Tattoos have been around for about 5,000 years. In the old days, they were marks rather than imagery, used to show rank or status, like a hieroglyphic inscription. But in Japan during the Edo period (1600–1868), tattooing developed into a sophisticated decorative art.
In that era, tattoos became more than just symbols; they told stories. Artists created woodblock prints of heroes covered with tattoos, and this inspired tattoo artists to create their own versions of those images on human skin. The Japanese word irezumi means “the decoration of the body with mythical beasts, flowers, figures from stories and myths.”
Tattooing is symbolic, but it’s not as simple as putting a single symbol on your skin. Tattoos tell a story through combinations of motifs, and those motifs are drawn from mythology, nature, and symbolism. A common theme is protection, but there are also themes of bravery and good luck.
The koi fish, which swim against strong currents and can leap out of water, is among the most popular themes. Another popular image is the skull (zugaikotsu). Although it might seem obvious that the skull represents anger, fear, or death, its meaning is far more complex.
It is the combination of these elements that gives the tattoos their meaning, so no one image alone has a fixed meaning. Rather, it is up to the individual to determine what his or her tattoos mean based on how the symbols are combined.
The traditional body suit
Traditionally, people wore their tattoos in a certain format. They could be vests or jackets with long or short sleeves and long or short pants, leaving the center of the body un-tattooed. Completing such a body suit took anywhere from a year to five years of weekly visits, making them painful, expensive, and time-consuming.
Finishing a heavy irezumi was considered an act of perseverance, and the finished product earned respect. It also reflected the person's aspirations, showing what he or she hoped to achieve.
Misconceptions and modern meaning
There is a misconception that irezumi is associated only with the Yakuza, the Japanese mafia, but the spiritual meaning behind the tattoos predates and extends beyond that association. There is another misconception that irezumi is primitive or simple, but traditional Japanese tattoos are just as detailed and complex as modern tattoos. The stigma of irezumi in Japan is changing, especially in cities where younger people appreciate it as real art.
Although traditionally men wore irezumi, women are now embracing it too. Modern irezumi reflects contemporary tastes while respecting the traditional symbols and cultural roots of the past.