This is the art of Yakuza. Many centuries ago, Japanese authorities would mark criminals with tattoos to distinguish them. These tattoos used to be highly visible in the form of a black ring around the arm. More the black rings, the more the criminal convictions you have. Over time, these men tended to stick together and eventually formed an organized, mafia-style gangs now known as Yakuza. Yakuza tattoos have evolved into magnificent, multicolored full-body masterpieces.
Wives, mistresses and girlfriends of top Yakuza figures often undergo extensive tattooing.
It is worth noting that in modern times,young people are embracing tattoos as a form of pure body art with no Yakuza connotations. Today in Japan, it is ok and even cool to sport a tattoo.
Comments