Hello, and welcome to Kanji Code.
I am the operator of this website, a Japanese native living in the Kansai region, Japan. Today, I want to share a somewhat personal story about why I decided to build this extensive Kanji dictionary.
It wasn’t for business. It started from a mixture of “admiration” and a little bit of “sadness.”
The Shocking Scene on TV
The biggest reason I started this site goes back to a TV program I watched a long time ago.
The show featured foreigners who had Japanese Kanji tattoos. There was one person who proudly showed off their tattoo. They loved the design and were very happy with it.
However, when I—a Japanese person—saw it, I felt very awkward.
The meaning was completely strange to Japanese eyes. It wasn’t “cool” at all; it was actually a bit funny.
Seeing that person so happy with a tattoo that looked “wrong” to native speakers made me feel sad. It was a tragedy born from a lack of correct information.
“I don’t want anyone else to have this regret.”
That was the moment the idea for Kanji Code was born.
Inspired by “BLEACH” and Cool Designs
I am not a professional calligrapher or a historian. I am just an ordinary Japanese person.
But I have a huge passion for “Cool Kanji Designs.” This influence comes heavily from my favorite Anime, “BLEACH.”
If you know BLEACH, you know how stylish the Kanji usage is (like the Bankai scenes!). The sharp, powerful typography creates a unique atmosphere. I believe Kanji is not just text; it is art.
However, many tattoos I see online use boring, standard computer fonts (like Mincho or Gothic). They lack soul.
That is why, on this site, I don’t just explain the meaning. I focus heavily on the “Design”—providing images that look like authentic, powerful calligraphy.
For example, words like Illusion (幻影) or Lone Wolf (一匹狼) need a specific style to convey their true power. Standard fonts just kill the vibe.
A Message to You: Tattoos are Forever
Finally, I want to give you one piece of advice.
Please be careful.
A tattoo is something you wear for the rest of your life. You cannot erase it like a pencil sketch.
Japanese Kanji is very complex:
- Context Matters: The meaning changes completely depending on how it is used.
- Fonts Matter: The font changes the entire atmosphere (serious, scary, gentle, etc.).
Please don’t just trust Google Translate. Use my site to check multiple options, understand the definitions, and choose the design carefully.
I hope Kanji Code helps you find the perfect design that you will be proud of forever.
Thank you for reading!
Comments