Why yakuza have tattoos

The different arm sleeves also have their own terms; nagasode refers to a full sleeve and is usually incorporated into a hikae. Yakuza gang members are famous for their traditional full body tattoos. These dramatic pieces also have their own terms to describe the different shapes and placement of tattoos.

Even the shape of the negative space in an unadorned armpit has a name: if it is in a round shape it is called koban gata and a triangular shaped area is known as katabori. One of the most painful parts of body tattoos to ink, some Yakuza choose to get their armpits tattooed — this is known as taubushi.

To complete the full body tattoo, the legs must also be tattooed. When the shorts are finished and the entire inner thigh is covered with ink this piece is known as hanzubon.

The incredible tattoo design that characterizes irezumi traditional tattoo use different animals—both real and mythical—and scenes from nature to tell epic stories of honor and bravery. The dragon, known as ryu , are powerful elements in Japanese tattoo. Unlike the West, in Japan these mythical creatures are considered benevolent. The dragon is a powerful symbol of good luck, blessings, wisdom and strength. Their ability to take on the traits of different animals—the body of a snake, the scales of a koi fish, and the talons of hawk etc — make dragons endlessly customizable and the perfect muse for those looking to use a symbolic tattoo idea.

Another common element that can be found in some of the best Japanese tattoos, koi fish are considered good luck.

There are a variety of meanings that can be assigned to these fish. The direction the koi fish swim, color and number of fish can all change the meaning of a koi tattoo. Their incredible lifespans—koi fish can live up to years— and their prevalence in Japanese mythology make them powerful images.

The demons of Japanese mythology, oni , make for fierce hannya mask tattoos thanks to their fangs, claws and grimacing faces. Depicted with a variety of skin colors, oni are harbingers of death and disaster and are often depicted holding swords or clubs.

Common in both Japanese and Chinese cultures foo dogs are elements in tattoos that hold a variety of meanings. Always in a pair—one male, one female—foo dogs provide artists room to explore a variety of interesting designs. Much like the phoenix in Western tradition, the Japanese hou-ou is a fiery bird with a variety of meanings, making it the perfect subject for tattoos. A complex creature, the hou-ou is both a symbol of harmony and disharmony: in myths the hou-ou descends from the heavens during times of peace and tranquility, only to flee back to the sky when strife and turmoil return.

These vibrant birds are also powerful symbols of fidelity, passion, fire and the sun. Snakes have been popular elements in tattoos for decades, and they have a prominent place in Japanese tradition as well.

Known as hebi , snakes are symbols of rebirth and change as well as guardians of wealth and riches. Some of the most compelling—albeit gruesome—of Japanese tattoos come in the form of namakubi. These grotesque tattoos depict the severed heads of samurai and are rooted in the feudal era of Japan.

A time of rival warlords, this period was characterized by traditions of honor and battle. The act of seppuku , or ritual suicide, where a disgraced samurai warrior would disembowel himself followed by beheading was common. These dramatic tattoos serve as a reminder of the impermanence of life as well as powerful odes to duty and honor, and make for popular motifs in Yakuza tattoo. They offered me a cigarette, and I anxiously asked them if I should step outside to smoke.

The buzz from Horiyoshi's needle stopped abruptly as he began to chuckle, as if waking from a lucid dream. Horiyoshi III: Yakuza always want the best; everything must be first class.

Whatever they wear, the places they hang out, the women they walk with, and the cars they drive. They have a lot of pride. And they want to look good, so they come here. In the West, when we think of Japanese men in full-body suits, the first thing we think of is the Yakuza.

The way tattoo culture is connected to the Yakuza and the crime world has a lot to do with journalism. Growing up, little kids will read about the Yakuza and think that they are bad people. But I know them personally. They do a lot of good things for our community. When the earthquake happened, they responded with aid faster than the government. Everyone left their homes, and it was the Yakuza that insured that no one was burglarized. I read that criminals were often punished by tattoos in the Edo period?

In the Edo period, criminals would get the Tokigawa symbol on the back of their necks to avoid the death penalty. But then the officials would just hack the skin off before they executed them.

If you tattoo a family symbol it is a very serious crime, almost as bad as tattooing a first generation samurai symbol. In Japan, these symbols hold deep connotations. Neither does plastic intimidation.

A lot of our designs contain a scene from a story. In the Edo period, if you committed a serious crime, you would have your head cut off. Does the Yakuza feel that these scenes from Japanese mythology express who they really are, outside of propaganda-fueled stereotypes? The tattoos are to show that they have the strength to help the weak. Do you ever refuse tattoos? Yes, I never tattoo above the neck or on hands.

What you think is beautiful is different for each person. It might be something to do with the depths of your personal history and culture. The meaning of yakuza tattoos are usually related to imagery and symbolism in Japanese art, culture, and religion.

The full body suit tattoo, in particular, is a product of yakuza culture. In the past, it was obligatory in many yakuza clans for members to get tattoos. In modern times, the practice is not as common; many yakuza in the 21st century maintain clean skin to better blend in with society. Conversely, more and more non-yakuza in Japan are getting tattoos.

Despite these changes, being tattooed is considered a rite of passage for the yakuza. This list includes some of the most common motifs and images featured in yakuza tattoos, as well as their meanings. Some of them are totems of protection, others tell stories of the individual's life.

Yakuza tattoo designs have a fascinating history rich with symbolism and tradition. The koi fish is a common yakuza tattoo that generally relates to good luck and fortune.

In Japanese folklore, it's said koi can climb waterfalls, working against a heavy current. Thus, koi represent perseverance, and are often used to indicate that a person has made it through tough times. All of this applies to black koi.

Red koi in tattoos represent love of some kind, typically strong, masculine love, such as the fraternal bonds of yakuza membership. Blue koi are symbols of reproduction, and considered very masculine. Dragons are viewed differently in Japan than in the West.

The Japanese see dragons as benefactors and protectors of mankind. Dragon tattoos symbolize bravery, wisdom, and strength. Black dragons are associated with experience and wisdom. Green dragons are associated with nature, and gold dragons represent value and a variety of virtues.

Blue dragons are gentle, forgiving, and benevolent, while yellow dragons are noble companions. In addition to symbolic colors, there are six dragon variants in Japanese culture. Each of these variants has its own meaning; Sui, for instance, is the king of dragons, while Ri possess extraordinary vision. The phoenix is a mystical bird that is consumed by fire and reborn from its own ashes. In line with the story of the phoenix, this tattoo represents rebirth, triumph, and fire. It is a common motif in yakuza tattoos.

The myth of the phoenix arrived in Japan by way of China, as did many aspects of Japanese culture. The snake tattoo has a variety of meanings in Japan. It is considered an embodiment of regenerative power and a sign of good health. In Japanese folklore, snakes are associated with wisdom, prophecy, and the powers of the earth. They also represents divine female attributes, and can be symbolic of protection from illness and bad luck.

In the Chinese zodiac, those born in the year of the snake are thinkers and philosophers , intelligent people with a stubborn streak.