A bold red koi swimming up a waterfall surrounded by rocks and sakura. Brett’s existing upper-arm tattoos have been brought together with traditional Japanese background to create one cohesive irezumi sleeve. 🌊
Turning Existing Tattoos into a Japanese Sleeve
Brett travelled up from Wellington to work with me on transforming his existing upper-arm tattoos into a cohesive Japanese irezumi sleeve.
He already had several older tattoos on his upper arm, and the goal was to bring everything together into a complete composition rather than treating each tattoo as a separate piece. By adding traditional Japanese background elements, I was able to connect the existing work with a new red koi, sakura, rocks, waves and water bars.
One of my favourite parts of this project is the waterfall that begins at the top of the arm and continues down towards the forearm, splashing against the koi and surrounding rocks. This creates a sense of movement throughout the sleeve while helping the different elements sit naturally together.
The red and orange tones of the koi work beautifully alongside the darker background, with the yellow details and cherry blossoms adding contrast and colour throughout the design.
The Meaning Behind the Koi
The koi is one of the most recognisable motifs in traditional Japanese tattooing. Often associated with perseverance, courage, strength and good fortune, the koi represents the ability to keep moving forward despite obstacles.
Its symbolism is closely connected to an ancient Chinese legend in which a carp swims against powerful currents and climbs a waterfall. The carp that succeeds in passing the Dragon Gate transforms into a dragon, becoming a symbol of achievement through determination and perseverance.
In Japanese irezumi, the koi is often depicted alongside water and rocks. These elements help tell the story of the fish while creating a dynamic composition that suits the shape of the body.
For Brett’s sleeve, the waterfall and splashing water provide a natural setting for the koi, while the sakura add colour and another layer of traditional Japanese imagery.
The background is just as important as the main subject. Dark water bars, crashing water and bright sakura connect the different elements and help the entire sleeve sit naturally on the arm. 🌸
Can You Build a Japanese Sleeve Around Existing Tattoos?
Absolutely. If you already have tattoos on your arm but have always wanted a traditional Japanese sleeve, don’t let your existing work put you off exploring the possibilities.
Japanese irezumi relies on more than just the main subject. The background plays an important role in connecting individual motifs, balancing the composition and creating a unified design across the body.
By carefully considering the placement of waves, water bars, rocks and other background elements, it is often possible to incorporate older tattoos into a larger piece. The approach will depend on the existing designs, their placement and how much space is available, but there is often more potential than people realise.
Rather than starting with a completely blank arm, the design process involves working with what’s already there and finding a way to make everything feel intentional.
Four Sessions Down, One Sleeve Complete
Brett’s sleeve was completed over four sessions, and he is now moving on to the other arm.
He already has tattoos on the upper part of his opposite arm, so we will take the same considered approach when planning the next sleeve. The aim is to make each arm work as its own strong Japanese composition while ensuring the two sleeves complement each other when viewed together.
It’s always rewarding to see an existing collection of tattoos develop into something more substantial. With careful planning, the right background and a strong understanding of Japanese composition, older tattoos can become part of a much larger piece of irezumi.
Thank you, Brett, for making the trip up from Wellington and trusting me with your project. I’m looking forward to getting started on the other arm!
Four sessions to complete this sleeve. The combination of red koi, traditional Japanese waves, rocks and sakura brings colour, contrast and balance to the finished piece. Next up, the other arm! 🙏
Looking for a Japanese tattoo artist in Auckland?
I specialise in traditional Japanese irezumi, from one-point tattoos to large-scale sleeves and body projects. If you’re considering a Japanese tattoo or want to explore turning your existing tattoos into a more cohesive design, you’re welcome to get in touch.
Visit horiyama.co.nz to view my work and enquire about a booking through the contact page.
Thank you for reading!
Horiyama — Japanese Tattoo Artist, Auckland, New Zealand.