There are three kinds of symbol systems used in modern Japanese writing.
Kanji is the most common and oldest writing symbol. Kanji is originally
from ancient China. Usually, one Kanji represents a meaning by its shape
or stroke.
>>See more about Kanji
Hiragana is usually used for a word which doesn't have an appropriate
Kanji. Therefore, Japanese writing consists of both Kanji and Hiragana -
because of this, you must have 100% accuracy, or your tattoo will
look funny. >>See more about Hiragana
Katakana is derived from Kanji and is used mainly for translation
of foreign languages, such as for the names of places, countries, a non-Japanese
person's name, and so on. Katakana is also often used for representing the
sound of something, like the sound of a dog barking for example. >>See more about Katakana