On the contrary to Western skull tattoos, Japanese skull tattoos are not associated with death but rather with change, impermanence and the embrace of life and mortality. 

In the Edo period (1600-1800), skulls and skeletons became prominent aspects of Japanese art, driven heavily by woodblock prints, most notably Kuniyoshi’s Takiyasha the Witch & The Skeleton Spectre.

Skulls and skeletons naturally became popular in tattooing around the same time and became a pillar of Japanese tattooing. 

Gashadokuro is a tremendous Japanese Yokai. The Gashadokuro is a giant skeleton said to have been formed from the bones of people who died from hunger or in battle that did not a receive a proper burial. They are powerful symbols, kept as a reminder to honour those who came before us. 

Japanese skulls, skeletons and Gashadokuro cannot be compared to other styles of skulls and skeletons as they represent very different concepts. 

The Japanese skulls can represent protection against negative energy, acceptance of mortality, rebirth and change as well as the balance of life and death. 

The Gashadokuro represents honour but also suffering as it’s made from the bones of humans that starved or were not properly buried. It is a powerful tattoo that can represent remembering the past and facing our finite lives. 

When it comes to getting Japanese skulls & skeletons tattooed, they work quite well as small or large tattoos and especially well with other elements, such as Japanese clouds, waves or flowers.

As the Gashadokuro is so massive, it’s best kept for larger areas of the body, such as the chest or the back. 

Either or, they are great additions to existing work or as stand alone pieces.
If you’re interested in learning more about Japanese skulls and skeletons, or if you have one in mind already for your next tattoo, use the button below to get in contact and book your session in!