Tattooing is an anomalous Japanese art form which has turned a fashion in the western countries and other parts of the world. It has a lively history consisting of the various representations it made and has been one of the major arts in Japan.

In Japan the art form is denominated by a couple of different names. Irezumi and Horimono are the most famous names for conventional Japanese tattoo art. Traditional Irezumi is the custom of tattoo making on large parts of the body like the back. The Japanese are also known for their full body tattoo suits.

Mainly because of the Buddhist and Confucianist influences on the art of tattooing, it was often attached with a negative aspect in Japan. So many people in Japan believe tattooing as a symbol of the Japanese Mafia or an uncultured butch.

The earliest remains of the art of tattooing belong to the Ainu people who were among the first settlers of Japan. The Wa people is another tribe that was known for its full body tattooing custom. The history of tattoo art traces back to 1700 years ago.

Even the Chinese people, who were too much advanced in various types of art, counted tattooing as a barbarian practice. When Buddhism moved to Japan, this concept also was carried to Japan. Eventually tattooing became a punishment and identification mark for criminals.

It was during the Edo period that Japanese tattoo art really started to flourish as part of the floating world trend. Prostitutes would use tattoos to adorn themselves to attract their potential clients. Firemen and labourers were also found tagged with body tattoos.

in the 18th century tattooing replaced the amputation of ears and nose to punish the criminals. A character tattoo in the forehead or a ring tattoo on the forearm became the emblem of a criminal. In 1870, the Meiji government stopped this practice.

Such a punishment was giving rise to a new group of rejected people that were disdained by society. Amongst the most common criminals of those times were the ronins; the master less samurai. This rejected clan formed the basis of the Japanese Mafia as they had no other option but to organize themselves in gangs and conduct crimes.

Japanese people are not yet ready to recognize this art as a cultured one. However, in the other countries it has become a fashionable practice among the modern people.

Popular Japanese tattoo symbols are visually appealing and replete with esoteric meaning . Persons wanting to read further on ancient Japanese tattoo art follow the preceding links.

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