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The Japanese octopus tattoo is a classic, and it’s not hard to see why. As a symbol of good luck and fortune, this tattoo is often chosen as a tribute to a loved one or as a symbol of success.
Often combined with the Japanese dragon, use this classic Japanese tattoo inspiration to help you discover your next tattoo. Check out more of our favorites for tattoo inspiration.
What does a Japanese Octopus Tattoo symbolize?
A Japanese octopus tattoo is a symbol of strength, intelligence, and perseverance. In Japan, the octopus is a symbol of good fortune and long life. It represents the ability to endure hardship, as well as the ability to overcome obstacles.
The Japanese word for “octopus” is tako, which also means “luck,” so there’s a strong connection between the two meanings.
Octopuses are also considered symbols of wisdom. They’re intelligent creatures who know how to use their environment to their advantage and can use their tentacles to perform many tasks at once—like an octopus can breathe through its skin while it’s holding onto something with one tentacle while wrapping another around prey or food. This trait makes them seem wise in many cultures’ eyes because they seem to possess abilities that humans don’t have.
Best Japanese Octopus Tattoos
Japanese Octopus Tattoo in Black on Full Sleeve
Black and Green Japanese Octopus Tattoo on Shoulder
Amazing Japanese Style Octopus Tattoo on Shoulder
Japanese Octopus Tattoo Looking Good on Shoulder
Black and White Japanese Octopus Tattoo on Arm
Colorful Japanese Octopus Tattoo on Back
Japanese Octopus Tattoo Work on Full Arm
Starting of Japanese Octopus Tattoo on Sleeve
Japanese Octopus Tattoo on Leg
Funny and Colorful Japanese Octopus Tattoo
Superbold Japanese Octopus Tattoo
Colorful Japanese Octopus Tattoo on Thigh
Japanese Octopus Tattoo on Entire Back
Japanese Black Kuniyoshi Octopus Tattoo
Colorful Japanese Octopus Tattoo Art on Sleeve
Under Construction Japanese Octopus Tattoo of Full Back
Large Japanese Octopus Tattoo on Chest
Japanese Octopus Holding a Stick
Colorful Japanese Octopus Fighting with a Frog
Colorful Japanese Octopus Tattoo Below Knee
Tattoo of Japanese Octopus on Entire Sleeve
Japanese Octopus Tattoo Processing on Full Sleeve
Blue Shade Japanese Octopus Tattoo on Leg
Japanese Octopus Tattoo Thigh Piece
Cute Red Japanese Octopus Tattoo on Leg Sleeve
In Progress Japanese Octopus Tattoo on Full Sleeve
Beautiful Red and Black Japanese Octopus Tattoo
Black Japanese Octopus Tattoo on Rear Arm
Black Japanese Octopus Tattoo with Red Flowers on Half Sleeve
Black and Red Japanese Octopus Tattoo on Chest and Sleeve
Dancing Japanese Octopus Tattoo on Thigh
Black and Dark Red Japanese Octopus Tattoo on Sleeves
Recently Completed Japanese Octopus Tattoo on Full Sleeve
Japanese Octopus and Shark Tattoo
Different Views of in Process Japanese Octopus Tattoo
Japanese Neaotraditional Octopus Tattoo
Japanese Octopus Tattoos in Different Views
Japanese Octopus Chef Tattoos on Half Sleeve
Japanese Octopus Tattoo in Different Colors
Foundation Lines of Japanese Octopus Tattoo
Take Fortune and Luck with You
In Japan, the octopus is considered an auspicious animal that brings good luck in its eight arms. The octopus has been depicted in ancient art since at least the 5th century BCE. It is also believed that the image of an octopus was used on old Japanese coins as early as 600 CE.
Octopuses are also considered to be symbols of transformation and change. Their ability to change their appearance through metamorphosis is symbolic of the ability to transform one’s life through personal growth and development.
What is a Japanese Octopus called?
The Japanese Octopus is called the tako. The word is pronounced “tah-koh.”
Like many words in Japanese, the word has multiple meanings. It can mean “octopus,” but it can also mean “attacking” or “eating.”
