Confronting these unspoken and mutual standings, this is why
Japanese people are often portrayed as introverted as they
simply deal with it and follow the rules. However, when some
decided to have it tattooed on their skin, it lives within them in
an external and internal manner. The art becomes part of their
material self and the spirit of the animal is a philosophical
import. Not only does it remind the individual distinctive
Japanese customs, interestingly, it allows them a sense of relief.
What’s a better way than having these koi fishes who are
striving for their own ultimate purpose of hoping to renew
themselves and a sense of relish for today’s situation, by
tattooing it on your skin? It takes courage to accept what you are
born with and bravery to accomplish something beyond what you
expect of yourself. It brings out the importance of self-
improvement and awakens the hopes within the people in such a
secluded society between those at the top and at the bottom.
@wakatomo_tattoo
Koi, also means love
in Japanese
A simple design can help to empower the individual with a
sense of pride in their ability to face those challenges of a daily
basis, with clarity and integrity. Being able to bear with all the
stress within them is what make them different from others
within this world. To be open about it is a strong representation
of courage and self-respect. Senca, a Roman stoic who exert
oneself to remain calm and collected under extreme pressures
said that “Sometimes, even to live is an act of courage.” A koi-
fish can represent a person’s discovery of their authentic self
and an indication of the individual’s contentment with their
situation.
The unique thing about tattoos is despite knowing that it is an
image or a symbol in the end, it allows anyone to present a
meaningful connection in life and acts as a reminder of the
message installed within the design, whenever the wearer
seems them upon their skin. Like any of other significant
experiences in one’s life, the event of tattooing retains a place in
the realms of our minds. We remember the purpose and reason
for getting one. Tattoos retain their significance as visible
reminders of an important, spiritual experience — like
footprints unaffected by the tides of time, the presence is
unbroken. No matter what other people say.
“What you need is to recognize the
possibilities and challenges offered
by the present moment, and to
embrace them with courage, faith
and hope.” - Thomas Merton
21
Motifs & Symbolisms
Tattoos of animals with strong connections to the environment,
are not only meant for personal expressions. It was used to depict
legends and heroic achievements that brought Japan to where it
stands now in this world, literally at the same pact of soil and
land. Tattoos have transformed them into timeless pieces, for
generations to remember.
Along the shores of Japan, there are small crabs climbing along
the sand. Look closely and you could see that on their back shell, it
strangely resembles the face of a man. That is the samurai crab.
Before the shogun rule, there was a 5-year military struggle
between clans to obtain the imperial throne. One of the clan was
called the Taira clan. Their defenses broke and in the midst of
being chased down, they arrived at a cliff. In uphold of the
samurai code, rather surrendering, they leaped to the oceans
instead one by one to become one with the ocean.
@costathyssen