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What Are Traditional Japanese Tattoos?
Traditional Japanese tattoos — also known as Irezumi—have a visual weight and story structure that few styles match. Large-scale, flowing, and steeped in symbolism, they’re less about individual pieces and more about building a full-body narrative over time.
The style dates back centuries, shaped by woodblock prints, folklore, and cultural shifts. Today, it still holds that same gravity. Bold black outlines. Vibrant, hand-placed color. A focus on balance, form, and storytelling—not trend.
At Red Arbor Tattoo near Sioux Falls, we see clients drawn to Japanese work for its structure, symbolism, and scale. This blog explores why the style has endured, and what makes it so distinct.
Where It Came From
Irezumi is the Japanese term for tattooing—specifically, the traditional method that developed during the Edo period (1603–1868). These tattoos were originally applied by hand using sharpened sticks or needles and black ink. The process was long, painful, and deeply symbolic.
Woodblock artists like Utagawa Kuniyoshi helped influence the style. His illustrations of heroes and demons shaped the subjects and compositions still seen today—flowing sleeves, full backpieces, and cohesive stories layered across the skin.
The influence of ukiyo-e and woodblock prints can still be seen in traditional Japanese tattooing. The British Museum holds one of the largest collections of Japanese woodblock prints in the world.
Why It Looks the Way It Does
Traditional Japanese tattoos are designed to flow with the body. You won’t find floating pieces or disconnected designs. Everything connects—shoulder to wrist, thigh to ankle, or across the back and ribs.
Key features include:
– **Black wind bars** and water patterns to shape the composition
– **Saturated color blocks**—reds, greens, blues—often with no open skin
– **Mythical and natural elements**: dragons, koi, tigers, chrysanthemums, snakes, waves, clouds, cherry blossoms
The aesthetic is bold, but never cluttered. There’s a rhythm to how each piece moves.
Symbolism and Subjects
Every element in traditional Japanese tattooing carries weight. It’s more than design—it’s language.
– **Dragons**: Wisdom, protection, power
– **Koi fish**: Perseverance, transformation
– **Tigers**: Courage, strength, protection from evil
– **Hannya masks**: Female rage, heartbreak, spiritual force
– **Peonies and chrysanthemums**: Transience, beauty, and resilience
Want to see how some of these symbols translate to flash and fine art? Explore our print shop.
Respecting the Tradition
Japanese tattooing has a complex history—revered in some circles, outlawed in others. Today, it’s an art form that commands respect, not imitation.
Getting a traditional Japanese piece isn’t just about the visual. It’s about finding an artist who understands the structure, symbolism, and how to work with the body over time. At Red Arbor, we prioritize intention. That’s why we don’t rush sleeves or backpieces—we build them right.
Should You Start a Japanese Piece?
If you’re drawn to balance, symbolism, and bold narrative work—Japanese might be right for you. These pieces often start with one key subject and expand over time.
They aren’t for everyone. But for clients looking for something lasting, rich with meaning, and flow with your body—Check out our very own Cory Claussen here at Red Arbor in Tea South Dakota. We are right outside of Sioux Falls.
