Japanese Tattoos

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Irezumi the Art of 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 - Full Body Suit

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.

Full back piece Japanese tattoo on female

At the beginning of the Meiji period (running from around about 1868 to 1912) the Japanese government, wanting to project an image of a modern Japan to the west, outlawed tattoos, and irezumi took on connotations of criminality. Nevertheless, fascinated foreigners went to Japan seeking the skills of tattoo artists, and traditional tattooing continued underground.

Modern Japanese tattoo artist

Tattooing was legalized by the occupation forces in 1945, but unfortunately has kept a lot of its association with criminality. For many years, traditional Japanese tattoos were associated with the Yakuza, Japan's notorious mafia, and many businesses in Japan (such as public baths, fitness centers and hot springs) still ban customers with tattoos.

Japanese tattoo artist in Melbourne Tattoo Convention

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Recent Tattoo Submissions

Click below to see view pictures of tattoos from site visitors, rate their ink and read comments from others about your tattoos.

Tribal Tattoo
This is one of my favorite tattoos. It took four hours I need to go back for my touch up. Reasons why I chose this and its location, Med purposes I get ...

Sexy Hawaiian Flowers Tattoo Design
My tattoo is a side piece of Hawaiian flowers for part nationality. It took 2 1/2 months to do. Very painful sittings. The artist that did my work is Rick ...

Traditional Japanese Tattoo
This tattoo is original, please comment.

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Japanese Kanji Tattoo
Japanese symbols going down my spine.

Extremely Sexy Lilly Tattoo on Leg
It took 4 and a half hours. The artist was Dave Clarkeson from Dawlish.

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Dragon and Dagger Tattoo
Got it on a recent trip to Guam. A little place called 'Black Dragon Tattoo'. Took about 3 hours.

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Hanya Tattoo Not rated yet
3hour to finish colour black n grey.

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Oriental Tattoo Not rated yet
It symbolizes the balance of life . And this was done by Delson Gonzaga of Skindigaz

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Japanese Dragon Tattoo Not rated yet
First take 2 1/2 hours. next when is over 3 weeks.

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Black Fleur-de-lis Tattoo Not rated yet
I got my tattoo at BodyTech in Gainesville, FL by an awesome guy named Charles. It's the fleur-de-lis symbol of Florence, Italy, where I studied abroad ...

Japanese Tattoo Not rated yet
I recently got this tattoo of a warrior and dragon fighting, along with a Buddhist protection tattoo (the temple at my neck). They both took two (2) days ...

Japanese Koi Fish Tattoo Not rated yet
My tattoo was done By Joel at 'True Colours' Tattoo studio in Gladstone Queensland Australia.
It was finished in six two hour sessions. Joel is a great ...

Japanese Koi Not rated yet
I have a tattoo of a Japanese koi swimming through a waterfall on my leg. It was done by Bryan Reynolds at All or Nothing Tattoos. It took approximately ...

Traditional Irezumi Not rated yet
There is approximately 60+ hours of chair time for these tats so far; it is a work in progress. With the exception of some early work, I am proud to say ...

Koi Fish Tattoo Not rated yet
The design is two koi for the star sign Pisces. It was done by Jay on Phi Phi Island, Thailand with the bamboo over a single session that lasted 12 hours,...

Japanese Koi Fish Tattoo Not rated yet
Black, shaded koi with white highlights on my right arm, inside my elbow. It took about three hours to complete and was done at 'Bills Custom Tattoos' on ...

Stars Tattoo as Memorial Not rated yet
I got this tattoo for my dad because I am his star. My mum and dad broke up about 2 years ago and this had a major effect on me because I now hardly see ...

Japanese Design and Kanji Tattoo Not rated yet
Took 3-4 hours. Tribute Tattoo for my brother Jason.

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Japanese Dragon Tattoo Not rated yet
It's my side piece that has been worked on in 3 different sittings, 12 hours total. Done by Sal at Ez Tattoo in Scottsdale, AZ on Scottsdale Rd. & 2nd ...

Japanese Koi Fish Tattoo on Back Not rated yet
Koi done by Chaz from Tattoo City Wellington.
2 sessions,approx. 6-7hrs total.
This was the 2nd tattoo I got,and after receiving the first it didn't ...

Japanese Dragon Backpiece Tattoo Not rated yet
Large Japanese dragon back piece. Not a traditional Japanese piece, more of an original piece with a Japanese style :)

Got it done at Body Craft in ...

Cherry Blossom Tattoo Not rated yet
It's a Cherry Blossom tattoo that I got because of the meaning of Spiritual Growth within myself. I took a little while to do it. I got a local artist ...

Blackwork Tattoo Not rated yet
Black half sleeve including armpit. Took 12 hours. Still a work in progress. Done by Martin at 'Underground Tattoos' in Watford, UK.

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Japanese Koi Tattoo Design Not rated yet
My tattoo took 20hours,and was done in 2hr sittings by a very talented young man named Sean Dixon who works out of 'Yankee tattoo Studios', Dundee, Scotland....

Oriental Style Tattoo Not rated yet
My last tattoo that make Luke Red from Italy.

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