Koi fish hold significant cultural symbolism in Japanese imagery. They represent perseverance, transformation, and good fortune, as well as overcoming obstacles and achieving one’s goal. Thy are also said to have qualities of a samurai warrior, because it would bravely surrender to the knife after being caught. Various myths and legends often associate with these vibrant and graceful creatures, contributing to their revered status in Japanese art, literature, and folklore.
In Japanese culture, people admire the koi fish for its ability to swim against strong currents. This ability symbolizes resilience and determination. Koi are believed to represent people who have overcome adversity and achieve success in the face of challenges. The transformative journey from humble to a colorful creature aligns with “koi no takinobori”, signifying pursuit of goals.
Koi fish frequently appear in Japanese art, including paintings, tattoos, and traditional carp flags known as “koinobori,” flown during Children’s Day celebrations. These manifestations not only showcase the aesthetic appreciation for koi but also reinforce their cultural significance.
Japanese Mythology
In Japanese mythology, there’s a tale of a koi transforming into a dragon after it successfully leaps over the Dragon Gate waterfall. The legend explains that thousands of koi swam the river, struggling through its current. At the end of the river was a waterfall that was so strong many koi turned back. However, the strongest koi tried for 100 years and one koi made it to the top of the waterfall. It was then transformed into a golden dragon.
This narrative reinforces the idea that perseverance and determination can lead to extraordinary achievements. Whether swimming gracefully in ponds, adorning artworks, or symbolizing personal growth, koi fish continue to captivate and inspire, weaving a rich tapestry of meaning into the fabric of Japanese culture and aesthetics.
Depicting the Koi
There are several ways a koi can be depicted in tattooing and each has its own meaning. Here are a few:
- A koi swimming upstream can imply that the wearer is facing current struggles but will not give up. It could also mean that the wearer overcame a struggle and is strong enough to face new challenges.
- A koi swimming downstream could imply the wearer is facing a struggle they have not yet over overcome. Or it can imply they have already faced their struggle and no longer need to swim against the current.
- Two koi swimming upstream represents a happy couple supporting one another through any challenge.
- One koi swimming upstream while another swims downstream can represent one koi bringing luck, while the other keeps bad luck away.
Colors and Meanings
The mesmerizing colors of koi fish also play a crucial role in their symbolism. Each color carries its own meaning. Red represents love and passion, while yellow represents wealth and prosperity. Black koi are associated with a hard struggle in life. Blue koi represent tranquility and serenity. The dragon koi is a symbol of the golden dragon and should be done in yellow or gold.
Take a look at some of the koi fish done by our artists, Jason Owens, Mario Arcila and Marine “Frenchy” Stanley.








