Japanese Tattoos
Irezumi-inspired large-scale work — koi, dragons, peonies, waves. Rewards patience and full-panel commitment.
$1,500 – $5,000+ (multi-session)
4–6 hours per session
Sleeve, Back, Thigh
756
A short history of japanese
Irezumi (literally “inserting ink”) is one of the world's oldest continuous tattoo traditions, with roots in the Edo period (1603–1868). The conventions — bold outlines, classic motifs (koi, dragon, peony, oni, hannya), wind bars and water composition — were refined over centuries. Modern Japanese tattooing in Australia draws directly from this lineage.
- · Designed for large-scale, multi-session work — looks incredible at sleeve, back or panel size
- · Heavy black and limited palette age beautifully over decades
- · Strong visual coherence as you build a body suit
- · Deep cultural and symbolic meaning behind every motif
- · Demands a serious time and money commitment — most Japanese pieces are 10+ hours
- · Small Japanese pieces lose much of the style's impact — best done big
- · Cultural sensitivity matters — research the meaning of motifs before committing
- · Quality varies wildly — find a tattooer trained in or apprenticed within the tradition
Who it suits
People wanting a large-scale, lifelong commitment piece. Anyone drawn to traditional Japanese aesthetics. Patient collectors.