A History of Japanese Tattooing

Tattooing in Japan has deep roots, dating as far back as the Jomon period (circa 10,000 BC), where archaeologists uncovered clay figurines with engraved or painted markings believed to represent early tattoos. These body markings were thought to hold spiritual or decorative meaning. The earliest written records (compiled by Chinese historians in 297 AD) describe Japanese men as adorning their faces and bodies with elaborate Japanese tattoo designs, indicating both social status and religious significance.

During the Yayoi period (300 BC–300 AD), Chinese observers noted the prevalence of tattooing among the Japanese. However, these records often cast tattooing in a negative light, reflecting Chinese cultural biases that viewed tattoos as barbaric.

Tattooing as Punishment

By the Kofun period (250–600 AD), the cultural meaning of tattooing in Japan shifted dramatically. Instead of honour or spirituality, tattoos began to serve as punishment. Criminals were forcibly marked with tattoos to signal shame and social exclusion. Specific symbols varied by region—some areas branded criminals with characters like “dog” on the forehead, while others used crosses, lines, or circles on the arms and face. This stigmatizing practice endured for centuries and created a long-standing association between tattoos and criminality.

By the 7th century, Japan’s ruling class had fully adopted Chinese attitudes toward tattooing. Decorative body art all but disappeared, pushed underground by official condemnation. The earliest formal record of tattoos as punishment appears in Japanese historical texts from 720 AD.

The Rise of Decorative Tattooing

By the late 1600s, punitive tattooing began to fade, replaced by other forms of punishment. Simultaneously, decorative tattooing began to re-emerge, often used by former criminals to cover their branded marks. This period marked the origin of tattooing’s link to the underworld, including early yakuza groups.

It was during the Edo period (1600–1868) that Japanese tattooing evolved into the vibrant, narrative-driven art form we recognize today. Popular literature, particularly the Chinese novel Suikoden, featured illustrations of tattooed heroes, which inspired a wave of decorative tattooing across the country. These designs were often dramatic, featuring warriors, mythical beasts, and nature drawing heavily on the Ukiyo-e woodblock print tradition.

Tattoo artists, or Horishi, emerged as skilled craftspeople, working in tandem with artists who would paint designs directly onto the skin before they were inked. The full-body tattoo suit became a hallmark of Japanese tattoo culture.

Suppression and Survival

In 1868, following the Meiji Restoration, Japan reopened to the West. Eager to present a “civilized” image, the government banned tattooing, fearing it would be viewed as primitive. However, this didn’t stop foreign fascination—many Western sailors and dignitaries, including King George V and Czar Nicholas II, sought tattoos from Japanese masters, especially in Yokohama.

Though outlawed, Japanese artists continued their work underground. Tattooing remained illegal until 1945, when American General MacArthur lifted the ban during the Allied Occupation. Despite legalization, tattoos continued to carry strong associations with the yakuza, leading many Japanese to hide their ink under clothing or avoid public bathhouses and swimming pools.

Modern Tattooing in Japan

Today, tattooing in Japan exists in two distinct forms: modern machine tattooing and traditional irezumi. Contemporary studios offer a wide range of styles—from tribal to Western minimalist—often catering to younger generations influenced by global trends. Clients typically bring their own ideas or choose from artist portfolios, and the process mirrors Western practices using electric tattoo machines.

In contrast, traditional irezumi is still performed by master Horishi using hand tools: wooden handles with metal needles (hari) bundled by silk or metal clips. The process is painstaking, expensive, and deeply formal. Designs often span years to complete and can cost tens of thousands of dollars

The technique includes intricate outlines followed by layered shading (bokashi). Various insertion methods like tsuki-hari (simple jabbing) and hane-bari (angled strokes for shading) allow for control of depth and texture. The process is intimate, almost sacred, and reflects centuries of refined craftsmanship.

Symbolism and Meaning

Classical designs feature a structured mix of heroes, animals, deities, and natural elements. Dragons, phoenixes, lions (shishi), and demons are paired with symbolic flowers like cherry blossoms or peonies to convey balance, duality, and personal values.

Kanji characters are also common—ideograms that encapsulate ideas like loyalty, strength, beauty, or sorrow. These symbols can be combined to create personalized messages. However, precision is crucial; choosing the wrong character can alter the intended meaning entirely.

Every element—whether seasonal motifs, mythological references, or floral pairings—must be thoughtfully combined. For instance, pairing a snake with cherry blossoms would be considered symbolically incorrect, as the snake hibernates during cherry blossom season. A trained Horishi understands these cultural nuances and ensures every tattoo respects the depth of its meaning.

Tattooing Today

Despite the growing popularity of tattoos among young Japanese tattoos remain controversial. Public figures like Osaka’s former mayor Toru Hashimoto have publicly opposed tattoos on government employees. Many businesses, gyms, and hot springs still prohibit visibly tattooed patrons.

Yet, the art persists.

The timeless aesthetic, cultural richness, and spiritual weight of Japanese tattooing continue to captivate people around the world. At Zealand Tattoo, we honour this enduring legacy. Our founder, Zane, is internationally recognized for his mastery of Oriental tattooing and is regarded as one of New Zealand’s leading artists in the Japanese style.

Through storytelling, symbolism, and time-honoured technique, Japanese tattooing remains one of the most profound and respected tattoo traditions in the world—steeped in history, artistry, and identity.

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