Tattoos in Japan are not illegal, but they are considered taboo. People with Tattoos often hide them for fear of being labeled criminals or yakuza members. They may also be denied entry to public places like bathhouses and hot springs.
Horimatsu
Horimatsu is an exceptional tattoo artist known for his traditional Japanese tattoos. His precise line work and skillful shading create beautifully lasting tattoos with clear designs.
Andrew Li
Andrew Li is a renowned tattoo artist known for his sizeable Japanese skull Tattoos and flowing images. Using colors and black ink, he achieves stunning effects that resemble drawings rather than tattoos.
Calle Corson
Calle Corson is a Swedish tattoo artist specializing in modern Japanese tattoos. His thin, translucent lines reflect the artistry of contemporary Japanese tattooing. His Hannya tattoos can evoke both terror and horror, showcasing the power and horror of his designs.
Katsu
Katsu practices traditional irezumi tattooing by hand in Japan. He has used needle-tipped sticks and ink for three decades to create fearsome warriors, mythical creatures, and other conventional designs. His clients range from bankers and band members to firemen and criminals.
Garth
Garth draws inspiration from his travels, particularly the Japanese style. His arm and leg pieces are eye-catching and seem to tell a tale. With incredible detail and black-and-white shading, he transforms ordinary subjects like bunnies into geishas and dragons into snakes.
Roly
Roly’s tattoo images capture the spirit of traditional Japanese tattoos. His delicate line work perfectly balances light and darkness, incorporating elements from both cultures to create stunning designs.
Tattooing in Japan
Japan’s ruling on Tattoos does not eliminate the stigma associated with them. Still, it makes it easier for individuals to express their unique personalities through tattoos that reflect their identity. There is an understanding of how Tattoos should fit on the body, such as koi fish rising upwards instead of adorning an arm.
Bonel
Bonel combines anime otaku geek culture with Japanese traditional tattoo art, resulting in a unique aesthetic that blurs boundaries between online and offline spaces, fantasy and reality. His bold and vibrant Japanese style stands out and impresses.
Alex Rusty
Alex Rusty specializes in Tebori tattooing, a traditional Japanese technique using needle-tipped sticks. His work incorporates colorful elements and fuses conventional Japanese designs with other influences. His tattoos often feature lotus flowers, koi fish, and samurais.
Tattooing in Japan is still somewhat stigmatized, but there is a shifting attitude as more people appreciate handmade crafts. Yakuza clients, who used to request large back pieces, now prefer smaller Tattoos following police crackdowns against gangs.
