Walk into any public bath in Japan and you're liable to see a sign banning any visible tattoos. Even as Japan opens up to more international tourists and residents, body art remains taboo, not only at ...

Japanese animal tattoos are a traditional form of tattooing known as Irezumi, rich in symbolism and cultural history. Each animal motif in Japanese tattoos carries a distinct meaning and tells a story ...

Yakuza tattoos aren’t just designs - they carry deep meaning, history, and risk. This video explores the symbols, traditions, and warnings every tattoo enthusiast should know before considering a ...

A new photo exhibit featuring tattoos opened today at the San Franciso Main Library titled: "Living Tattoo Traditions: American Irezumi and Beyond." The images are part of a collaboration with San ...

Getting a tattoo in Japan has to be one of the more special things in life. Tattooing in Japan has been around for thousands of years. Even though tattoos in Japan have been around for so long, they ...

Horifune, left, learned the Tebori style of Japanese "hand-carved" tattooing from his mentor, Kensho, in Japan. COURTESY OF HORIFUNE Chris Clemence LORI HAWKINS Horifune Irezumi is a sought-after ...

In Japan, tattoos have long carried a stigma due to their association with irezumi, the traditional ink of yakuza gangsters. In the past, this negative connotation could make job hunting more ...

Between a tiger and a hawk is a bolt of lightning red as rage, electrifying the water. “This is sick,” I say while staring at a struggle between the heavens and the earth. “You like it?” Joel Long ...

A photo exhibit featuring traditional Japanese tattoo art, called "American Irezumi" is coming to San Francisco's Main Library in October, featuring the work of San Jose tattoo artist Takahiro ...

He’s a respected tattoo artist whose work is etched on the skin of numerous musicians and professional athletes. He’s also designed album covers and concert posters for bands like Bad Religion, The ...

While doing research for a trip to Japan, I learned tattoos were considered taboo. Since my husband and I both have tattoos, I worried it would make navigating some areas difficult. We never had any ...