Top 15 Anime Characters with Tattoos (2025)

Last Updated on December 16, 2025 by “Talha”

Tattoos are a strong design element in anime, used to convey a character’s background, experiences, or the world they live in. The tattoos aid the character’s identity by symbolising loyalty and family, pain, rebellion, or supernatural powers. Here, we will discuss 15 anime characters whose tattoos have played an essential role in their character.

Significance of Tattoos in Anime

Tattoos in anime are rarely random. They often highlight traits like strength, trauma, loyalty, or cultural heritage. Sometimes they are tied to supernatural power, while in other cases they represent belonging. Their visual impact helps tell the story even before the character speaks.

Best Anime Characters with Tattoos

Before we get to the list, here’s a quick look at how we picked these characters. We chose tattoos that have real meaning in the story, like designs that show a character’s past, emotional journey, or growth. We also looked for tattoos that are visually unique, whether through detailed art, strong symbolism, or bold images. Finally, we included tattoos that stand for bigger themes in the anime, such as loyalty, clan ties, or supernatural abilities.

Now, let’s take a look at some of our favourite anime characters whose tattoos tell their own stories.

Scar (Full Metal Alchemist)

Scar is a survivor of the Ishvalan Civil War and a serial killer targeting State Alchemists. He is portrayed as a villain seeking revenge for his destroyed homeland. Scar’s right arm is covered in a complex alchemical array created by his brother. The tattoo allows him to destroy matter with his hand, turning it into both a weapon and a curse. More importantly, the tattoo symbolises his grief, his people’s suffering, and the heavy duty he believes he must fulfil. It reflects both his pain and his purpose.

Draken (Tokyo Revengers)

Draken or Ken Ryuguji is the vice-captain of the Tokyo Manji gang. He is one of the founding members and tends to keep the leader of the gang, Mikey, in check. Draken has a reputation for being mature and caring, even though he is wild. The dragon tattoo on the side of his head supports the daring character of Draken as well as his superior position in the Tokyo Manji Gang. The tattoo is a sign of power, rebellion and authority. It is among the most easily identifiable aspects of his character design.

Sukuna (Jujutsu Kaisen)

Sukuna is a cursed spirit known as the King of Curses and an antagonist in the series. He resides inside Itadori Yuji’s body after Yuji consumes his cursed finger. Sukuna is cold-hearted and often mocks Yuji during difficult situations. Sukuna’s cursed markings appear all over Itadori’s body whenever Sukuna manifests. These tattoos represent ancient power, cruelty, and authority. The symmetrical lines serve as a visual warning of Sukuna’s overwhelming strength and his separation from human morality.

Akaza (Demon Slayer)

Akaza is a major antagonist in Demon Slayer and an Upper-Rank Three demon. He is also known to be strong and fond of war, and he looked down upon weaker opponents. Akaza has sharp geometric markings all over his body, and this gives him a stronger identity as a demon. The tattoos are an expression of his destructiveness and the painful history that caused him to go the way of becoming a demon. They both represent tragedy and the monstrous strength he now possesses.

Ace (One Piece)

Portgas D. Ace is Luffy’s sworn brother and the captain of the second division of the Whitebeard Pirates. He is smart, well-mannered and frequently reckless like Luffy. Ace has tattoos, such as a huge ASCE on his arm, which is a sign of his brotherhood. The ASCE tattoo on his arm is his adopted identity, with the S being crossed out in tribute to Sabo.

His back is marked with the Whitebeard Pirates’ symbol of loyalty and family. They all represent the love, pride and faith that Ace had towards the people that he loved.

Renji (Bleach)

Renji Abarai is a Shinigami who is the lieutenant of the 6th division of the Gotei 13. He is very prideful yet extremely patient and ready to make sacrifices for his ideology. He has tribal tattoos on his body, which signify his power and strength. Renji also has plenty of tattoos, which increase in size as he gets stronger, to emphasise his violent nature and his determination to become stronger. His determination, changing identity, and the ambition that motivates him as a Soul Reaper are portrayed in the designs.

Revy (Black Lagoon)

The protagonist of Black Lagoon is Revy, also known as Rebecca Lee. She is mean, violent, and assertive, and she tends to exercise brute force to get her way. Revy is tattooed on the upper arm and the back with her tribal tattoo. It is symbolic of her coarse upbringing, survival instinct, and tough nature. The tattoo is appropriate, considering her chaotic and risky character, which supports her image of one of the strongest warriors in the show.

Valmet (Jormungand)

Sophia Valmer or Valmet was a Finnish Rapid Deployment Force Officer. She belongs to a great family of military and wants to avenge fellow soldiers who perished in battle. Valmet has tattoos on her arms, which further support her military experience and disciplined manner. They mirror her soldier life, loyalty towards Koko and her strength. The tattoos contribute to her appearance as a tough fighter who has been formed out of defeat and war. Her personal vendetta can also be interpreted by her tattoos.

Nicolas Brown (Gangsta)

One of the main characters of Gangsta and a Dead Twilight is Nicolas Brown. He has a tag on his neck and mostly uses sign language as a means of communication. Nicolas is reserved and emotionless, and he does not want to have unnecessary contact. Nicolas’ tattoos are attached to his status as a Tagged. The marks are meant to show rank, status and the risky experimental heritage he has a background in. His tattoos themselves are the immediate response to the cruel treatment that he received and the strength that he obtained as a result.

Medusa Gorgon (Soul Eater)

One of the main antagonists of the series was Medusa, who was also one of the Gorgon Sisters and a witch. Under her disguise, she was a very loving and useful girl in the academy. But in a real sense, she is a selfish woman who takes advantage of the people who surround her. Medusa has snake tattoos on her body, which suit her name and abilities. They are used as a symbol of betrayal, control and her witch-like nature. The tattoos also symbolise the threat she poses and how she can turn everything around her.

Tatsu (Gokushufudou)

Tatsu is the main character of the anime The Way of the House Husband. He used to be a part of a yakuza gang but retired to help his wife. Tatsu is caring and takes everything seriously; he also sometimes seems intimidating due to his yakuza nature. Tatsu’s full-body tattoos reflect his former life as a high-ranking Yakuza member. These traditional designs represent his past identity and everything he left behind. Now, they contrast humorously with his calm, domestic presence as a devoted househusband.

Nojiko (One Piece)

Nojiko is the adoptive sister of Nami; they were both adopted by Bell-mere. She keeps herself out of trouble and takes care of the other people on the island. Nojiko’s tattoos tell a story of loss and survival. She tattooed her body to support Nami after the trauma inflicted by Arlong’s crew. Her tattoos symbolise solidarity, love, and the desire to help Nami heal. They are a reminder of family and resilience. She is supportive of Nami and is an ally of the Straw Hat Pirates.

Kamina (Gurren Lagann)

Kamina was the founder and leader of Team Gurrenn and the deuteragonist of the first arc of the show. He seems hot-headed and arrogant, but he is really determined, supportive of his friends, and even rather intelligent. Kamina’s flame-shaped tattoos match his fiery spirit and unshakable belief in pushing beyond all limits. They enhance his larger-than-life personality and capture the passion and confidence that inspire everyone around him.

Other characters, who don’t have tattoos, but have markings that trigger when they use a special ability, are:

Boruto (Boruto)

Boruto Uzumaki is a shinobi and the main protagonist of the show Boruto. he is similar to his father, Naruto, in how energetic he is, but he is more mature than his father was at his age. His marks allow him to access the powers of Momoshiki. Boruto’s Kāma mark functions like a tattoo and appears prominently on his body. It symbolizes immense power, but also danger and the burden of a destiny tied to the Otsutsuki. It becomes central to his identity and future as a shinobi.

Ogun Montgomery (Fire Force)

Lastly, Ogun is a member of the special fire force company 4. He is mature, empathetic, and committed to protecting the people of Tokyo. As a third-generation pyrokinetic, he has the ability to create and use his own flames. Ogun’s flame tattoos appear when using his ability “Flame Ink.” These tattoos channel his fire powers and highlight his creativity, combat skills, and strong spirit. They represent his pride in his abilities and his role within the Fire Force.

These are our favourite anime characters with tattoos. Although all of them are different, they are all mostly liked by the fans. You can also check out our favourite male characters with white hair. For more anime content, stay tuned to Retrology.

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