Japanese tradition of tattooing

Japanese Koi Tattoo


For the Japanese tradition of tattooing, which is otherwise one of the most famous and most beautiful, characterized by live, strong colors, and tattoos, which cover (almost) the whole body, both men and women. Even today, some of the ancient techniques to preserve, either in terms of color, or method of tattooing, and some the most famous artists still do not use needles or electrical tattoo equipment, but depicting by hand. In recent times there has been the integration of Japanese techniques with modern western, and also to imitate the styles.

Tattooed Japanese Girl

japanese tattoos

Japanese tattoos are regaining their popularity again amongst the middle classes. Ironically young Japanese people are going for tattoo designs that can be completed in one sitting such as the traditional American style tattoos or tribal tattoos. Traditional irezumi is still done by specialist tattooists. Because Japanese tattoos are so detailed they are also very time intensive and expensive. A traditional 'body suit' (covering the arms, back, upper legs and chest can take up to five years of once-a-week visits to complete and cost more than US$30,000 to complete!

Japanese tattoos are referred to in Japanese as irezumi which literally means the insertion of ink under the skin leaving a permanent mark or tattoo. Tattooing in Japan is thought to extend back to at least 10,000 years. The Ainu people, the indigenous people of Japan, are known to have used tattoos for decorative and social purposes for many thousands of years.

Tattoo Tradition

Chinese Dragon Tattoo


The most famous tattoo tradition is probably the Chinese, even more Japanese, the latter has developed a virtually separate and isolated from the rest, it has developed a strong and significant, inherent and identifiable elements. In Japan, for example, Samurai was tattooed in the sign of belonging to his lord, or members of the high priesthood, as a sign of susceptibility, and service to the emperor. In recent times, some elements have taken marginalized communities, including some criminal (notorious yakuza).

Japanese Tattoos