Irezumi is a Japanese word that refers to the insertion of ink under the skin to leave a permanent, usually decorative, mark; a form of tattooing. A centuries-old artform, irezumi draws on Japanese mythology and iconography for inspiration. The result is some of the most colorful and intricate examples of the tattooist's art found anywhere. But irezumi has a darker side, associated as it is with one of the world's most feared organized crime syndicates. Intrigued?
Click through and learn more about this traditional Japanese method of tattooing by hand.