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Japanese Tattoos
Japanese Tattoo Pictures

By Shizuko Mishima, About.com

A tourist looks at the tattoo on a mans back at the annual Utamaro Festival April 3, 2005.

A tourist looks at the tattoo on a man's back at the annual Utamaro Festival April 3, 2005 in Kawasaki, Japan.

Photo by Koichi Kamoshida / Getty Images
Japanese tattoo is called irezumi or horimono in Japanese. In Japan, tattoo is usually considered to be a symbol of a yakuza (Japanese mafia) and tends to be perceived negatively by people. For example, many public bath facilities in Japan inhibit customers who have tattoos from entering.

Traditional Japanese tattoo covers arms, shoulders, and the back. In recent years, it's becoming popular for Japanese young people to get contemporary tattoos. Tattoo events are often held in big cities, and there are many Japanese tattoo shops in Japan. It's good to contact them before you visit.

Here is a list of web sites which show various Japanese tattoo pictures and designs. Enjoy the art of Japanese tattoo.

Japanese Tattoo Photo Galleries:

More Article About Japan / Japan Photo Gallery

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