In many Western cultures, tattoos are often seen as a form of self-expression meant to be displayed. But this perspective clashes sharply with the traditional view held by the Japanese Yakuza. For them, tattoos, particularly full-body suits, are deeply private and carry profound meaning far beyond mere aesthetics. This contrast highlights a fascinating aspect of tattoo culture: its capacity to reflect diverse cultural values and societal norms.
To understand the intricate world of Yakuza Tattoos, we turn to the legendary Horiyoshi 3, an Irezumi tattooist based in Yokohama and revered as the favored artist of the Yakuza. His insights offer a unique window into this secretive world. Visiting his studio, one immediately senses the gravity and respect surrounding this art form. Even the atmosphere, filled with silent intensity as Horiyoshi works, speaks volumes about the Yakuza’s approach to tattooing.
According to Horiyoshi 3, the Yakuza’s choice to be tattooed by him stems from their inherent desire for the best. Just as they seek out top-tier clothing, companions, and vehicles, they demand the highest quality in their tattoos. This pursuit of excellence is intertwined with a deep sense of pride. For the Yakuza, tattoos are not about outward showiness but rather a personal commitment to artistry and self-refinement.
The association of full-body Japanese tattoos with the Yakuza is prevalent in Western perception, often fueled by media portrayals. However, Horiyoshi 3 offers a different perspective. He emphasizes that the Yakuza’s tattoos are not primarily intended to signal gang affiliation. Instead, they are deeply rooted in traditional Japanese storytelling and mythology. These intricate designs often depict scenes from folklore, historical narratives, and mythical creatures, imbuing the wearer with symbolic strength and meaning.
Historically, tattoos in Japan have carried complex connotations. While there’s a narrative of criminals being marked with tattoos as punishment during the Edo period, this is a stark contrast to the elaborate and voluntary nature of Yakuza tattoos. Horiyoshi 3 points out that focusing on criminality misses the point. For the Yakuza, these tattoos are not about flaunting a criminal identity.
Horiyoshi meticulously working on a tattoo
The core philosophy behind Yakuza tattoos lies in the concept of ninkyo, which traditionally translates to chivalry or helping the less fortunate. Yakuza members often see their tattoos as an expression of their strength and willingness to protect and support those weaker than themselves. This inherent strength, symbolized through powerful imagery, is meant to be a personal affirmation rather than a public declaration. The hidden nature of these full-body suits further reinforces this idea of inward significance.
Horiyoshi 3 practices a distinct philosophy regarding tattoo placement, refusing to tattoo above the neck or on the hands. He believes that true beauty lies in the unseen, aligning with a broader Japanese aesthetic that values subtlety and hidden depths. This contrasts with Western tattoo culture, where visibility is often a key element. The Japanese appreciation for hidden beauty is deeply ingrained in their culture, evident in art forms like tea ceremonies, flower arrangements, and even architecture.
Horiyoshi's studio decorations
The concept of invisibility as a source of beauty is central to Japanese aesthetics. Horiyoshi 3 uses the metaphor of fireflies, whose beauty is only revealed in the darkness of night. Similarly, he argues that the hidden nature of Yakuza tattoos enhances their allure and mystique. Once something becomes commonplace or overtly displayed, its fascination diminishes. This preference for the concealed is a recurring motif in Japanese culture, where shadows are as important as light, and subtlety is prized over ostentation.
This attraction to darkness and the unseen resonates deeply within human nature. Horiyoshi 3 suggests that Japanese culture excels at using shadows to define and appreciate light, a contrasting approach to Western cultures that often begin with light to understand shadows. This philosophy extends beyond tattoos, influencing Japanese architecture, garden design, and traditional arts like Noh theatre, where the interplay of light and shadow creates depth and drama.
Yakuza member displaying his back tattoo
Reflecting on his craft, Horiyoshi 3 humbly identifies as an artisan rather than an artist. He emphasizes the skill and dedication involved in traditional Irezumi tattooing, drawing parallels to other Japanese crafts like sword making and pottery. This perspective raises questions about the definition of art itself. Horiyoshi 3 points to the Japanese tradition of scroll painting, where empty space is considered the ultimate art form, inviting the viewer to engage their imagination. He questions the modern art world, where context and perception often dictate what is deemed “art.”
Yakuza elder with a koi fish tattoo
Ultimately, Yakuza tattoos offer a profound lesson in cultural diversity and the multifaceted nature of body art. They are not mere decorations but rather deeply symbolic expressions of personal values, cultural identity, and a unique aesthetic sensibility that values the hidden and the profound. They stand in stark contrast to the often-exhibitionist tattoo culture in the West, revealing a fascinating world where ink speaks volumes in its silence and concealment.
