Kanji for Tattoos
This is the page for people who are looking for a kanji character for a tattoo, since I get many requests for them. Even if you don't want to have a tattoo, it will help you to find out how to write your name in Japanese, or the words you want to know in kanji.
Japanese Writing
First of all, just in case you are not familiar with Japanese, I will tell you a little bit about Japanese writing. There are three kinds of scripts in Japanese: kanji, hiragana and katakana. The combination of all three are used for writing. Characters can be written both vertically and horizontally. Click here to learn more about vertical and horizontal writing. To learn how to put Japanese characters together for a tattoo, click here.
Katakana is generally used for foreign names, places, and the words of foreign origin. Therefore if you are from a country that doesn't use kanji (Chinese characters), your name is normally written in katakana.
Your Name in Katakana
Katakana is a phonetic script (so is hiragana) and it does not have a meaning by itself (like kanji). There are some English sounds that don't exist in Japanese. (L, V, W etc.) Therefore when foreign names are translated into katakana, the pronunciation might be changed a little bit.
Click here to find out your name in katakana.
"Otake Japanese Kanji Calligraphy" offers various names in katakana.
"Jim Breen's WWWJNAMES Server" helps people who want to write their names in katakana.
"Japanese Translator" site translates your name into katakana.
"japanese-name-translation.com" site translates your full name automatically into katakana with the pronunciation as audio files.
Your Name in Hiragana
As I mentioned above, katakana is normally used to write foreign names, but if you like hiragana better it is possible to write them in hiragana. Name Exchange site will show your name in hiragana (with a calligraphy style font).
Your Name in Kanji
Kanji is generally not used to write foreign names. However if you wish to have a kanji name, try the following sites. Please note that although foreign names can be translated into kanji, they are translated purely on a phonetic basis and in most cases will have no recognizable meaning.
The author of "Kanji Name" site will translate your name into kanji.
"Japanese Style" site will also create your name in kanji.
"KANJI translation service for tattoos" site will translate your name into kanji.
"Kanji Design" site will design your name and a word you like.
"KanjiStyle.com" site can produce the your name in kanji using the meaning and origin of your name. You can order from "Order" - "Your Name in Kanji."
Visitors wanting their name translated into kanji can buy and immediately download any of over 2,200 name images at "japanese-name-translation.com".
There is another way to have a kanji name, which is to get a Chinese name. Chinese use kanji (Chinese characters) only. Try this Chinese Name page.
You can also check out the book, "Write Your Name in Kanji".
Your Name in Japanese (any scripts)
Takase Studio has over 2000 first names in Japanese. They are shown in romaji, hiragana, katakana as well as kanji. Kanji names based on either literal or phonetic translation. The author of the site also creates a tattoo design upon your request.
Asahi Japan Collectibles offers customized screen saver program which will display your name in English, katakana, and kanji with many effects.
Your-Name-In-Japanese.com offers Japanese kanji symbol name translation service for tattoo design and gifts.
Find out what your name looks like in kanji with this site.
General Kanji for Tattoos
Check out your favorite words at "50 Popular Kanji: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, Part 9, Part 10, Part 11 and Part 12." The sound files are included to help your pronunciation. You can also see the collection of the kanji characters at "Kanji Land".
"Japanese Style" site will help you to create your favorite word in kanji.
"Only One Items For You" site will help you to create your favorite word with Japanese calligraphy font style.
"DSFY (Design for You).com" offer Japanese symbol, your Japanese Name and kanji translation.
"KanjiStyle.com" site is for designers who wish to use Japanese calligraphy or kanji for design materials.
"Kanjiya.jp" site offer unique kanji T-shirts, custom kanji T-shirts with your name, Japanese kanji symbol translation for tattoo.
"Kanjika.com" translates your English words into accurate Japanese characters for the use in tattoo art, logo, designs, your name in Japanese and novel gifts. Also, check out new "Tattoo Checker".
More About Tattoos
To explore more about tattoos, check the About's "Tattoo/Body piercing" site.
Click here to learn more about the art of Japanese tattoos (Irezumi).
The Meaning of Japanese Names
Try the "All About Japanese Names" page to learn more about Japanese names.
"Kanji Names Project" site will also help you to understand the meanings of Japanese names.
Learning Kanji
To learn kanji characters, click here for various lessons.
Language Poll
Which Japanese writing style do you like the most? Click here to vote your favorite script.
