According to the latest surveys, one in three Germans has a tattoo and the number continues to rise. We all know the many popular patterns such as roses, animals, diamonds,La Catrina Tattoosand so forth. But lately, a pretty impressive style has been in the spotlight, captivating tattoo fans around the world. What this means is the Yakuza tattoo. The high level of secrecy surrounding the tattoos, combined with the painful method of "hand piercing" the designs and the association with the Japanese underworld, gives tattoo art a mysterious appeal. Yakuza tattoos are not mainstream tattoos that you see every day, but they are definitely worth learning a little more about their origins and the meaning of the different symbols. Read on and let yourself be enchanted by the fascinating history and the distinctive tattoo designs!
Tattoos have been an important part of Japanese culture for thousands of years. The oldest evidence goes back to 4500 years BC. back - even back then, the indigenous people, the Ainu, wore different writings on their skin. The traditional Japanese tattoos are still known as Irezumi and are firmly linked to the Yakuza. Many of the motifs are influenced by Japanese art, culture and religion. It's impossible not to recognize a Japanese tattoo. Most often, the amazing drawings decorate either the entire body, or the back and chest. A real trademark of Yakuza tattoos are the so-called “bodysuit tattoos”, which usually cover almost the entire body. However, the designs have become so popular that not everyone who has a Yakuza tattoo necessarily belongs to the Japanese mafia.
The incredibly fascinating story of the Yakuza tattoo at a glance
The name “Yakuza” has its origins in the Japanese card game “Oicho-Kabu” and corresponds to the number combination 8 (ya), 9 (ku) and 3 (za). However, in the game this combination is considered worthless. And so the Yakuza members also see themselves as the “worthless ones in society”. The story of Yakuza tattoo begins during the Edo period in the early 17th century. Members of the Japanese underclass sold stolen or illegal goods or ran arcades. At that time, these groups called themselves Ninkyo Dantai, which translated means “knightly organization.” At this time, tattoos were used as punishment - all criminals in prison were tattooed and marked by the authorities. This made it difficult for them to reintegrate into society or find a job. And so the Yakuza tattoo developed as a protest against this branding. The gang members complemented their prison tattoos and the tattoos were considered a symbol of their status and rank in the organization.
Irezumi tattoos are done according to special rules and have become the proud identification mark of all Yakuza members. They are created using traditional needles or bamboo sticks and the process is incredibly painful and lengthy. This gave the newest gang members the opportunity to prove their courage and determination. While in the past every Yakuza member was supposed to have at least one tattoo, today things are completely different. Most Yakuza in the 21st century choose to have clean skin in order to better fit into society. Even today, tattoos are still a sensitive topic in Japan and are not fully accepted. Some public facilities may even refuse entry to people with large tattoos.
A Yakuza tattoo is usually large and noticeable, but must be done so that it is not visible when dressed. For this reason, neither the head, the neck, the hands nor the feet are tattooed and the tattoos always follow a very specific geometry. The sleeve length should be either up to the shoulder joint, above the wrist or above the elbow. You can often even see tattoo designs with a “gap” that extends from the neck, chest, stomach to the genital area. The inner arms or armpits were also often not tattooed for two reasons. First, the skin in these areas is extremely sensitive and susceptible to infection. Secondly, in the Edo period, criminals were tattooed right there. The gang members intentionally left the area untattooed to show people that they got their tattoos of their own free will.
What exactly makes Irezumi tattoos so special?
Japanese tattoo art is characterized by deep symbolism. The Yakuza tattoo is always done in an old-fashioned way in a process called Irezumi. Irezumi means “to put into the skin” and its history goes back to the Japanese art of woodblock printing. The tattoos are very different from the modern designs andTattoo-Studiosthat we know today. Instead of using a modern machine, the artists apply the ink under the skin using a bamboo stick to which several metal needles are attached. Because the process is very painful, it can take between 1 and 5 months for a Yakuza tattoo to be completely finished. Additionally, in an Irezumi salon, both the artist and the customer sit on the floor - the stable surface allows the artist to maintain a steady hand. The ink used is called Nara and is a mixture of charcoal and color pigments. This only turns blue-green under the skin. It was only several years later that other colors such as red, white and green were used.
The tattoo artists who practice Irezumi are called Horishi and they all start their careers as apprentices. In the first few years, the trainee must clean the work area, prepare the tools and observe how the tattoos are inked. He is only allowed to tattoo people when the teacher thinks he is ready. It can sometimes take several years for this to happen. Many Irezumi artists lead fairly modest lives, preferring to gain new clients solely through word of mouth. What's particularly interesting about the Yakuza tattoo is that the tattoo master is the one who decides whether the person is good enough to get a tattoo. The Yakuza's preferred tattoo artist and perhaps the most legendary Irezumi artist is Horiyoshi III.
Meaning of the most popular Japanese tattoos
These days, many people decide to get a tattoo for aesthetic reasons and because they simply find the design cool. However, each motif in a Yakuza tattoo has a specific meaning and usually depicts mythological or historical symbols. Whether dragons, snakes or flowers – all motifs embody certain concepts and can tell us a lot about the wearer.
- The Koi fish (carp) –The koi fish is the subject of numerous legends and myths and is one of the most popular motifs for a Yakuza tattoo. It is said that the fish swims upstream of the Yellow River in China and can overcome waterfalls. Thus, the Koi fish is considered a symbol of luck, strength, perseverance and determination to grow and improve. However, all of this applies to the black koi. Rather, the red koi represents male, brotherly love.
- Drache (Ryuu) –In the West, the dragon is a symbol of cruelty and power and is imagined as a destructive creature. But in Asia he symbolizes something completely different - there he uses his strength and powers to protect and help people. Furthermore, it is not associated with fire, but with water. That's why the dragon tattoo is often surrounded by water and waves and represents wisdom, strength and bravery. In Japanese culture there are 6 well-known dragons - Sui, Han, Ri, Fuku, Ka and Hai and each has its own meaning.
- Phönix (hō'ō)– Resurrected from its own ashes at the end of its life, the phoenix is considered the holiest of all birds. Logically symbolizedthe phoenix tattooVictory, immortality, loyalty, obedience and courage. The rise from a simple bird to a powerful being serves as the inspiration for many Yakuza tattoos. Gang members choose the subject when they feel like they have made big changes in their lives and are now ready to make the best of it.
- snake (hebi) –Just like dragons, snakes are often viewed as unholy creatures in the West. In Asia, the snake tattoo is considered a symbol of wisdom, luck, and change for the better. People believe that it can protect them from misfortune and is said to have healing abilities. Because of its ability to shed its skin, the snake also represents rebirth. The wearer of a snake tattoo wants to show that he has the strength to break away from negative experiences and start over.
- The Samurai –Samurai warriors are a symbol of hope, honor, courage, as well as respect and right action. Most Yakuza see themselves as modern warriors and protectors of Japanese culture and traditions. Therefore, it is no surprise that the samurai is another popular motif for the Yakuza tattoo.
- Demon (Oni) –The demon Oni masks appear quite often in Japanese tattoo art. Actually, it's more of a troll or ogre than a demon. In Japanese folklore, onis are monstrous creatures that terrorize residents and villages. However, not only evil properties are attributed to them. For example, the gods of wind (Fujin) and thunder (Raijin) are also depicted as oni, but they have no evil intentions. Older stories also say that monks transform into oni after their death to protect their temple. Oni masks are often depicted with horns, tusks, claws and in bright red. As a Yakuza tattoo, they represent the imposition of punishment and the enforcement of a code of conduct.
- Guardian lions (komainu)are also referred to as Fu dogs or the lions of Buddha. They resemble both a lion and a dog and can often be seen in pairs guarding temples or palaces. One figure is shown with its mouth open and the other with its mouth closed to symbolize the syllables “Ah” and “Un”. Put together, “Aun” is a variation of the sacred sound “Om” – the beginning and end of everything. As a tattoo motif, the guardian lions are intended to protect the wearer from danger and harm.
Not only the animals but also the flowers have their own symbolic value in Japanese tattoo art
- Cherry Blossom (Sakura) –As soon as the cherry blossoms shine in their full splendor and beauty, they fall to the ground again and are carried away by the wind. The cherry blossom is the national flower of Japan and is considered a symbol of nature's annual cycle. Their short lifespan indicates that life is fleeting and must be enjoyed.
- Lotus (Hasu) –Initially in the muddy bottom of murky waters, the lotus flower grows and unfolds its flowers. The lotus flower tattoo is one of the most popular tattoo motifs worldwide and as a symbol of Buddhism, the lotus flower stands for loyalty, stability, endurance and the path from the human to the divine.
