Tattoos in anime serve as more than just body art; they often hold deep significance, providing insight into a character’s history, allegiances, and personal growth. Each inked symbol tells a story, making these characters not only memorable for their actions but also the art etched onto their bodies.

Whether a simple marking or a complex design, these iconic tattoos add depth and intrigue to the rich tapestry of anime characters. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most memorable anime characters with iconic tattoos. So, without further ado, let’s get started.

10. Draken – Tokyo Revengers

The tallest and toughest guy in Toman, Ken Ryuguji is commonly known for his moniker “Draken” and there’s a reason behind it. First, he’s extremely strong and is feared among the other gang members, and second, his signature dragon tattoo.

As Draken grew up in Shibuya’s red light district with no parents, he impulsively got his tattoo in fifth grade to show off. Needless to say, the wavy dragon inked across the side of Draken’s head adds to his intimidating persona given the fact that Draken is part of a gang.

9. Ryomen Sukuna – Jujutsu Kaisen

The undisputed “King of Curses” and one of the strongest demon lords in anime, Ryomen Sukuna has his whole body covered in intricate inked patterns. When he takes over Yuji’s body, thick black lines in rigid patterns appear on his body giving him a dope look.

From his face to his torso, every body part exhibits a different tattoo style with some of them being geometric in shape. It’s unclear what Sukuna’s markings mean, but it’s speculated that he got all these tattoos as part of him being branded as a criminal.

8. Nicolas Brown – Gangsta

Hailing from the underworld and mafia anime is our next anime hero Nicholas Brown who sports a tribal tattoo on his back. Deadly, perceptive, and surprisingly witty Nicolas is a former mercenary and works as a handyman for a group that does illegal odd jobs. 

The tribal-style tattoo across his upper back extends to both shoulders of Nicolas, giving it a pattern of wings. However, his tattoo is hardly visible through the clothing but it doesn’t matter much once he’s on screen showing his exceptional strength and sassy looks.

7. Trafalgar Law – One Piece

In the pirate world, Trafalgar Law is known by his epithet, “Surgeon of Death”, and he is amongst the Worst Generation members. His nickname suits his status and the tribal tattoos that cover his fingers with each one spelled with the word ‘DEATH’ on both hands.

He also has a black cross on the back of both of his hands. On his chest, Law has inked a heart tattoo with his Jolly Roger on it. His back is also covered with a large-scale Jolly Roger and on both his shoulders there are more heart-shaped design that mirrors his devil fruit.

6. Renji Abarai – Bleach

Renji was introduced quite earlier in the Bleach series and since then has made his name in the community. He’s one of the most competent Shinigami who serves as the lieutenant of the 6th Division and bears one of the most iconic sets of tattoos.

In addition to his styled crimson hair, Renji’s forehead and upper body are covered in tribal tattoos, which have increased over time, reaching his entire back and much of his chest. All his tattoos simply add to his elegant design and Renji wears them with pride.

5. Revy – Black Lagoon

Lagoon Company’s rebellious leader and one of the best gun users in anime, Revy is a Chinese-American woman who is lovingly nicknamed “Two Hands” for her ability to wield two guns. She has curled tribal patterns sweeping up her upper arm, reaching all the way up to her neck.

Her tattoo perfectly goes with her explosive personality and smoky-hot-tanned body. As the driving force behind the Lagoon’s military might, Revy can single-handedly kill an entire platoon on her own without showing any empathy which is why she’s a deadly woman to keep up with.

4. Izumi Miyamura – Horimiya

At first glance, Izumi Miyamura appears to be a loner who doesn’t know anything about society and stuff but beneath his unassuming exterior lies a completely different persona with a multitude of piercings and tattoos on his body, which sparks the attention of many.

Izumi is one of the few long hair anime guys to sport a body tattoo on his torso and an arm. The shoulder and torso side tattoos are similar meanwhile, they make tribal band-like formations around his biceps, giving him somewhat a minimal and aesthetic look.

3. Portgas D. Ace – One Piece

One Piece has many great characters but no one is honored as much as Ace. He lived a life on his own terms and always had a special place in his heart for his sworn brothers, Luffy and Sabo. Ace adored them so much that he inked a very iconic tattoo on his body that became a trademark in the anime verse.

On his left arm, Ace had a tattoo that spells “ASCE” vertically with the S crossed out. The “S” crossed out is a tribute to Sabo as that’s his Jolly Roger. Ace had another tattoo on his back of the Whitebeard symbol that he put on with pride and joy as a member of the Whitebeard Pirates.

2. Tatsu – The Way Of The Househusband

The Way Of The Househusband’s Tatsu looks intimidating and menacing in his own way but surprisingly enough he’s a funny guy who enjoys doing household work with absolute passion. However, he wasn’t the same from the beginning and his intricately detailed dragon tattoo on his back is a living proof of it.

Tatsu used to be once notoriously called “Immortal Dragon” and the tattoo is from his days as a member of the Yakuza gang. The design of the tattoo is imprinted stunningly and cloaks his entire backside, stretching all the way down to his forearms. It actually looks like a tattoo inspired by a real-life Yakuza.

1. Scar – Fullmetal Alchemist

One of the most powerful black anime characters, Scar is a cold-blooded serial killer and vigilante. As a former warrior monk of Ishval, Scar has a few tribal bands on his arm but the most recognizable tattoo is the one on his right hand which embodies the transmutation pattern.

Scar got most of his markings during the Ishvalan Civil War when he managed to adorn the alchemy patterns he found in his deceased brothers’ notes. Since then Scar is on a killing spree throughout Amestris and from time to time he uses his tattooed arm to dismantle the enemies in front of him.

Which one of the following anime tattoos is your favorite? Feel free to comment down your thoughts and make sure to recommend some other characters like the ones listed above, also don’t forget to share this article with your fellow otaku friends.

We post daily anime and manga news articles, so make sure to follow us on Instagram. You can also check out our anime ranking page for more articles like this.