Japanese irezumi tattoo of a koi fish in waves and cherry blossoms on a shoulder and back

Japanese Tattoo Shops

1,031 shops in 47 states do Japanese work

Koi, dragons, tigers, peonies and crashing waves, flowing across the body in large, unified compositions. Japanese tattooing (irezumi) is one of the world's great tattoo traditions, with its own rules for imagery, background and placement.

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Japanese tattoo guide

What is a Japanese tattoo?

Japanese tattooing, or irezumi, is built around large pieces designed to flow with the body: sleeves, back pieces and bodysuits. A main subject – koi, dragon, tiger, phoenix, snake, foo dog, hannya mask or folklore hero – sits in a background of waves, clouds, wind bars and seasonal flowers that ties the whole piece together.

The imagery carries meaning. A koi swimming upstream stands for perseverance, peonies for wealth and courage, cherry blossoms for the beauty of a short life. Flowers and backgrounds are often chosen to match a season so that the whole design is consistent.

Lines	Bold outlines with flowing, body-shaped compositions
Color	Rich color or black and grey; dark backgrounds
Background	Waves, clouds, wind bars, flowers
Best for	Sleeves, back pieces, chest panels, legs
Sessions	Many – a full back piece can take a year or more
How it ages	Very well; designed for a lifetime

Where it comes from

Irezumi flourished in Edo-period Japan (1603–1868), inspired by woodblock prints of the novel Suikoden by artists such as Utagawa Kuniyoshi. Masters known as horishi worked by hand with bundles of needles (tebori), a method some still use today. Western artists like Sailor Jerry and Ed Hardy studied with Japanese masters, and Japanese-style tattooing is now practised worldwide.

Choosing a Japanese-style artist

Look for large, flowing work. Strong Japanese artists design for the body, not just a flat image placed on it.
Check the backgrounds. Wind bars, waves and clouds should be confident and consistent – they're the hardest part to get right.
Plan the whole area. Discuss your full sleeve or back piece up front, even if you do it in stages.
Ask about the imagery. A knowledgeable artist will explain which subjects, flowers and seasons go together.

Cost and sessions

Japanese work is big and usually priced by the hour or by the session. A full sleeve commonly takes 20–40 hours across many sessions; a full back piece more. Many collectors book a regular session every few weeks.

Frequently asked questions

Is it disrespectful to get a Japanese tattoo if I'm not Japanese?

Japanese-style tattooing is practised and collected worldwide, and most artists welcome clients of any background. Respect comes from choosing an artist who knows the tradition and using imagery with its meaning in mind.

Can I get a small Japanese tattoo?

Yes – a koi, peony or hannya mask works well on a forearm or calf. Just know that the style is at its best in larger pieces, so consider how it could grow later.

What is tebori?

Tebori is hand tattooing with needles fixed to a wooden or metal rod. It's slower than a machine and is offered by a small number of specialist artists.