Yakuza Tattoo

This design is a nobori ryu ascending dragon motif which is prevalent in japanese tattoos.

Yakuza tattoo. The protagonist of the yakuza series kazuma kiryu sports a dragon tattoo on his back. In the past it was obligatory in many yakuza clans for members to get tattoos. Explore the legendary yakuza influence on the world of ink and society at large and learn about irezumi popular motifs and different types of japanese pieces. For instance wives girlfriends and mistresses of yakuza members obtain irezumi in order to prove their loyalty to the yakuza.

Known as namakubi the severed head means fearlessness courage and bravery. Koi fish represents strength and bravery. The tattoo is deeply rooted with the samurai s so called headhunting. In japanese culture yakuza tattoos are considered as a symbol of status.

Interestingly it also represents respect for an enemy or foe. The full body suit tattoo in particular is a product of yakuza culture. Not every gangster has a tattoo and not everyone with a full bodysuit is a gangster but when pop culture depicts the underworld anti. The procedure is expensive painful and can take years to complete.

The blood soaked head tattoo or namakubi can symbolize fearlessness strength and surprisingly admiration for an opponent. These tattoos known as irezumi in japan are still often hand poked that is the ink is inserted beneath the skin using non electrical hand made and handheld tools with needles of sharpened bamboo or steel. What is the meaning of the yakuza tattoo. In japan tattoos and the yakuza often seem inseparable.

He s an irezumi tattooist based in yokohama and he s also the favored tattooist of the yakuza the japanese mafia. Many yakuza have full body tattoos including their genitalia. As a famous yakuza tattoo the foo dog gives ultimate protection against all the perils and failures. The tattoo culture of the yakuza evolved in protest to this branding.

Of all the tattoo artists in japan horiyoshi iii is probably the most legendary. Yakuza tattoos are a source of fascination for many tattoo lovers. At this point the yakuza have become permanently incorporated into the cultural lexicon. The meaning of yakuza tattoos are usually related to imagery and symbolism in japanese art culture and religion.

The foo dog is a very popular tattoo design in the yakuza representing protection against evil and danger. Take a glimpse of the japanese mafia and learn about the tattoo culture of the criminal underclass.