Welcome to Good Times Ink Osaka. Many of our Japanese artists are lifelong anime fans, and we work with travelers every day. This guide keeps things simple: what each series/character is about, and what our sample pieces show—using the notes you’ll see reflected from our artists’ experience.
Why Japan Anime Tattoos Travel So Well
Anime gives you clear icons—hats, masks, emblems, creatures—that read instantly at small or medium size. People around the world know these shapes, so your tattoo is easy to share and easy to understand. For travelers, that combination of recognition and personal meaning is why anime tattoos feel right to take home from Japan.
What to Know Before Choosing an Anime Tattoo in Japan
- Consultation in clear English. Email us before you fly or visit the studio in person. Tell us the series, character, and scene or emblem you like. We’ll confirm size, placement, and schedule in straightforward English (Japanese also OK).
- Style options (decided before the sample list). New School color, American Traditional, minimal blackwork, or faithful black-and-gray—all are available. We can match the style of tattoos you already have. If you’re unsure, our artists can suggest directions during consultation.
- Plan your timing. Book early in your trip so you have a few days for aftercare. Avoid pools, hot baths, and strong sun while healing. Some onsen and gyms restrict visible tattoos; check policies in advance.
- Travel aftercare. We provide simple instructions and the basics you’ll need to keep the tattoo clean and comfortable while you move around Japan.
From here onward, we introduce sample-based motifs. We focus on the character/series explanation and what our specific samples show, rather than general design proposals.
Studio Ghibli Tattoos
Spirited Away
No-Face
A quiet, mysterious figure who reflects desire and loneliness in Spirited Away. Extremely popular with visitors. Our sample keeps the form very simple, which makes it easy to sit beside other small Ghibli elements without feeling crowded (as our artist notes).
Haku
The river spirit who takes dragon form. Among Ghibli icons, Haku feels distinctly “Japanese.” Our sample uses a moderate size so the long body reads cleanly and the character’s presence stays strong.
My Neighbor Totoro
Totoro
A gentle forest guardian loved worldwide. Works whether you grew up with the film or found it later. Our sample shows how both faithful and minimal approaches still feel “Totoro,” which is why the motif is requested so often.
Soot Sprites
Tiny sprites that appear around dust and corners in Ghibli films. Fans enjoy them as small companions to another main piece. Our sample treats them as playful add‑ons that sit neatly beside bigger Ghibli tattoos.
Catbus
The smiling, fast-moving bus‑cat is instantly recognizable to Totoro fans. Our sample keeps the fun expression front and center, which is enough to recall the film’s energy without extra elements.
Princess Mononoke
Forest Spirit (Shishigami)
A symbol of life, change, and the forest. Fans choose it to carry the film’s nature theme with them. Our sample centers the mask and antlers so the figure is calm and unmistakable.
Porco Rosso
Porco
A 1930s seaplane ace with humor and heart. Goggles and scarf are the quick reads. Our sample is a neat, minimal example that still feels true to Porco, just as our artist intended.
Ponyo
A bright sea‑born character whose round shapes are easy to identify at a glance. Our sample shows why an iconic figure like Ponyo reads clearly with simple treatment, matching our artist’s note.
Howl’s Moving Castle
Calcifer
The lively fire spirit. Our sample frames Calcifer like a postage stamp—this stamp presentation is commonly loved in Japan and suits small “collectible” pieces, as our artist points out.
Shonen Jump Anime Tattoos
NARUTO
Kakashi
Teacher of Team 7, known for calm strength, distinctive hair, and mask. Recognized worldwide even in silhouette. Our sample keeps the identity clear without extra decoration.
Cursed Mark
A story‑linked emblem closely tied to Sasuke’s arc. Fans choose it for the direct connection to the plot. Our sample mirrors how the mark is presented in the series, which many people appreciate.
Kunai
A basic ninja tool that fans around the world recognize on sight. Our sample keeps the kunai crisp and readable; shuriken receive similar interest at the studio.
BLEACH
Ichigo
Soul Reaper protagonist known for determination, the large blade, and action‑forward scenes. Our sample focuses on movement so viewers immediately recall the series.
HUNTER×HUNTER
Killua
Often the most requested HxH character. Fans like his speed, lightning, and quiet loyalty. Our sample adds a tiny takoyaki—a small local Osaka nod noted by our artist.
Phantom Troupe Symbol
The spider emblem associated with the group. Many fans ask for it because it’s simple, direct, and instantly understood. Our sample shows that clean emblem clearly.
Illumi
A composed, unsettling presence. Fans who like his calm intensity often want a straightforward read. Our sample keeps the reference minimal so the character comes through.
Meruem
The Chimera Ant King—poised and regal, central to a famous arc. Our sample holds a balanced silhouette that fits the character’s dignity.
Jujutsu Kaisen
Gojo
Teacher with overwhelming skill. The eye covering is the quickest visual cue and needs no explanation for fans. Our sample uses that cue so the reference is immediate.
Sukuna
A character whose body markings are already “tattoo‑like” in the series. Our sample leans on those markings, which is why many people feel it fits skin naturally (as our artist notes).
ONE PIECE
Luffy
Protagonist of the global hit ONE PIECE. The straw hat is the icon; fans also connect with the wanted‑poster portrait. Our sample faithfully references that famous poster image so it reads “Luffy” at once.
Chopper
A gentle crew member loved for kindness and charm. Our sample keeps the warmth and roundness that fans expect when they picture Chopper.
Brook
A musician and gentleman skeleton—humor and style together. Our sample holds the posture and musical feel that make him instantly recognizable.
Jolly Roger
Crew flags are universal inside ONE PIECE and easy to understand at any size. Our sample shows why these emblems are requested so often—clear, versatile, and strong.
Demon Slayer
This piece captures a well-known moment of Tanjiro enjoying an onigiri, drawn in a soft, cheerful expression.
The design looks like a cropped manga panel — a style that many fans love because it feels authentic, simple, and directly lifted from the world of the story.
Clean lines, subtle shading, and the boxed-in frame make it instantly readable while keeping the charm of the original scene.
Dandadan
A newer title with bold energy. We also offer Today’s Flash pieces that are ready to go. Our sample comes from that flash set—quick to choose, fun to wear. See current flash here.
Dragon Ball
Gotenks — Super Ghost Kamikaze Attack
A playful fusion character known for this memorable technique. Our sample highlights the move itself in an American‑Traditional spirit with bold, cute ghosts—just as our artist describes.
Other Popular Anime Tattoos
Death Note
Light
A psychological story where decisions drive the plot. Fans who enjoy the manga’s layout often want that “page” feeling. Our sample uses a manga‑panel cutout approach, which is a look readers recognize immediately.
Sailor Moon
A classic magical‑girl series recognized by moons, ribbons, and a hopeful tone. Our sample keeps the moon emblem clear so even a small piece reads well.
Urusei Yatsura
Lum
A retro favorite with bright, electric charm. Overseas visitors know her well. Our sample retains that playful presence without crowding details.
Tezuka Osamu Works
Phoenix
A legendary work about life and rebirth. Fans choose the phoenix to carry that theme. Our sample keeps the flow graceful so the reference is immediate.
Astro Boy
An icon of hope and the future. Our sample uses streamlined shapes so the figure stays friendly and modern.
GeGeGe no Kitaro
Neko Musume
A yokai with sharp, mischievous charm. Our sample reimagines her in an American Traditional look—bold outlines and classic balance, as our artist intended.
Medama-Oyaji
A playful take on the classic character — the big single eye and tiny body are still there, but this version is rocking a guitar for extra attitude. The bold lines, bright colors, and dynamic pose make it a fun, energetic twist that stays instantly recognizable while adding personality.
Yu‑Gi‑Oh
Blue‑Eyes Ultimate Dragon
A fusion dragon many players and viewers remember. Our sample uses a toon‑like approach—rounded and friendly—which the artist notes feels especially tattoo‑friendly.
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
Our sample focuses on Giorno Giovanna’s ladybug brooch from Part 5. The emblem is small, stylish, and instantly “JoJo,” which is why it works so well for fans.
NANA
A music‑driven drama with strong overseas support. Fans relate to friendship, stage life, and youth. Our sample keeps the reference subtle but clear.
Tomie
Junji Ito’s famous character whose calm surface hides horror. Our sample uses flowing hair and restraint so the mood stays controlled and recognizable.
Popular Placement Ideas for Travelers
- Inner forearm / wrist: Easy to protect during travel; good visibility for photos.
- Outer forearm / calf: Room for icons that need length or a clear emblem.
- Upper arm / shoulder blade: Comfortable for mid‑sized pieces; clothing shields healing skin.
- Ankle / behind ear / collarbone: Good for small, discreet emblems when you’re on the move.
We’ll give you travel‑friendly aftercare instructions and answer questions in simple English.
Why Good Times Ink Osaka is Trusted by Travelers
- Clear English support. Email or walk in; we’ll confirm design, size, timing, and aftercare in straightforward English.
- Artists who love anime. Our Japanese artists understand the references and the details that matter to fans.
- All major styles available. New School, American Traditional, minimal blackwork, faithful black‑and‑gray, and more; we can also match your existing tattoos.
- Simple, reliable process. Clean hygiene, focused scheduling, and practical travel tips so you enjoy Osaka while your tattoo heals.
- Walk‑in friendly flash. Check our rotating Today’s Flash sets (including Dandadan pieces) if you want something ready to go.
Conclusion — A Tattoo That Carries Japan With You
If a character, emblem, or scene matters to you, tell us. We’ll listen, communicate clearly, and make a piece you’ll be happy to bring home from Osaka.
Author uni
A tattoo enthusiast who has been tattooed by more than 30 artists. Working with tattoo artists and others at GOOD TIMES INK.