Japanese tattoo designs are well-known across the globe for their unique and artistic style. Known as Irezumi, the traditional form of Japanese tattooing uses a special ink known as Zumi.
In the traditional method, called Tebori, Japanese tattoo artists, known as Horishi, use wooden sticks and some long needles attached to the silk thread to practice the art form. Given the precision and time it consumes, this traditional tattooing requires many apprentices. The method is also costlier than the regular ones that use an electrical tattoo machine.
Traditional Japanese tattooing involves mainly using the colors black, gray, and red. And its main themes are dragons, samurai, tigers, geishas, and kabuki masks. Inspired by the traditional Japanese tales, these are some of the popular designs made.
However, in the modern day and age, finding a tattoo artist who makes traditional Japanese tattoos is difficult, given the firm laws passed in the past against the practice. In fact, most traditional artists of Irezumi live a secret life to stay away from government inquiry.
In This Article
History Of Japanese Tattoo
Tattoo evidence in Japan dates back to almost 5000 BC, seen in clay figurines called Dogu. However, acquiring tattoos for spiritual or decorative purposes is considered to date back as far as the Jōmon period. Initially a mark or a status of punishment, tattoos evolved into an art form associated with the Yakuza and spiritual symbolism. Despite the historical stigma, contemporary Irezumi enjoys global recognition for its intricate designs and cultural significance.
While Japan has a rich history of tattoos, the controversy about them being legal or illegal in today’s time is still ongoing. So, let’s read about it in detail in the section below and put an end to the constant confusion.
Key Takeaways
- Irezumi is the traditional form of Japanese tattooing that uses a wooden stick with needles attached to it and a special ink called Zumi to create designs.
- Traditional Japanese tattoos commonly use black and gray colors to make stunning designs.
- Some of the most popular Japanese tattoos feature motifs such as dragons which symbolize power, strength, and insight. They are often placed on areas such as the thighs, back, or arms.
Is Tattooing Illegal In Japan?
In the early Meiji period, the Japanese government, in order to maintain its cultural image and avoid Western mockery, banned tattooing. Irezumi then became a sign of criminals. However, the tattoo artists kept this art form tradition going secretly.
Irezumi was legally revived after the Second World War in 1948, but it was still associated with terrorism. Although tattoos have regained their popularity, the stigma against them continues . Except for tourist areas, it is difficult to locate a tattoo shop in Japan. In fact, recently, the mayor of Osaka passed a verdict that any worker or official with tattoos on visible body parts had to be replaced.
52 Best Japanese Tattoo Ideas And Designs
Check out our list of specially selected Japanese tattoo designs below that are guaranteed to provide you with some good inspiration for your next ink session!
1. Traditional Japanese Tattoo
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Fil Wood (@kodamawabori)
