Inked Kiana George
The needle pounded at their skin. In, out, in, out, in, out. Little by little, the needle was orchestrating a masterpiece - something that would forever dye their body. Throughout the world, billions of people get tattoos to express their individuality. Depending on the culture, tattoos can be a sign of nobility or a sign of low class. In some countries like Malaysia or many middle eastern countries, tattoos are illegal. Yet, in Italy, a research study found that 48% of people have at least one tattoo. In Samoa, a person is considered naked without a tattoo. Whether communicating status, a declaration of love, religious or philosophical beliefs, membership or belonging, or simply for fun, tattoos tell a cultural story.
Japanese tattoos Japan has a long and complicated history with tattoos. Written records from 300 A.D. indicate Japanese men tattooed their faces and bodies as a social norm. However, by 720 A.D, the government began to use tattoos as a punishment to mark criminals, prisoners, and courtesans. By the early 1900s, the Japanese government outlawed tattoos, believing that people with tattoos were “problematic” and low class. Tattoos became legal again in 1946 due to protests. However, there is still a strong social stigma around them in Japanese society. Even today, Japanese believe those with tattoos are related to the yakuza, a mafialike group in Japan. Yakuza members often tattoo large portions of their bodies to show commitment and strength. Though Japanese tattoos are now becoming fashionable among Japan’s younger generations and tourists, it is not uncommon to see signs in Japan that prohibit people with tattoos from going to beaches, bathhouses, and gyms. “Heavily tattooed people are still considered dangerous in Japan,” said Jordan LeFever, a tattoo artist from Santa Cruz who specializes in Japanese tattoos. Traditional Japanese tattoo art is known as “irezumi,” which translates to “inserting ink.” Japanese tattoos are distinct due to their bold, vibrant aesthetic. “Japanese tattooing has a strength of design which is hard to match,” LeFever said. The imagery often includes brightly colored Japanese motifs like dragons, foo dogs, koi fish, birds, snakes, tigers, cherry blossoms, and chrysanthemums. Samurai, geishas, and Shinto spirit masks combined with waves and clouds are also popular. “The subject matter in traditional Japanese tattooing has background stories and myths. The style has been developed over thousands of years to fit the body well and convey the stories boldly,” LeFever said. Tattoo artists, known as “Hiroshi,” apply irezumi by hand using wooden handles and metal needles attached to a silk thread. The tattoos are made with a high-quality ink made from pine soot known as “Nara Sumi,” made in Nara City, Japan. Though Japan still is not entirely comfortable with tattoos, it’s undeniable that Japanese tattoos are beautiful works of art that are part of Japan’s ancient history and culture. Jason Owens
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