A red maple leaf is a national symbol of Canada and is prominently displayed on its flag. Getting a Canadian flag tattoo would display the maple leaf in addition to acknowledging your Canadian heritage or interest. Another way to show you're from Canada is to get a simple red maple leaf without the flag. If you're only half-Canadian, half a red maple leaf would be a unique and funny tattoo.
In Japan, the maple leaf symbolizes the onward movement of time or the changing of the seasons. Maple leaf tattoos in Japan appear to float or blow in the wind as if fallen from a stately maple and drifting. These tattoos would look great on the back, chest or shoulders.
The maple leaf symbolizes love in China and Japan. Ideas for maple leaf tattoos representing love are intertwined maple leaves or a single maple leaf with a fiery color scheme. Soft flames or heart images involving maple leaves are common in Japan and China to symbolize young, passionate love.
A maple tree itself covered in bright, colorful leaves works great as an arm or back tattoo. This can display your love of Canada as well as relaxation and tranquility. The maple tree itself is a large, stately tree that brings to mind the calmness of an untouched forest and shows your love of nature and the outdoors.