Watch: Japanese tattoos
Source: YouTube
December 04, 2012

Japanese tattoos have a history that goes back to the dynasties and before. Originally used as a way of marking criminals in Japanese society, traditional Japanese Tattooing has long been associated with the criminal underworld - Horimono, or full body tattoos being skilfully applied by mater tattooists to remain hidden when wearing clothes or robes of different kinds. Whilst the traditional art of 'Irezumi' is not the style commonly called a 'Japanese Tattoo' in the West, the overall features of the style remain intact and are very popular around the globe. In modern day Japan, traditional styles have been fused and evolved with other forms, however, practicioners of the ancient art, using hand-tools and the formality of design and application still exist and work today.