Yakuza Tattoo

by Andreas Johansson

The art of the Japanese tattoo has fascinated people across the world for decades, but in Japan they are taboo since traditional full body tattoos are associated with the Japanese mafia - the Yakuza. Few organizations are as feared as the legendary Yakuza.They have an impact well beyond Japan, in real life as well as in popular fiction. Yakuza Tattoo offers a unique insight into the dragons, fish and gods that form the identity of the Yakuza.While the motifs are inspired by the structure of the organization, Japanese history and mythology, younger members tend to add a contemporary touch to their body art. Andreas Johansson is an academic and one of a small number of persons that have been allowed to photograph and interview members of one of the world's most secretive organizations. The book includes detailed images of widely different Yakuza tattoos. At one stage, right in the middle of a gang war, Johansson frequented the shady nightclubs, bars, restaurants and back streets of Yokohama in the company of a Yakuza boss. He also visited the homes of members of the Yakuza, documenting Yakuza symbols and body art. "Andreas Johansson did what any first-rate photojournalist does - go into the field and immerse himself in the world of his subjects. Guided by the yakuza's most famous symbol, the tattoo, Johansson offers a revelatory look inside the culture and mythology of Japan's extraordinary underworld. Essential reading for anyone concerned with Japanese organized crime." - David E. Kaplan, co-author, Yakuza: Japan's Criminal Underworld

Genres: Japan, Art

112 pages, Hardcover

Published April 25, 2017

Reviews

[Victoria Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolute delight with amazing tattoo/pictures! Enjoyed commentaries from people who are interested or part of Yakuza!

[Gabriel Abbott · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think its important to say this book is not for everyone. If you are not deeply interested In tattooing and the specific relationship there is between a person and the contents of their Irezumi (that really is not seen in other forms of tattoos) then maybe this book is not for you. The information in this book is similar to that you will find in countless documentaries and short films on the yakuza, but where this book thrives is its collection of brilliant images and quotes from the tattooed members in question. There is something really special in the link between these people and their tattoos and the sense of immersion you get in this short read is awesome.

[Kati · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mielenkiintoista tekstiä ja mielenkiintoisia kuvia sisältävä teos, joka valottaa symboliikkaa ja ajatusmaailmaa yakuzojen tatuointien takana. Ymmärrän, että on jo itsessään jonkinlainen saavutus päästä yakuza-perheen sisäpiiriin ja saada heiltä lupa tehdä haastatteluja ja ottaa kuvia näinkin laajasti, mutta mielestäni kirja olisi saanut olla vielä tuplasti paksumpi :D

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good look at Yakuza tattoos. The photography is OK, but what's really nice is that there is a bit of background on the "WHY" of these tattoos, a nice bit of history and a nice bit of cultural study. Overall a very good read. Tattoo books are usually all pictures, or all study, but this short volume is a nice mix.

[SHUiZMZ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book immensely and it is a very short read with lots of cool photography within of the various Yakuza tattoos. A really appetizing bite into Japanese irezumi and the Yakuza's choice in ink.

[Jeanmarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much more than just a picture book, but a short entire’ into the life of the Yakuza.