Friday, July 10, 2009

Japanese Body Art

Japanese tattoo is called irezumi or horimono in Japanese. In Japan, tattoo is usually considered to be a symbol of a yakuza (Japanese mafia) and tends to be perceived negatively by people. For example, many public bath facilities in Japan inhibit customers who have tattoos from entering.

Traditional Japanese tattoo covers arms, shoulders, and the back. In recent years, it's becoming popular for Japanese young people to get contemporary tattoos. Tattoo events are often held in big cities, and there are many Japanese tattoo shops in Japan.
A tourist looks at the tattoo on a mans back at the annual Utamaro Festival April 3, 2005.

A tourist looks at the tattoo on a man's back at the annual Utamaro Festival April 3, 2005 in Kawasaki, Japan.