Why do a blog on japanese tattoos?

When I started looking into tattoos, back in 2007, I started by liking tribal tattoos and the dark tattoo style of Paul Booth. But then one day, I stumble upon a dragon done by Filip Leu and I was blown away! That’s when I started digging depper… The composition, the colors and the symbolism of Japanese tattoos were a revelation for me.


I first discovered the ryū ( りゅう) or Japanese dragon and from there I had to understand more: What is the symbolism behind the dragon? How do you draw an imaginary creature? Since he is imaginary, can I draw him any way I want? Are there rules? The more answers I would find, the more questions I had!

The first thing to strike us when looking at an irezumi (Japanese tattoo) is the extent of the tattoo. They are massive tattoos! The smallest is usually a full sleeve with a pec, and it can run up to covering the whole body.

In Japan, irezumi are traditionally worn by the Yakuza (Japanese mafia). But why are these tattoos associated with the criminal world? Today, this style of tattoo is considered as an artform and can be worn by Japanese and non-Japanese people alike.

The beauty of Japanese tattoos is how it is elegantly coded through symbols, myths and legends. Each element means something, which allows the creation of a personal story for the wearer. For example, certain flowers and animals can be used to symbolize loved ones, or certain subjects can be used to represent important event in one’s life (like success or hardship).

In Japanese tattoos, everything is coded, therefore the whole body is used to tell one’s story.

It’s at the age of 16 that I decided on becoming a tattoo artist and have been passionate about Japanese tattoos since then. I would be very pretentious of me to say that I Completely understand this art. No « gaijin » can pretend understanding 100% of the Japanese mentality, there will always be mysteries lost in translation… But after many years of studying and multiple trips to Japan, I think I have understood the essence of Japanese tattoo.

With these blogs, I want to show my vision of this art. I will explain different subjects, styles, technics, and I will also talk about the best tattoo-related places to visit in Japan. Thank you for your interest in my stories and thank you for sharing with others. Questions are always welcome. You can always write to me through my email. If you want to get tattooed by me, please send me a message on my website.

JF Trudel – Tattoo artist/ Dessinateur/ Globtrotteur       Email link: JFTrudelTattoo@gmail.com        Fb link : JF Trudel Tattoo Artist        IG link : JF_Tattoo        Website : JFTattoo.com