I'm expecting to get a bit lit up on this one, because that seems to be the theme on tattoo questions. Nevertheless:
I'm 1/4 Japanese, and I was very close to my Japanese grandmother. I'm getting tattoos to honor the different cultures of my family. I've also been in the military for more than 11 years (between Marine Corps and Army) with several combat deployments, and I've always wanted a "Death before Dishonor" tattoo. I've spent more than a decade trying to decide how I want that depicted, and I've finally come up with the concept I want.
It will be traditional-style Japanese artwork, with a depiction of a Samurai performing seppuku. On his sleeve will be a depiction of our mon. I initially was going to have the words in English, but I'm toying with the idea of having them in Japanese. I'd prefer that, but would like to get the opinion of native Japanese speakers.
Either way, I plan to get the tattoo. The questions is just whether it will be in English or Japanese. The translation I understand is: fu mei yo yo ri shi. The characters are here: The word Death Before Dishonor in Chinese Characters and Japanese Kanji Symbols / Letters / Words / Glyphs.
Although I'm open to any opinions, I'm really looking for native Japanese speakers' opinions. I don't want to be disrespectful or look like an idiot if I go back to Japan (which I'm sure I will, between the military or pleasure).
Thanks
I'm 1/4 Japanese, and I was very close to my Japanese grandmother. I'm getting tattoos to honor the different cultures of my family. I've also been in the military for more than 11 years (between Marine Corps and Army) with several combat deployments, and I've always wanted a "Death before Dishonor" tattoo. I've spent more than a decade trying to decide how I want that depicted, and I've finally come up with the concept I want.
It will be traditional-style Japanese artwork, with a depiction of a Samurai performing seppuku. On his sleeve will be a depiction of our mon. I initially was going to have the words in English, but I'm toying with the idea of having them in Japanese. I'd prefer that, but would like to get the opinion of native Japanese speakers.
Either way, I plan to get the tattoo. The questions is just whether it will be in English or Japanese. The translation I understand is: fu mei yo yo ri shi. The characters are here: The word Death Before Dishonor in Chinese Characters and Japanese Kanji Symbols / Letters / Words / Glyphs.
Although I'm open to any opinions, I'm really looking for native Japanese speakers' opinions. I don't want to be disrespectful or look like an idiot if I go back to Japan (which I'm sure I will, between the military or pleasure).
Thanks