namakubi (severed head)

Some people might find the idea of a tattoo of a severed head disgusting or in bad taste, but it is actually quite popular and not just some kind of morbid hobby. In fact, it can be a symbol of protection against evil spirits.

In the Sengoku period, samurai would take the heads of their defeated enemies as proof of victory. During seppuku, a form of ritual suicide, a kaishakunin (aide) would sometimes cut off the head of the samurai to end their suffering. In the past, people who were beheaded as punishment often had their heads displayed as a warning to others. To avoid this fate, some people would embroider or paint the image of a severed head on their armor or clothing, believing that it would act as a talisman and protect them from being beheaded.

Katsushika Hokusai and Kawanabe Kyosai also drew many pictures of severed heads. The hanging scroll of ghosts also has such a meaning.

In addition, it is said that the decapitated tattoo also has the meaning of a wish to “accept one’s destiny with pride” and a meaning of “a life that revolves around reincarnation”.