The most used japanese tattoo motives with an explanation of their meanings :
1. Hannya Masks
There is a concept of a hell in the Japanese Buddhism, but Hannyas are terrestrial monsters.
2. Kiyo Hime
The best known story of a Hannya demon is the one from Kiyo Hime. Over the years Kiyo Hime developed a deep love to the monk but her feelings could not be returned by him. In the meantime, in the intoxication of its hate love, Kiyo Hime had transformed into a demon with the body of a snake and a Hannya head.
Kannon is a Bodhisattva of the Mahayana Buddhism. There are Bodhisattva with several different tasks. Kannon is the Bodhisattva of sympathy and pity. In Japan Kannon is represented by a woman, usually riding a dragon.
