Japanese Art Tattoo: The Art of Izume

Tattooing is a traditional practice in the Japanese culture. It is popularly referred to as irezumi which literally means “to insert ink”. Like all tattoos, Japanese tattoos are done by inserting ink on the skin to recreate or resemble a design. The traditional method of tattooing is tebori or tattooing by hand. This technique is very popular although yobori or tattooing done with a machine is sometimes practiced.

Tattooing in Japan dates back as far as the Jomon or the Paleolithic Era. Tattoos were mostly used for spiritual and decorative reasons.

During the Edo period, tattoos were used to represent certain social status. It was done as a punishment to criminals and slaves. According to some accounts, tattoos were given to mark the criminal. A single ring would be inked on the forearm of the person as a mark of their crime.

In the Meija era, tattoos were banned by the Japanese government and the practice of irezumi was readily associated with criminals. Although the government implemented strict policies against this practice, underground tattooing was prevalent.

It was only in 1945 when tattooing was once again legalized but it still retained its negative reputation. Tattoos were associated with the yakuza, which is the infamous Japanese mafia. During that time, many Japanese establishments such as bars, restaurants, and hot springs, banned customers with tattoos.

Today, irezumi is becoming more acceptable and is now recognized as a form of art. A horishi or tattoo artist is trained for many years under a master. An apprentice is often given a tattoo name by his master. It is formed by selecting a syllable from the master's name and incorporate it with the word hori which means “to engrave”.

Before being allowed to tattoo a customer, the apprentice will have to undergo many training sessions. This includes practicing in his own skin or cleaning his master's studio.