Japanese Tattoos: History * Culture * Design

by Brian Ashcraft, Hori Benny

Thinking of getting a Japanese-style tattoo? Want to avoid a permanent mistake? Japanese Tattoos is an insider's look at the world of Japanese irezumi (tattoos).

Japanese Tattoos explains the imagery featured in Japanese tattoos so that readers can avoid getting ink they don't understand or, worse, that they'll regret. This photo-heavy book also traces the history of Japanese tattooing, putting the iconography and kanji symbols in their proper context so readers will be better informed as to what they mean and have a deeper understanding of irezumi . Featured tattoos range from traditional tebori (hand-poked) and kanji tattoos to anime-inspired and modern works--as well as everything in between. For the first time, Japanese tattooing is put together in a visually attractive, informative, and authoritative way.

Along with the 350+ photos of tattoos, Japanese Tattoos also features interviews with Japanese tattoo artists on a variety of topics. What's more, it contains interviews with clients, who are typically overlooked in similar books, allowing them to discuss what their Japanese tattoos mean to them. Those who read this informative tattoo guide will be more knowledgeable about Japanese tattoos should they want to get inked or if they are merely interested in Japanese art and culture.

Genres: Japan, Nonfiction, Art, History

160 pages, Paperback

First published May 10, 2016

About the author

Brian Ashcraft is a writer based in Japan. He is the Senior Contributing Editor for video game site Kotaku. Ashcraft was previously a Contributing Editor at Wired Magazine and his work has also appeared in Popular Science, The Guardian, The Japan Times, and design journal Metropolis Magazine as well as publications in the United Kingdom, Portugal, Italy and South Africa. He has been interviewed about technology, subcultures, and gaming on television in both the United States and Japan.

Ashcraft is originally from Texas and now lives in Osaka with his wife and three sons.

Reviews

[Prima Seadiva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Library book.
While I'm rather indifferent to the current tattoo rise from underground to mainstream popularity I found this book to be totally fascinating for its look into Japanese culture of irezumi.
He covers the history of tattoo in Japan-still frowned on and banned in some ways, yet it has a long history. He also goes into some of the contemporary changes towards acceptance.

He describes various types and styles as well as profiling both tattoo artists and clients.

Most interesting to me were the history and descriptions of the various themes, characters, and cultural meanings.
The artistry and skill shown in the photos are quite wonderful and the author's look into the various iconographies was fascinating.
Whether you are into tattoo or not this book is interesting and a visual feast.

[Oz Danger · Rating 5 out of 5]

So helpful and informative - obviously you can google much of this information but this book is a great starting point. It also includes photos of ACTUAL TATTOOS instead of just the paper designs. Awesome!!! I bought the second edition of book for myself after returning the library's copy.

If you liked this book and want to learn more about Japanese tattoos, I'd also recommend Japanese Tattoos: Meanings, Shapes, and Motifs by Yori Moriarty.

[Nathaniel Flick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a great book

I got my first tattoo last year and I wish I had read this book then it gives a very detailed account not only of irezumi but of tattooing in general. I appreciate what our artists did for us even more now that I understand where they are coming from as artists.

[Miguel Soto · Rating 4 out of 5]

Viendo las fechas no puedo creer que me tomara más de dos años terminar este libro, que no es largo, pero sí quise leerlo despacio, ir tomando elemento por elemento, capítulo a capítulo, casi que estudiarlo. Realmente es un universo entero esto del irezumi, que se antoja saber más y por qué no...

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the history and work put into explaining the different motifs. It made it approachable but at the same time well understood. I'll probably buy a copy for myself and recommend it to my artist if he hasn't already seen it, it's very cool!

[LKM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Muy buen libro. Muchas fotos ilustrativas. Es una introducción super interesante al tatuaje Japonés, su historia, y sus significados. Pero al mismo tiempo, no le doy 5 estrellas porque era, dentro de todo, superficial.
Me hubiese gustado que se explayara más en varios de los temas: la historia en sí, los significados, y sobre todo, las parejas favorables y las reglas en sí de qué se mezcla y qué no. Después de todo, la descripción dice que es un libro para "no cometer errores" al elegir que tatuarse. Sin embargo, por lo menos es un comienzo, y si no sabes nada de nada, te da una idea de en qué profundizar tus búsquedas de ideas y significados.
Las partes que hablaban de los tatuadores eran interesantes, pero la de los clientes la verdad me parecieron que estaban de más.

[Gabriel Abbott · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gives a great overall look at Japanese tattooing and although most of the elements it covers anyone already with an interest in the topic will be aware of it's layout and clear definition of some of the more complex terms and themes of this ancient tradition is excellently executed. The artist interviews breaking up the content together with full colour images make this a great read for people with any level of knowledge on this topic. Definitely worth picking up even if used as just a coffee table picture book.

[Kimi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't like that they reused the same pictures in some sections, but it was really informative. Gonna take composition and symbolism into account when I finish my sleeve. Wish I would have read this before I got my onna bugeisha, though. Would have been nice to have some background around her and have it actually be part of the design and not just after-though background.

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the history behind tattoos, so learning the history and culture behind a country that doesn't celebrate tattoos as others do was a fascinating read. I like the difference between one point tattoos and full body tattoos and the way each one is done. If you like Japanese culture or the history of tattoos you'll like this book.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't read everything in this book as I wouldn't get most of the one depicted in this book.

But I really enjoyed learning about the traditional Japanese style of tattooing and how the culture around it had changed over time.

I really enjoyed the nature tattoo chapter, the creatures chapter, and the chapter on deities

[Dru · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It’s a wealth of information about Japanese tattoos; not just that but it also explains about the culture, meanings behind various symbols, colors, etc and how it applies to their history, spirituality and lifestyle. I kept stopping reading it to share things I’ve just learned with my husband. The pictures were also vibrant!

[Veronica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Learned a lot from wading the book. Most motifs are already familiar to me, but this book provides a history and also visual to how they came about and why they were picked. Interviews with tattooed clientele gives an insight aside from the tattoo masters.

[Alanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very informative, speaking in detail of both cultural connections and techniques. There are interviews of artists and tattoo collectors, and even connects the imagery of traditional irezumi to folklore, which I found to be of double use to me and a fascinating use of symbolism.

[ntoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exactly what the title states, potentially a little outdated at this point but it is doing a very good job as comprehensive overview for a beginner to the topic. This will make you feel confident in deciding what japanese style tattoo to get and what not to get.

[Gigi · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting foray into a Japanese subculture I knew next to nothing about.

[Nick Greenquist · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting stuff!

[Marijn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gaaf boek over irezumi met veel informatie over verschillende soorten Japanse tattoos en hun betekenis.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely fascinating, gorgeous photos, and an unexpected and welcome sense of humour.

[Matthew Law · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cool.

[Thomas Haley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must have

[Andrew Vuong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall pretty good lots of meanings explained behind tatoos and inspired me to get some

[Tobi ﾄﾋﾞ · Rating 5 out of 5]

genuinely a really good book! informative, historical, modern, colourful, well written, relevant…
the kanji tattoo section made me laugh a little, because i too have a silly kanji tattoo,
the book had everything it needed.
not the type of book to read if you’re looking for tattoo ideas. but i’d still recommend to read if you want a japanese style tattoo or want to learn more about the tattoo culture and history in japan.

[fruitbatwoman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great introduction to most aspects of Japanese Tattoo Culture, from the beginnings and taboos to different tattoo motifs and the peculiarities and rules of Japanese designs. I especially enjoyed the part about "rules" for Japanese tattoos, which color schemes are used for which deity, which motives should be opposite to each other, and of course the brief explanations about mythical creatures, gods, yokai and folklore heroes. Recommended to anyone who is into tattoos, or Japanese culture, or both!

[J Forster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great history and background of Japanese tattoos, I would highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in Japanese culture and/or is thinking about getting a Japanese style tattoo! Very insightful and has definitely helped me research before getting my own Japanese tattoo. Fun for any tattoo (body art :P ) lovers...

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cool book about irezumi (Japanese tattoos). Heaps of full-color photos, explanations of traditional motifs, profiles of famous tattoo artists and some of their clients, AND LOTS OF BUTTCRACKS (its a classy book but maybe NSFW). Recommended.

[Claire · Rating 2 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed the history at the beginning and the links to criminals and the yakuza. I also enjoyed the meanings of a lot of the designs but it did become a bit monotonous. The profiles of the Japanese tattoo artist were interesting to see the insiders prospective.

[Tonya Mathis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful book. Great pictures and histories of the Japanese and tattooing culture. A must have for any tattoo artist library.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the history and various stories were interesting, in the end, I was just looking at the pictures.

[Rogue Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unbelievably detailed body art. Can't imagine how and even after reading this, why.