This full back piece features Kiyohime (清姫), one of the most powerful and tragic female figures in Japanese folklore. A story of devotion, jealousy, transformation, and rage, Kiyohime has long been a compelling subject in Japanese tattooing (irezumi), offering both dramatic visual impact and deep symbolic meaning.

This striking Japanese tattoo combines a full arm sleeve with a chest plate, creating a design that flows naturally with the body. The centrepiece is a dragon, its green scales shimmering and red underbelly glowing, coiling dynamically around the arm. In Japanese culture, dragons symbolise wisdom, strength, and protection, and this design captures all of those qualities in every curve and detail.

A Kitsune is a legendary Japanese creature, shaped like a fox with magical shape-shifting qualities. It is one of the spiritual entities that belongs to Japanese mythology since the Heian period, but it is also known in other parts of Asia.

Hyottoko (火男) is a comical Japanese character, portrayed through the use of a mask. His mouth is puckered and skewed to one side. Some masks have different eye sizes between the left and right eyes. He is often wearing a scarf around his head (usually white with blue dots). The origin of the name comes from "fire" (火, hi) and "man" (男, otoko), because the character is blowing fire with a bamboo pipe, hence the shape of the mouth.

Traditional Japanese masks are mostly decorative and are available for sale at shrine festivals and events. Others are worn during certain Shinto dances or by actors performing a role on the stage. Most of these masks are archetypes borrowed from myth, ancient dances or Noh theatre, and they have become some of the most popular Japanese masks that you’ll see today.

As the art of traditional Japanese tattoo progressed, it was natural for Japanese tattooers to incorporate masks into their clients tattoos to express certain cultural sentiments and meanings.

The body suit is steadily taking shape, two half sleeves and one full leg complete, with one more leg still ahead. But the true centrepiece of this evolving project is the full back piece, dedicated to one of Japan’s most revered historical figures: Goro Nyudo Masamune.

Japanese tattoos, Irezumi, are known for their deep symbolism and bold, flowing designs. A sleeve featuring an octopus and puffer fish is not only visually striking but also rich in meaning, blending intelligence, mystery, and hidden strength.

The Japanese dragon (ryū) has long been a symbol of strength, wisdom, and protection. Unlike the dragons of Western folklore, Japanese dragons are typically benevolent, associated with water and the heavens rather than destruction.

In Japanese mythology, the Nue is a legendary Yokai/spirit with the face of a monkey, body of a tanuki, tiger limbs, and a serpent’s tail. Said to descend in black clouds and bring illness or misfortune, the Nue embodies mystery and dread — making it a compelling centerpiece for a powerful tattoo.

In Japanese tattooing, complexity often gets a lot of attention, but not every design needs to be big or overly elaborate to make a strong impression. A Japanese sleeve built with just a few core elements, peonies, clouds, and wind bars can be just as impactful. This approach focuses on balance, clarity, and intention rather than sheer volume.

In Japanese culture, the koi fish is a symbol of strength, determination, and transformation. According to legend, koi that swim upstream and ascend waterfalls are rewarded by being transformed into dragons—a metaphor for perseverance through adversity. When paired, two koi often represent duality: balance between opposing forces, such as yin and yang, or the interconnected dance between masculine and feminine energies.

The sakura (cherry blossom) symbolises the fleeting beauty of life. Blooming for only a short time each spring, it reminds us to cherish the present. In a tattoo, sakura reflects beauty, renewal, and the understanding that all things are temporary.

In Japanese tattoo culture, the snake—or "hebi"—carries a complex symbolism. Far from simply representing something sinister, the Japanese snake is a multi-faceted creature. It’s a guardian of treasure, a protector from bad luck, and a symbol of healing and regeneration. Much like a snake sheds its skin, it also represents transformation and personal growth.

Japanese tattoos are known for their deep symbolism and intricate design. A half sleeve tattoo that extends to the chest, featuring a turtle, crane, and maple leaves, is a perfect example of this rich art form, blending beauty, meaning, and culture.

In Japanese culture, the turtle symbolizes longevity, protection, and resilience. It represents endurance, often depicted with a sturdy shell, illustrating strength and wisdom. In a tattoo, the turtle can embody the wearer’s ability to weather life’s challenges.

In Japanese culture, the crane is often associated with longevity and good fortune. These magnificent birds are believed to live for over a hundred years, making them symbols of a long and prosperous life. According to Japanese folklore, folding a thousand origami cranes grants a person a wish—whether it's health, happiness, or peace. This belief has elevated the crane to a status of reverence, representing hope and resilience.

2024 is the Year of the Dragon! As make our way through 2024, we’re greeted by the powerful energy of this magnificent creature. Celebrated for its strength, wisdom, and benevolence, the dragon embodies qualities that resonate deeply within our hearts and communities. The Dragon year invites us to harness its dynamic spirit for growth and new beginnings.

In Japan, dragons are revered as water deities, guardians of nature, and symbols of prosperity. Unlike their fiery Western counterparts, Japanese dragons are often depicted as wise, serpentine beings associated with rain, fertility, and the balance of the natural world. This year, as the Dragon takes its place in the zodiac, we celebrate its transformative power.

In Japanese culture, the Hannya mask represents a woman transformed by jealousy and rage into a demon. Despite its fearsome appearance, it symbolizes the complexity of human emotions and the journey through personal struggles. As a tattoo, it stands for resilience and the acceptance of one’s inner darkness.

Sakura are celebrated for their fleeting beauty, representing the impermanence of life. They remind us to appreciate the beauty in life’s transient moments. In tattoos, they add elegance and a poignant reminder of life’s ephemeral nature.

If you want your next tattoo project to represent your love for the ocean, the octopus is the perfect subject matter for you.

In Japanese mythology the octopus is a complex creature attributed with versatility, agility and intelligence. Their awareness for the present world and reliance to any situation life throws shows their strength through wisdom and transformation. The life span of the octopus is short, however it makes them unique to the individual creature as knowledge cannot be passed down through parents. Their learning is done quickly and efficiently on their own.

In Japan, the crane, or tsuru, is a national treasure and is considered the bird of peace and happiness. It is depicted in art, literature, and mythology as a symbol of good luck and longevity because it is said to live 1,000 years.

The crane's distinctive red head and long, white feathers, along with its long lifespan and mate-for-life characteristic, have made it a beloved symbol in Japanese culture for centuries. The crane is often used to decorate everything from wedding kimonos to New Year's decorations.

The Japanese phoenix tattoo embodies more than a myth; it symbolizes life's perpetual cycle of ending and new beginnings. This powerful emblem of rebirth, resilience, and transformation resonates deeply with those who have experienced significant change or overcome adversity.

The phoenix is a symbol of rebirth, life, growth and longevity. It marks the start of a new era, a new beginning.