Tattoo Design Ideas
The 20 Best Japanese Wave Tattoos & Designs

If you have seen a Japanese wave tattoo, then you will know that it has a different look about it. While sea waves are already a calming motif itself, Japanese water tattoo often involves slightly more curled waves, which is an interesting design.
The Best Japanese Wave Tattoos & Designs
Japanese wave tattoos are often seen as a background for a bigger tattoo piece, such as one involving samurais, Japanese oni – monsters and more. Let’s take a look at some of our top selections below!
1. Japanese Wave Tattoo Through a Window
Imagine opening the windows and seeing this outside! This would be a cool sight in theory, but not so awesome if faced in real life. May the waves of life be gentle upon us!
2. Waves with Dotted Background
We love the signature Japanese water wave tattoo style! This one here gives a more dramatic effect to the waves by adding a dotted background.
3. Under a Compass
Sea waves will find no better place to fit in than right underneath a compass tattoo. After all, a compass helps with navigation!
4. Part of a Triangle
You can also present your waves as an art within a geometric shape. In this image, the waves are included in a triangular motif.
5. With the Sunset & Mountains
This Japanese wave tattoo has an excellent view included in it on Shoulder! There’s also the view of a sunset along with a mountain in the background. Take a closer look and you’ll even see the boat rowers going about their job in the rough waves!
6. Japan The Rising Sun
Nothing speaks Japanese water tattoo more than this image. The background depicts a pattern synonymous with the Japanese flag.
7. Almost Symmetric on the Back
Don’t want the waves to end with the sea? How about a design like this one where you just mirror the image at the center? It doesn’t need to be exactly mirrored, you just need it to look mirrored.
8. With a Flag
You can include your own nationality with the Japanese wave tattoos. While you might be expecting a Japanese flag, this one here actually includes the British flag, which works too!
9. Simple Black and White Japanese Tattoo
Shaded area where it’s supposed to look darker, uninked areas where the wave should look brighter in color. This is a simple and straightforward tattoo that we can all look forward to!
10. With Rough Paintbrush Strokes
You only have to include a few dots in the Japanese wave tattoo for it to appear like an awesome tattoo with plenty of texture. Highlights are important in any art piece!