Already have tattoos on your arm but dream of a traditional Japanese sleeve? Brett travelled from Wellington to work with me on transforming his existing tattoos into a cohesive irezumi design featuring a vibrant red koi, sakura, waterfalls and traditional Japanese background. Discover how thoughtful composition can bring older tattoos together to create a striking sleeve.

Inspired by Akutagawa Ryūnosuke’s Japanese folktale The Spider’s Thread (蜘蛛の糸), this custom Japanese tattoo sleeve tells a story of hell, redemption and human nature through oni, skulls, a reaching figure and flames.

From Emma’s cat and cherry blossom sleeve to her black and grey Japanese dragon backpiece, this project has been such a rewarding journey. Read about the design process, why we left the background open, and our plans to continue her Japanese bodysuit next year.

The chrysanthemum, or kiku, is one of the most recognisable flowers in Japanese tattooing, but its story goes far beyond tattoo art. Discover why chrysanthemums are associated with longevity and nobility, their connection to Japan and the Imperial Family, why white chrysanthemums are used at funerals, and how their meaning changes when paired with dragons, water and clouds.

What does Fukuoka have to do with Japanese tattooing? Quite a lot, as it turns out. Join me as I explore one of my favourite cities in Japan, from ancient tattoo traditions and Hakata culture to the craftsmanship and history that make Fukuoka so special.

Everyone could use a little good fortune. Discover the stories and meanings behind some of Japan’s most auspicious symbols, and how these beautiful motifs can be carried into Japanese tattooing, from small one-point tattoos to hidden details within a full bodysuit.

Kintaro is one of my favourite characters to tattoo in Traditional Japanese Irezumi. From his legendary strength and battles with koi, snakes and oni to his unmistakable red skin, he offers endless possibilities for dynamic sleeves, back pieces and one-point tattoos.

A crane takes flight across the shoulder while a koi moves through the water below, connected by flowing wind, clouds and sakura. This six-day Japanese Irezumi tattoo sleeve was created for a client who travelled from Nelson to Auckland, with a muted palette and a small hidden detail representing his baby on the way.

Spring is nearly here in New Zealand, bringing with it the beautiful sight of cherry blossoms. Discover the Japanese tradition of hanami, why sakura hold such special meaning, and how their fleeting beauty has become an important symbol in Japanese tattooing. 🌸

Shōki, the Demon Conqueror, is a powerful but less commonly seen subject in traditional Japanese tattooing. Discover his Chinese origins, protective symbolism, distinctive clothing, mischievous oni and the bold brushstroke techniques that make him such an interesting subject to tattoo.

A personal reflection on growing up in Hiroshima, childhood memories of Hiroshima Peace Day, and remembering the lives lost on August 6, 1945.

Traditional Japanese tattooing has survived centuries of change, social stigma and shifting attitudes. Now, it’s entering a new chapter. Discover why irezumi is experiencing a revival in Japan and why its future has never looked brighter.

What makes a tattoo truly timeless? Sometimes the answer isn’t found in tattooing itself, but in stories that have been passed down for centuries. Jiraiya and Orochimaru may be famous through Naruto, but their origins lie much deeper in Japanese folklore. As a Japanese tattoo artist, they’re two of my favourite subjects to tattoo, not just because of their iconic designs, but because they create some of the most dynamic and visually striking compositions in traditional irezumi.

Every July, Kyoto transforms into a city of towering wooden floats, ancient rituals, and centuries-old traditions. Discover how Gion Matsuri began as a ceremony to protect the city from disease, why it’s still organised by local communities over 1,100 years later, and what this remarkable festival can teach us about the enduring spirit of traditional Japanese culture

What do Raijin’s three toes and Fujin’s four toes represent? Discover the history, symbolism, and hidden details behind Japan’s legendary gods of thunder and wind—and why they have remained timeless subjects in traditional Japanese tattooing.

Every year on July 7th, Japan celebrates one of its most romantic and beloved traditions: Tanabata (七夕), also known as the Star Festival. While many people know Japan for its beautiful temples, sushi, and cherry blossoms, it’s festivals like Tanabata that reveal the country’s rich folklore and deep appreciation for storytelling. As a Japanese tattoo artist in Auckland, I love sharing these stories because they offer a glimpse into the culture that inspires so much of traditional Japanese art.

Japan is filled with stories of legendary samurai, fearsome oni, and mysterious spirits. Yet few tales are as haunting—or as visually unforgettable—as the legend of Takiyasha-hime, the princess who summoned a giant skeleton from the darkness.

For anyone fascinated by Japanese mythology, traditional Japanese tattoos, or ukiyo-e art, this is one of the country’s most captivating ghost stories.

Few creatures in Japanese folklore are as mysterious, beautiful, and misunderstood as the fox. Known as kitsune (狐), foxes occupy a unique place in Japanese culture, existing somewhere between the natural and supernatural worlds. In traditional Japanese tattooing (irezumi), kitsune designs carry deep symbolic meaning and often represent intelligence, transformation, protection, and the unpredictable nature of fate.

Fudō Myō-ō (不動明王), often translated as “The Immovable Wisdom King,” is one of the most powerful and revered figures found in traditional Japanese tattooing. Originating from Esoteric Buddhism, he is a protector who represents unwavering determination, discipline, wisdom, and the ability to overcome life’s obstacles.