When it comes to epic anime stories, Naruto is definitely at the top of the charts. With a long, rich storyline and characters that resonate with their fans, it’s only natural that characters from this popular Manga would make their way into skin art. This brings us to the subject of Itachi tattoos.
Today we’ll talk about Itachi tattoos, going into their symbolism, meanings, and more, so that you can learn a little more about this character and the reasons why he’s made his way from the Manga pages into the world of tattoo art. He’s quite the character, as it turns out!
What is the History of Itachi Tattoos?
Itachi Uchiha first appears in the Naruto Manga in chapter 139 “Eulogy” and in the anime series in volume 16. Hailing from the ‘Village in the Leaves’, this Itachi was a Shinobi of the Uchiha clan and was considered a rogue.
His story starts in infamy, as he kills all of his clan, earning the nickname ‘Clan Killer’, and while his parents were part of these murders, he spared his younger brother, Sasuke Uchiha. His deed earned him a ‘most wanted’ status and he became a rogue ‘Ninja of the Hidden leaf’.
Eventually, he would come in contact with his brother again, and a mighty battle would ensure, with Itachi eventually succumbing to a combination of his injuries and illness.
We won’t spoil it for you, but simply say that there was a powerful reason for the murders which he committed, and they so shocked and moved the fans that this character became beloved, sympathetic, and quite iconic in the eyes of those who understood the truth behind his actions.
What Do Itachi Tattoos Symbolize?
Itachi tattoos can actually symbolize a number of things. For instance, this is a character who has suffered much and endured, strictly on the force of his iron will.
Crows are often nearby him, a symbol of wisdom beyond one’s years, and he also trained so religiously that eventually he became a mentor to his brother, Sasuke, and to Naruto. Like the best characters in fiction, he is multifaceted, and so the symbolism in an Itachi tattoo is going to be based on what you choose to emphasize.
Predominantly, the symbolism tends to be that the power of the will may sustain the body and the mind, far beyond the limits that we perceive to be. While Itachi eventually succumbed to disease and to injury, he not only lived beyond his expected years but he saw more in his youth than most have seen in a lifetime.
There’s wisdom in tragedy – if you can look beyond the pain to the lesson – and the key to enduring is the discipline and the will to carry on when others would simply succumb to defeat and die.
What Do Itachi Tattoos Mean?
So, what do Itachi tattoos really mean? Well, they can represent quite a lot of different things, depending on how you depict this character and what is nearby.
Itachi with his crows, for instance, might mean that the tattoo owner has seen many bad things and rather than be defeated, has become the wiser for it.
An Itachi tattoo could also represent one that has disconnected from most of their family and for good reason, learning to keep the ones that matter (In Itachi’s case, his younger brother) while cutting the rest of the clan out of their life.
Itachi in ink can also represent a strong will, dedicated to wisdom and pushing towards goals.
Of course, the meaning doesn’t have to be so layered, as one might simply wear an Itachi tattoo as a way of saying that they are a fan of the series and that they like this character. It’s really going to be up to you, and if you just like the character and the aesthetics then that’s all the reason that you need.
Thankfully, if you do decide to go with the symbolism, Itachi Uchihi is one of the most complex characters in the series, so you’ve got a rich vein of story and symbolism to mine and ensure that your Itachi tattoo expresses something deeply personal that relates directly to you!
Characteristics and Styles of Itachi Tattoos
Japanese anime style tattoos are the go-to style for Itachi tattoos, although you certainly aren’t limited to this. If the character feels real to you, then you might depict him in a photorealistic fashion, or even a parody with the New School style of inking if that’s what appeals to you.
Black and white is an option, though most are going to choose full color for Itachi tattoos, because the established art is quite beautiful already and you’ve got the making of a fantastic color tattoo with this option. Think about the basic layout that you want in your design and then spend a week or two looking at styles.
This will help to ensure that you get the meanings across that you like in the most aesthetic way possible and believe us when we say this – it’s worth that extra 1 or 2 weeks. The right style can be the difference between night and day when it comes to skin art, so take your time with it!
Where Do Itachi Tattoos Usually Go?
Itachi tattoos are often placed somewhere with high visibility, such as the outer arm or the ankle if you like to wear shorts. This allows for the most exposure and can stimulate a lot of conversations when people recognize the character and what he symbolizes.
That said, back pieces are also a popular choice, as you’ve got a lot more space to work with and with a larger, color-filled tattoo, the results can be truly eye-popping. Check with your artist, though, before settling on the placement.
Most tattoo artists are quite familiar with human anatomy and can help you to choose a place where the tattoo will look it’s best, based on your own unique physique.
Some closing comments on Itachi Tattoos
Today we’ve taken a deep-dive into the lore of Itachi tattoos. Itachi Uchiha is quite the complex character and for Manga fans he is nothing short of legendary. If you like the character and feel compelled to express it in ink, then do so with confidence.
With a long and rich storyline, beautiful colors from the established manga art, and a highly flexible symbolism, Itachi tattoos definitely have the potential to be a truly epic choice!
