For fans of Japanese mythology and anyone who fell in love with the Okami game, these tattoo ideas are like little love letters to Amaterasu — bold, poetic, and full of meaning. I rounded up a bunch of styles, from delicate and subtle to full-on epic, so whether you're planning your first piece or adding to a sleeve, there’s something here that’ll make you smile (and maybe book an appointment).
Amaterasu — the sun goddess in wolf form
Credit: redskulltattoo
Amaterasu is the sun and universe goddess in Japanese myth, and the story where she hides in a cave (and everything goes dark) is iconic. In Okami the goddess shows up as a wolf whose job is to bring light back, and this forearm piece captures that renewal energy perfectly. The dotwork and black-and-gray mix give it a timeless feel — like a small myth you can wear every day.
Shoulder placement with a glowing Celestial Brush
Credit: nana.orient
This shoulder design folds Okami into black-and-gray tones with pops of red. I love the way the Celestial Brush is shown up above her — it’s a reminder that this wolf literally paints light back into the world. The red sun and little red symbols underscore the whole divine vibe, and honestly it reads equal parts fierce and sacred.
That inner voice — intuition in wolf form
Credit: takko.san
Wolves are so often about intuition and guardianship, and this upper arm piece leans into that. The Okami wolf is looking off into the distance, all quiet power and focus, with red accents giving it a breath of fire. It feels like a reminder to trust your senses when you need to make a change.
The light bringer — nature and the red sun
Credit: jessdoestattoos
Here you get Okami framed under a bold red sun, surrounded by blooming flora — the whole tattoo reads like a promise to restore the world. The red sun doubles as renewal, and the plant life around the wolf makes it feel hopeful, like everything’s coming back to life. It’s both a look and a story.
The divine howl — framed fury and purpose
Credit: japan.tattoo
This upper-arm piece puts Okami inside a red frame — the sun again — and her howl feels almost ceremonial. The frame signals restoration, and her call is this idea of drawing protective symbols and keeping the world safe. It’s dramatic, meaningful, and full of intent.
Full sleeve energy — drama and detail
Credit: tom_dotter_tattoos
If you want to go big, a sleeve does the story justice. This one leans heavy on black and red, with Okami woven into intricate imagery. It’s bold and cinematic — a statement piece that tells a full chapter of a myth on your skin.
Matching tattoos for you and your person
Credit: joakoayalatattoo
Want to share something meaningful with someone? These matching Okami designs use the classic palette and add green accents near the legs to nod to nature, plus a pink flower for a little softness. It’s sweet without being twee — a gentle way to celebrate a shared connection to the natural world.
A delicate, softer Okami
Credit: brunorockline
If you like gentle colorways, this one’s for you: Okami looking up and softly howling, surrounded by purple flowers that feel like they bloomed because of her work. It’s quiet, pretty, and perfect for someone who wants symbolism without a heavy-handed look.
An epic collarbone-to-shoulder piece
Credit: epicgamerink
This one’s big and colorful, stretching from collarbone to shoulder. The placement means you can show it off or tuck it away, and the vivid palette really screams “I fight darkness.” If you want the message to be loud and proud, this is the move.
Cherry Bomb — pretty and powerful
Credit: epicgamerink
Thigh placement, Okami in the middle of the natural world she healed, and cherry-blossom-like shapes above her — those are a nod to the Cherry Bomb move in the game. It’s a great mix of delicate beauty and real power, like nature saying "don’t mess with us."
Fierce loyalty — movement and flame
Credit: creatura.anningan
This upper arm design shows Okami mid-run and howling, all motion and determination. The red pops are such a strong nod to Amaterasu’s spirit — it reads as courage and fierce devotion.
A dramatic half-sleeve with fine detail
Credit: epicgamerink
Half-sleeves are lovely because they feel like a story unfolding. This one shows Okami on a purposeful journey, with delicate details that make the whole piece feel layered and alive. It’s a wonderful pick if you want something distinctive but not full-arm heavy.
Rejuvenation — bright flowers and healing
Credit: briarrosetattoo
This leg piece mixes bold black work with bright pink flowers — it literally reads like restoration. Okami is entangled with blooms that represent healing a corrupted landscape, and the placement makes it a sweet little secret or a confident showpiece.
Hip placement for subtle power
Credit: gamer.ink
If you want something elegant and personal, a black-and-gray hip tattoo does the trick. It’s feminine, strong, and sits somewhere intimate — a cool choice for anyone who wants a meaningful piece that still feels private.
Blooming Earth — orange flowers and contrast
Credit: animemasterink
This thigh tattoo uses vivid orange flowers against black-and-gray tones for a striking contrast. It’s beautiful and symbolic — like watching the earth come back to life in full color.
Okami mask — a tidy forearm symbol
Credit: katrinuchan_tattoo
Not ready for a whole animal piece? A forearm mask design gives you that fierce, protective energy without a huge commitment. The red rope detail ties heaven and earth together — a nice little cultural touch that deepens the symbolism.
A softer, sweeter Okami moment
Credit: hemlocktattoostudio
This design catches Okami in a gentle moment, flowers around her and a fire behind her that reads as divine energy. It shows that even mighty guardians have tenderness — which is honestly kind of a breath of fresh air.
Amaterasu and Wolf Link — a meeting of legends
Credit: inkcache
This thigh piece brings Amaterasu and Wolf Link face to face, two video game legends sharing space. Black-and-gray shading gives it depth, and the pairing feels like a tribute to loyalty and divine strength together.
Purple glow — a different hue for the same heart
Credit: artkaylarose
Sometimes Okami shows up in purple in the game, and this forearm piece leans into that softer, gentler palette. Surrounded by flowers, it’s a colorful, eye-catching option if you like your symbolism with a pop of personality.
Wrap-up
Honestly, picking an Okami tattoo is like choosing which part of a story you want to carry with you — whether it’s quiet protection, wild bravery, or the simple beauty of things coming back to life. If you decide to get one, I’m so curious to see what you pick. Send me a photo when you do — I’ll be cheering you on.
