At Solana Tattoo Company in Fort Collins, Colorado, we can do in Japanese-inspired tattoos that honor the bold symbolism, flowing movement, and visual storytelling found in traditional Japanese art, while bringing a modern, personalized touch to each design. Our artists draw inspiration from classic Irezumi motifs, such as Oni masks, Foo Dogs (Shishi), dragons, koi fish, tigers, and peonies, and translate their energy into pieces that fit seamlessly with your own story and style. Whether you’re looking for a full sleeve, back piece, or a smaller custom design, our goal is to capture that balance of power, movement, and harmony that defines the Japanese aesthetic — all within a contemporary tattooing approach.

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What are Japanese-Style Tattoos? 

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Japanese-inspired tattoos are known for their strong outlines, dynamic composition, and deeply symbolic imagery. Traditional Irezumi pieces often feature elements like waves, clouds, smoke, cherry blossoms, or wind bars to create flow and depth, wrapping around the body in a way that tells a story through art. At Solana, we take those timeless design principles and adapt them into pieces that suit a range of styles, from black and gray realism to modern illustrative interpretations. While we don’t claim traditional Japanese lineage or techniques, we deeply respect the artistry and cultural roots of this tattoo form, and we love creating custom tattoos that channel its spirit: bold, meaningful, and beautifully balanced.

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Below are some examples of our Japanese-inspired tattoos. See more tattoos on our Instagram page. 

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