Tattoo lovers are very fascinated by the yakuza tattoo. It has a mysterious appeal due to its connection with the Japanese underworld. The Japanese term is used for Yakuza tattoos is Irezumi which means “insert ink.” People get these tattoos for adornment and spiritual purposes. The method being used is hand poking. It is done by inserting the ink beneath the skin. This procedure can be costly, painful and very time-consuming. Hand poking can be very dangerous. When the ink is inserted under the skin, the skin would not be able to breathe. That is why it takes guts to have a Yakuza tattoo also known as konjyou in Japan.
During the Shogun period, criminals are being identified using Yakuza tattoos. Eventually, they grouped together and form a gang known as “Yakuza.” The symbols being used in these tattoos are associated with Japanese culture. Here, we will provide you some examples of this mysterious tattoo.
Best Japanese Yakuza Tattoo Designs
1. Traditional Tattoo
Getting a tattoo that can cover most part of the body is one of the traditions of Yakuza or Japanese Mafia.
2. Full Body Tattoo Designs
During the early years, yakuza members incorporate this tattoo art into their existing tattoos.
3. Yakuza Side Tattoo
When a Yakuza member is fully dressed, his tattoo will not be visible.
4. Irezumi Tattoos
Every single image being used in Yakuza tattoos have their own meaning and purpose.
5. Japanese Tattoo for Women
The images being used in this tattoo portrays the wearer’s beliefs, dreams, and personal traits.
6. Japanese Yakuza Tattoo
Some types of tattoos can cover the whole body while others can only cover some part of it.
7. Yakuza Tattoo Meanings
This tattoo includes popular images which represent the Japanese culture.
8. Tiger Yakuza Tattoo
Tiger tattoos are a symbol of strength and courage as well as long life.
9. Japanese Yakuza Tattoo Women
During the early years, Japanese tattoo was not commonly practiced due to its association with criminals.
10. Yakuza Gang Members
The design of the tattoos is the expression that the wearer wants to convey to the world.
11. Tattoo Designs And Meanings
The Koi fish is a symbol of determination and strong intent to succeed.
12. Tattoo Designs for Men
In the past, tattoos are not generally accepted in Japan, however, as they developed they have started to accept this idea of body art.
13. Tattoo Ideas For Men
Even today, tattoos are often related to criminal activities.
14. Leg Sleeve Tattoo
Yakuza tattoos usually cover a huge part of the body.
15. Traditional Japanese Tattoo
During the past, tattoos are being used as an alternative to a death sentence in Japan.
16. Yakuza Daughter Japanese Tattoo
During the 8th century in Japan, tattoos are used to identify criminals.
17. Yakuza Flower Tattoo
This tattoo includes flowers with different colors.
18. Yakuza Japanese Tattoos
Mr. Kazuki Kai from Kyushu gets a tattoo from the famous tattoo artist Horiyoshi the Third.
19. Dragon Tattoo
Dragons are symbols of strength, being ferocious, and wealth.
20. Flower Yakuza Tattoo
In the tattoo world, flowers carry a variety of meanings.
21. Yakuza Tattoo Design
In today’s world, Japanese tattoos are not for Yakuza only.
22. Dragon Tattoo
Sometimes Yakuza tattoos include odd creatures.
23. Yakuza with Lotus Flowers
Back in the 1700s, yakuza tattoos are created using sharp steel or sometimes by the use of bamboo or other kinds of hand tools.
24. Koi Fish Tattoo
The Koi fish is a special kind of carp fish which originates in China.
25. Full Back Tattoo
If you want to become a member of the Yakuza then you will be initiated with a tattoo to test if you can endure the pain.
26. Stunning Tattoo
This tattoo shows Kanon Bosatsu, the kind-hearted Buddhist deity. It is created by Horiyoshi The Third.
27. Yakuza Women Tattoo
Other names for a tattoo in Japan are Irezumi, horimono, and shisei.
28. Japanese Samurai Tattoo
Tattoos that incorporate Japanese designs are also known as wabori.
29. Irezumi Designs
Tattoos are a way of expressing yourself.
30. Fashion Tattoos
In the Yakuza culture, tattoos are a symbol of devotion to the organization.
31. Impressive Tattoo
Tattoos that cover a bigger part of the body requires more money, time, and patience since it involves more pain.
32. Yakuza Tattoo Sleeve
Koi fish represents strength and bravery.
What is the meaning of the Yakuza Tattoo?
In Japanese culture, Yakuza tattoos are considered as a symbol of status. For instance, wives, girlfriends, and mistresses of Yakuza members obtain Irezumi in order to prove their loyalty to the Yakuza. Japanese samurai also obtained Yakuza tattoos as a form of identification. In case, they died and their armor and clothes are being stolen it can be easily recognized. In the modern-day, if you have a Yakuza tattoo, you can never enter any establishments or hot springs in Japan. This is due to the fact that people who have Yakuza tattoos are being associated with the Yakuza. In fact, in Japan, persons with Yakuza tattoos can never go home.
Now, some societies have started to accept these tattoos. They are now recognized as a fashion icon rather than a gang affiliation. So why should you get a Yakuza tattoo in the first place? One of the reasons why people decide to get these tattoos is because it shows strength, determination, and willpower. Most importantly, it also shows their devotion to the Yakuza organization. Yakuza tattoos incorporate several images such as dragons, snakes, koi fish, and others. Yakuza tattoos are not for men only but also for women. Which tattoo is your favorite?
Hey readers! I’m Jeffrey and your tattoo artist of the day;) I have been drawing and painting my whole life, and after graduating high school I decided it was time for a bigger challenge and I started drawing on people. I’m so fortunate I got to express my creativity through my body art and even more so to share my passion with my now wife Emilie. She started working with me in my tattoo shop as a piercer and I started writing about and photographing, my creations on this blog. I love to hear from you and hope you enjoy our work together!