Deep within Japanese culture lies an art form that has been hidden from public view for centuries – traditional tattoos, known as irezumi. These are not just patterns on the skin, but an entire philosophy reflecting history, social changes, and even rebellion against authority. In Manami Okazaki’s new book, “Japanese Tattoo,” the reader is immersed in a world where every line has meaning, and every master is a guardian of ancient traditions.
From the Edo Period to the Present Day
Traditional Japanese tattoos originated in the 17th century, during the Edo period. At that time, they were a privilege of the common people – farmers, artisans, and merchants. Unlike the aristocracy and samurai, who did not wear tattoos, ordinary people used them as a form of self-expression and even protest. Despite repeated bans by the authorities, irezumi continued to exist, becoming a symbol of freedom and independence.
Today, centuries later, irezumi remains a part of Japanese culture, although its perception has changed. If tattoos were once exclusively associated with the yakuza, they have now become popular among youth and even ordinary citizens. According to a 2022 New York Times report, about 1.4 million adult Japanese have tattoos – double the number from 2014.
Masters Who Dedicated Their Lives to the Needle
The book focuses on horishi, masters who dedicate their lives to the art of tattooing. One of them is Horikazu, whose father was also a tattoo master. Okazaki, being close to the Horikazu family, gained rare access to his studio, where many things happened: from calm conversations to unexpected situations involving the yakuza and the police.
“It was like the calm in the eye of a storm,” she recalls. “Inside the studio, there was silence, sometimes no one spoke, but outside, everything could be the opposite: police cars, gangsters, tension.” This contrast highlights the uniqueness of this art, which exists on the edge between peace and chaos.
Technique and Creation Process
Traditional Japanese tattoos are created by hand, using methods that have not changed since the Edo period. Masters use special tools and inks, and each work requires immense patience and time. A full tattoo suit can take over 150 hours of work, spread over several sessions, and more than a year in total.
“They work within a traditional system that has existed since the Edo period,” Okazaki explains. “All tattoos are done by hand, using traditional tools and inks. Japanese tattoos are compositional; they have a narrative that covers the entire body.”
Changing Perceptions and New Trends
Although tattoos are still associated with the criminal underworld, the situation is changing. Young people are increasingly turning to this art, and the proportion of yakuza among clients has decreased from almost 100% to less than 20%. “One of the biggest changes is that gangster tattoo culture has declined,” Okazaki notes. “More ordinary people are getting tattoos now than, for example, 20 years ago.”
However, a backlash is also observed. Many public places, such as beaches, fitness clubs, and even some bathhouses, are introducing tattoo bans. “My parents live in Kanagawa, and almost all the beaches there have tattoo bans,” she says. “You can’t get into many gyms, golf clubs, even some bathhouses are getting stricter – it’s getting stricter and stricter.”
Meaning and Symbolism
Japanese tattoos are not just decorations; they carry deep meaning and are often linked to personal values and relationships. “Japanese tattoos are rich in meaning, and it’s also a ritual – it’s very much about people’s relationships and what they value,” Okazaki continues. “It’s also very much about people who are really living on the edge – a sensitivity that means a lot to living on the edge.”
Thus, traditional Japanese tattoos remain at the forefront of Japanese society, as they have for centuries. They reflect not only art but also social changes, cultural shifts, and the personal stories of those who choose this path.
Manami Okazaki’s book “Japanese Tattoo” is not just an exploration of art, but a deep dive into a culture that continues to evolve and change. From the Edo period to modern times, from the yakuza to the youth, irezumi remains a symbol of freedom, self-expression, and resistance. And although society is becoming more conservative, the art of tattooing continues to live on, finding new followers and new meanings.