Honda Tadakatsu Sleeve
Done by Horiyama. Auckland New Zealand
This sleeve features Honda Tadakatsu, one of the most celebrated samurai of the Sengoku period. Known as a loyal general under Tokugawa Ieyasu, Honda Tadakatsu earned a legendary reputation for both his battlefield skill and his unbreakable spirit. He was said to have fought in dozens of battles without ever suffering a serious wound, a symbol of protection, strength, and unwavering resolve. For this Japanese tattoo sleeve, the intention was to capture not just the historical figure, but the presence and weight of a true warrior.
The Design & Composition
The composition was built to move naturally with the arm, following traditional irezumi structure. Honda Tadakatsu stands powerful and grounded, his body angled to create forward motion through the sleeve. The spear cuts diagonally across the design, guiding the eye from shoulder to forearm and reinforcing a sense of direction and tension. His armour is rendered in deep black and grey tones, layered carefully to reflect traditional lamellar plating. The helmet is bold and dramatic, framed with strong negative shapes that allow the face to remain the focal point. His expression is intense; focused, determined, unshaken.
Red maples are woven throughout the sleeve, softening the heaviness of the armour while creating rhythm and balance. The red repeats through the helmet flames and garment, tying the entire composition together. The dark background filled with wind bars and swirling forms anchors the figure and allows the subject to sit boldly on the arm without feeling flat. From shoulder cap to lower forearm, the sleeve maintains strong flow wrapping cleanly around the wearers arm so the armour plates bend and sit naturally with the body.
Irezumi Background & Symbolism
In traditional Japanese Irezumi, historical warriors like Honda Tadakatsu represent loyalty, courage, discipline, and honour. These themes remain timeless. Irezumi is not simply decorative. It follows compositional principles developed through ukiyo-e woodblock prints and later adapted into large-scale body work. Strong outlines, controlled colour palettes, balanced negative space, and movement through the body are all essential elements. This sleeve honours those traditions while remaining clean and bold in a contemporary context. The solid black background enhances longevity and ensures the figure will age well over time, something I always prioritise when designing large-scale Japanese tattoos.
Placement & Flow
A sleeve featuring armour requires careful planning. The shoulder cap provides a natural frame for the helmet, while the curve of the bicep supports the torso. The lower arm carries the continuation of armour and maples without overcrowding detail. The intention is always to create a tattoo that feels like it belongs to the body, not something placed on top of it.
Final Thoughts
This Honda Tadakatsu sleeve reflects strength and resilience. Exactly what my client wanted to represent through this piece. It also carries themes of discipline, loyalty, and quiet determination, qualities that resonated with him. Over time, the symbolism becomes more personal to the wearer. As life changes, the meaning of the tattoo can take on new depth.
If you are considering a large-scale Japanese tattoo in New Zealand — whether a sleeve, back piece, or body suit — you are welcome to get in touch via my contact page. Based in Auckland, I specialise in traditional Japanese irezumi, creating bold, structured compositions designed to move with the body and honour the history of this art form. My focus is always on longevity, balance, and authenticity within Japanese tattooing. Thank you for reading.
Original Chikanobu (1838 - 1912) Japanese Woodblock Print - The Battle of Komaki: Kato Kiyomasa and Honda Tadakatsu, 1899