Japanese Tattoos in Brisbane

Summary

Japanese-style tattoos, also known as Irezumi, Wabori, or Harimono, are a traditional tattoo art form rooted in Japanese history, folklore, and symbolism. This style is known for bold linework, strong contrast, flowing backgrounds, and large-scale compositions that move naturally with the body. While often seen as sleeves or back pieces, Japanese tattoos can also be designed as smaller standalone works.

Traditionally, Japanese tattoos were created as a single, cohesive full-body suit, covering the arms, legs, torso, and back. A narrow strip of untattooed skin was left down the centre of the body so the artwork remained hidden beneath a kimono. In Western tattooing, this style is more commonly applied as individual large-scale pieces rather than full bodysuits.

The visual foundation of Japanese tattooing comes from Ukiyo-e woodblock prints, characterised by flattened perspective, expressive linework, rich colour, and intentional negative space. These elements continue to define the Japanese tattoo aesthetic today.

Common Japanese tattoo motifs include dragons, koi fish, tigers, snakes, samurai, Buddhist deities, and mythical creatures such as kirin, kitsune, phoenix, and foo dogs. Designs are often paired with elements like water, wind, clouds, or floral imagery. Symbolism varies based on colour, placement, and composition.

Japanese tattoos were traditionally applied by hand using Tebori, a non-electric tattooing method. While modern machines are now widely used, some artists continue to practise Tebori to preserve the tradition.

Japanese-style tattoos are collected worldwide for their timeless design, symbolic depth, and body-flowing composition. Choosing an artist who specialises in Japanese tattooing is essential to achieving an authentic and well-balanced piece.