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.

When most people think of Japanese oni, they picture fierce red or blue demons with horns, fangs, and terrifying expressions. Oni have become one of the most recognizable subjects in Japanese tattooing, but many people don’t know the legend behind Japan’s most famous demon: Shuten-dōji

The Horse is the seventh animal of the Chinese Zodiac and holds a special place throughout East Asian culture, including Japan. People born in the Year of the Horse are often associated with independence, ambition, determination and an adventurous spirit. They are known for their energy, confidence and ability to keep moving forward no matter what obstacles stand in their way.

From the legendary Monkey King to traditional monkey masks, monkey imagery can represent intelligence, adaptability, protection and playful rebellion. For those looking for a unique Japanese tattoo in Auckland or throughout New Zealand, monkeys offer a subject that feels both traditional and distinctive.

Samurai have remained one of the most enduring subjects in Japanese tattooing for good reason. Beyond their striking appearance, samurai imagery carries themes of discipline, loyalty, resilience, and courage — qualities that naturally lend themselves to large-scale irezumi.

Visually, samurai tattoos offer an incredible amount of detail and variety. From dramatic battle scenes and fierce expressions to intricate armour and weaponry, they create tattoos that feel powerful and timeless

With winter arriving in New Zealand, it felt like the perfect time to talk about winter-inspired themes in Japanese tattooing. From hawks and cranes to ume blossoms, pine, bamboo, and darker folklore subjects, winter imagery carries a quieter and more atmospheric feeling within irezumi. Winter is also one of the best times to begin a large-scale Japanese tattoo project, with cooler weather making healing easier and tattoos naturally protected from harsh sun and swimming. In this blog, I share some traditional winter motifs often seen in Japanese art and how they translate into timeless irezumi compositions.

A common question when planning a Japanese tattoo chest plate is whether the design should go over the nipple or leave it exposed. There is no strict right or wrong answer, but each approach changes the overall look and feeling of the piece quite dramatically.

When it comes to Japanese tattooing (irezumi), few historical figures carry the same weight and presence as Miyamoto Musashi. Known as Japan’s most famous swordsman, Musashi represents discipline, adaptability, and mastery—not just in combat, but in life.

Japan has a long tradition of hand-carved wooden toys, talismans, and folk figures that are full of charm, symbolism, and personality. Long before modern collectibles, these pieces were made for children, for good luck, or simply to bring joy into the home. Their bold shapes, simple lines, and expressive faces have helped them endure for generations.

A good tattoo session starts before you even walk into the studio. Preparation doesn’t need to be complicated, but it makes a real difference—not just for your comfort, but for how well the tattoo goes in and heals afterward. If you show up feeling rested, fed, and relaxed, everything tends to run much smoother.

Large-scale Japanese tattooing; whether it’s a sleeve, back piece, or body suit is a different experience from a small, one-off tattoo. It’s not just about the final result. It’s about the process, and how each session builds into something that feels complete on the body. While people often focus on pain or time, most clients come to enjoy the rhythm of it. Understanding what to expect makes the whole experience feel a lot more manageable and something to look forward to.

If you’re thinking about getting a Japanese tattoo, chances are you’ve come across koi fish. There’s a reason they show up again and again in irezumi. Koi are not just visually striking, they carry meaning, fit perfectly on most areas of the body, and work at every scale, from small tattoos to full bodysuits.

Thinking about getting a Japanese cat tattoo? Discover the meaning, folklore, and symbolism behind cat tattoos in traditional Japanese Tattoo Irezumi. Black and grey full sleeve done by Horiyama in Auckland, New Zealand.