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16 Subtle Anime Tattoos That Cleverly Reference Anime Series

Anna Lindwasser
Updated December 15, 2024 744.3K views 16 items
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Vote up the tattoos only true otaku will notice.

Suppose you want to get a cool anime tattoo, but you also want to keep your nerd status on the down-low. Not to worry, for plenty of subtle anime tattoos exist out there to choose from, letting your geekiness be known without making it obvious. You see, when anime fans take it too far, it harms not only themselves but the community at hand. Many of the best tattoos inspired by anime rely on their obscurity to be that much more impactful; if someone manages to not only catch but understand your Sailor Moon symbols, you know you've found a kindred spirit worth trusting.

Some low-key anime anime tattoos get to be so small you can barely see them, while others depict obscure symbols unrecognizable to anyone unfamiliar with a certain series. If you need tattoo ideas from anime, but desire something a little more subtle, take some inspiration from the below pieces. Everything from adorable Studio Ghibli-themed ink to hauntingly beautiful art from Tokyo Ghoul shows just how actually cool small anime tattoos utilize less to make something much more rewarding.

  • 1. These Soot Sprites Are A Quiet Nod To 'Spirited Away'

    These Soot Sprites Are A Quiet Nod To 'Spirited Away'
    3,419 votes
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  • 2. Only The Full Fans Recognize This As A 'Fullmetal Alchemist' Piece

    Only The Full Fans Recognize This As A 'Fullmetal Alchemist' Piece
    3,191 votes
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  • 3. No Body Needed For No-Face Of 'Spirited Away'

    No Body Needed For No-Face Of 'Spirited Away'
    2,792 votes
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  • 4. These Nondescript Berries Mean A Lot To 'One Piece' Viewers

    These Nondescript Berries Mean A Lot To 'One Piece' Viewers
    2,829 votes
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  • 5. Ponyo, Ponyo, Little Tattoo By The Sea

    Ponyo, Ponyo, Little Tattoo By The Sea
    2,488 votes
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  • 6. Unless You Saw 'Tokyo Ghoul,' This Is Just A Pretty Flower

    Unless You Saw 'Tokyo Ghoul,' This Is Just A Pretty Flower
    2,843 votes
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  • 7. With No Creepy Clown Face, Is Ryuk From 'Death Note' Recognizable?

    With No Creepy Clown Face, Is Ryuk From 'Death Note' Recognizable?
    2,792 votes
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  • 8. It's Not A Cat Thing - It's A 'Sailor Moon' Thing

    It's Not A Cat Thing - It's A 'Sailor Moon' Thing
    2,527 votes
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  • 9. This 'Naruto' Tattoo Hides In Plain Sight

    This 'Naruto' Tattoo Hides In Plain Sight
    2,228 votes
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  • 10. 'Attack On Titan' Never Looked So Subtle

    'Attack On Titan' Never Looked So Subtle
    2,096 votes
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  • 11. A Subtle 'Inuyasha' Tattoo Easily Hidden With Socks

    A Subtle 'Inuyasha' Tattoo Easily Hidden With Socks
    2,199 votes
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  • 12. What Look Like Astrological Signs Are Actually 'Sailor Moon' Symbols

    What Look Like Astrological Signs Are Actually 'Sailor Moon' Symbols
    1,998 votes
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  • 13. 'My Neighbor Totoro' Found A New Home On Your Hand

    'My Neighbor Totoro' Found A New Home On Your Hand
    1,833 votes
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  • 14. No One Will Know You're A 'Dragon Ball' Nerd With This Floral Sleeve

    No One Will Know You're A 'Dragon Ball' Nerd With This Floral Sleeve
    1,805 votes
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  • 15. This 'Berserk' Ink Probably Looks Like Self-Mutilation To The Uninitiated

    This 'Berserk' Ink Probably Looks Like Self-Mutilation To The Uninitiated
    1,523 votes
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  • 16. These Cute 'Card Captor Sakura' Wings Glide Above People's Attention

    These Cute 'Card Captor Sakura' Wings Glide Above People's Attention
    1,261 votes
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