The Manga and Anime Tattoo Style: From Page to Screen to Skin
By Bailey Jones
What happens when the worlds of Japanese illustration, expansive world-building and character design, and an expressive art form collide? You end up with the visually striking and varied tattoo style of manga and anime. Inspired by many years of Japanese art, it brings these well-known characters and worlds into a new medium, lifting it from the page onto the skin, and into people’s personal identities. Whether it be a nostalgic show from growing up, your favourite film, or your top reading recommendation, manga and anime have risen to be a huge source of inspiration for many tattoo artists. But where did this style begin, what propelled it into the global scene, and what does it mean to carry your favourite story with you? Who better to ask but Inkora’s resident anime and manga artist, Leto!
Starting not as a tattoo style but as its own art form, the graphic storytelling, coined manga, was a modern interpretation of a history of illustrative culture and legacy. In the 20th century, it exploded as a medium as it become popularised by artists such as Osamu Tezuka, known as the Godfather of Manga and author and illustrator of Astro Boy and many other famous pieces. Manga stood unique as using a common panel layout but including incredibly detailed artworks to accompany emotionally driven narratives. These pieces of art were expanded upon as technology grew, and enabled animated series, or anime, to take these narratives and expand on the amazing artwork. From large serialisations like Dragon Ball or limited runs like Cowboy Bebop, manga and anime started to become more influential in popular culture. With their reach now extending globally, artists are becoming inspired to reinterpret their favourite shows, chapters and characters into their designs.
People often find themselves inspired by the narratives and characters, and wanting to represent them on their skin, portraying personal identity, emotional connections, or narrative value. The way they do so is incredibly varied, as is the artwork and styles featured in manga and anime. Ranging from fine line to full colour pieces, artistic reinterpretations of characters to the manga panels themselves, there are limitless possibilities for representing this style through tattooing. Whether it be the nautical and piratical One Piece, the spectral and alien Dandadan, the classical Naruto or modern Frieren, there are so many different worlds to base designs on. One particularly popular world is that of Studio Ghibli, a film company based in Japan that has some of the most well-known and cherished anime films like Spirited Away and Howl’s Moving Castle. The wonderful thing about tattoos inspired by these narratives is that they can be as simple or complex as you’d like, allowing such creative freedom and personal expression.
I sat down with our resident expert, Leto, who is particularly inspired by anime and manga, to gather their experience and love for this particular style.
Q. What drew you to the anime and manga style?
I was drawn to the anime and manga style through my exposure to the genre in my childhood, I grew up watching anime and have been drawing in a similar style for as long as I remember really. I have a lot of love for the visuals characteristics of the style and love the way that a sense of community has been built around it.
Q. What are some common things you often find being requested in this style?
People tend to lean towards getting favourite characters or favourites scenes/panels from anime and manga that they love tattooed, I certainly love to imagine my favourite characters and scenes as tattoos!!
Q. What’s your favourite thing in this style to tattoo?
I love to tattoo things from Ghibli moves especially; the films have a special place in my heart and bring me lots of joy and comfort to create for!
Q. What’s one thing you’ve always wanted to tattoo but haven’t been able to yet?
There isn’t one single piece in particular that I’ve always wanted to tattoo but there are a few anime in particular I’d love to be given the chance to create something for! Witch Hat Atelier, Madoka Magica or Frieren would be my top choices.
Q. Why should someone get a tattoo in your style?
If you’re an anime or manga lover looking to get a piece that shows the world your love for a particular story or character I’d love to work with you!! Life’s too short to keep your interests to yourself, and a tattoo is the perfect way to pay homage to your faves :)
Manga and anime have taken the world by storm, and we are seeing them become more popular and integrated into society. Particularly in the tattoo field, we are seeing some absolutely fantastic pieces inspired by the volumes, shows and films that mean so much to so many people. We’ve seen Leto produce some absolutely fantastic designs inspired by Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, Pokemon, Demon Slayer and more! We can’t wait to see what other amazing designs from fantastic stories Leto does next.
You can book yourself in with Leto for your next tattoo today though our website here: https://www.inkora.studio/leto
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