Koi and eye tattoos can have different meanings depending on the cultural context and personal interpretation.
Here are some possible interpretations:
Koi tattoos
Koi tattoos are often associated with Japanese culture and symbolize strength, perseverance, and determination. According to legend, koi fish swim upstream to reach a waterfall, and those who are able to climb it become dragons.
Therefore, koi tattoos can also represent transformation and overcoming obstacles. In addition, different colors of koi fish can have specific meanings, such as black for overcoming obstacles, red for love and passion, and gold for wealth and success.
Eye tattoos
Eye tattoos can have various meanings across cultures. In general, the eye is considered a symbol of protection, intuition, and perception.
In some cultures, such as ancient Egypt and Greece, the Eye of Horus or the Eye of Ra were considered symbols of power and protection. In other cultures, the evil eye is a symbol of bad luck or jealousy, and some people get an eye tattoo as a form of protection against it.
In modern times, eye tattoos have also been associated with surveillance, technology, and privacy.
Koi with eyeball tattoos

When combined in a tattoo, the koi and eye can create a unique and personalized design with various interpretations.
Some people may choose this tattoo to symbolize their ability to navigate through life’s challenges with intuition and determination, while others may see it as a symbol of protection and good fortune.
Ultimately, the meaning of a tattoo is subjective and can depend on the individual’s beliefs and experiences.
Meanings of Koi with eyeball tattoos from the web

This comment from r/AcidicLinden suggests that the meaning of a koi tattoo is subjective and can be interpreted in different ways. They emphasize that the individual getting the tattoo can assign their own personal meaning to it. However, they do not address the issue of cultural appropriation directly.

for another deleted reddit account in the same thread , the tattoo “Koi with eyeball” could represent either “the person’s struggle and triumph over life’s obstacles” or “the idea of being overlooked despite facing difficulties and finding strength from it,” particularly if the eye has no color. However, the true meaning of the tattoo lies solely with the individual who got it permanently etched into their skin.
