The art of tattooing has a long and rich history in Japan. The custom of designing tattoos has been a prominent part of the Japanese culture although the conception of the art form has changed over the years.

Japanese people have named the art of tattooing with several names. Although the term Irezumi generally refers to the tattoo designing on any of the large parts of human body like the back, it is also used as a general expression for any kind of tattooing. Horimono is another Japanese term for this art. Full body tattoos also are known in Japan.

Mainly because of the Buddhist and Confucianist influences on the art of tattooing, it was often attached with a negative aspect in Japan. So many people in Japan believe tattooing as a symbol of the Japanese Mafia or an uncivilized butch.

The earliest remains of the art of tattooing belong to the Ainu people who were amongst the early settlers of Japan. The Wa people is another tribe that was known for its full body tattooing custom. The history of tattoo art traces back to 1700 years ago.

Even the Chinese people, who were too much advanced in various types of art, counted tattooing as a barbarian practice. When Buddhism shifted to Japan, this concept also was carried to Japan. Consequently tattooing became a punishment and identification mark for criminals.

The Edo era was the golden age for tattooing as it turned the corner and began to be considered as a fashionable trend. Workmen and firemen had the habit of tattooing and even the prostitutes found their way to win over their clients by adoring themselves with tattoos.

It was in the 18th century that tattooing became an authenticated punishment for those who trespassed the law. This was a direct replacement of amputation of the nose and ears. A ring tattoo on the forearm was placed for every offence and in other cases a character tattoo would be drilled on the criminal's forehead. It was the Meiji government that abolished the practice of tattooing criminals in 1870.

Such a punishment was giving rise to a new group of outcasts that were disdained by society. Amongst the most common criminals of those times were the ronins; the master less samurai. This outcast clan formed the basis of the Japanese Mafia as they had no other option but to organize themselves in gangs and conduct crimes.

Today however we find that the concept of tattooing has drastically changed from what it used to be back in those years. Although it continues to have a negative undertone for the majority in Japan it is increasingly being taken as a means of making a fashion statement.

Kanji symbols from Japan are similar in some ways to Chinese script. If you are interested in learning more about Traditional Japanese tattoo art click on the hyperlinks herein.