular black script
Gyosho – Semi-cursive
Sosho – Full-cursive
Each one of these types of kanji symbols offers a different flow. Some are tight, neat and bold while others are loose and graceful in appearance. It should always be your choice of which type of kanji symbols are used, not the artist. This is about self-expression the style you decide on should ultimately be a reflection of you.
For More See Kanji Symbols!
David Boreanaz has a few tattoos but the 2 we are looking at here at two Kanji Wrist Tattoos. On one wrist the kanji symbol represents or means destiny and on the other wrist the kanji symbol represents soul.
One explanation for these tattoos is due to the fact that is wife has the exact tattoos so when
they walk hand in hand their souls and their destinies are joined together. While it is a nice story who knows if it’s true or not!
If you know anything about kanji or have look at the pages on this site you will know that when two symbols are joined together they can have a different meaning. But if it is true its probably just a romantic or loving act between the two.
We all know David Boreanaz from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel and now Bones! Whether he will get any new tattoos in the near future we will just have to wait and see!
To see a selection of Kanji Symbols and there correct meanings see Kanji Tattoo Symbols!
While some tattooists embrace the opportunity to complete kanji symbols, others completely reject the idea. Kanji is not something that you can simply master without a substantial amount of dedication and practice. Those who are very good at it are very talented and highly respected artists.
To Learn More Visit Kanji Symbols
Kanji symbols are part of a very complex system that is based on pictographs rather than alphabetical letters. Every symbol requires up to 30 individuals strokes from the pen. Many symbols are complex, offering up to 10 different interpretations which means that it takes great skill to have the linguistic knowledge that is needed to accurately analyze what the kanji symbols mean. Therefore, if Japanese is not your native tongue, you cannot be guaranteed of the exact meaning of your tattoo unless you fully trust your tattooist.
Despite the risk that comes with wearing a permanent display of the unknown, kanji symbols account for a large portion of tattoos received everyday. Why? Simply because they have unique, mysterious, bold and beautiful qualities all rolled into one symbol.
Hello Tattoo Lovers! I’m so happy you are here with me at my new website. Kanji Tattoo Symbols is all about tattoos, symbols and designs that fall into a script category like Chinese or Japanese.
We will be bringing you the images and the stories of celebrities, the good and the bad and when things go completely wrong! Kanji Tattoo Symbols can be beautiful and mysterious when done correctly but beware if you’re getting it done of someone who doesn’t usually do them!
If you have one why not sent us in your story and a picture and we will give you a little something. So if you have a Kanji Tattoo Symbol or any script tattoo and want to share your story leave a comment and I’ll get back to you. Names can be changed to protect the innocent!
This site will be in blog format so you can easily contribute and if any tattoo artists would like to add anything you are welcome to do so!
So feel free to contact us and contribute your knowledge and stories and make Kanji Tattoo Symbols Great!
