The controversial history of Japanese tattooing, or irezumi, can be traced back to around 10,000 BC, in the Jomon period. The Japanese government banned tattoos in 1872, as while the practice had ...

While body art is widely accepted in many countries, tattoos are considered taboo in Japan, especially in public places like bathhouses, gyms and even workplaces. Because of this stigma ...

A Los Angeles gang member’s sprawling tattoos describe his street affiliation, and may even reveal if he’s committed murder. Whether the bearer is a Maori chief in New Zealand or a Japanese ...

Japan's largest yakuza organised crime body has submitted a written pledge to authorities to end its wars with splinter ...

These astonishing photographs give an unprecedented glimpse inside the world of the Yakuza, the Japanese organised crime syndicates, known for their brutality, tattoos and strict code of honour ...

If you're in the market for a new traditional Japanese tattoo, look no further than Dallas' own Carl Hallowell. For decades, Hallowell, who works under the honorific title "Horisho," has perfected ...

“Miss you man. I actually really liked you.” But a Japanese speaker clarifies to PEOPLE that her tattoo fix isn’t quite right, as from left to right it says “small charcoal grill” and ...

Although tattoos have increasingly been used as fashion statements, especially in overseas countries, they are still associated with yakuza gangsters and other “anti-social elements” in Japan.

“Echoes of the Floating World” is an example of TAM’s ongoing efforts to break down barriers for local artists and create an environment where everyone can access the museum and its resources.