Understanding The Language Of Japanese Tattoos
Irezumi and bodysuits go beyond the stereotypes of criminals and gangsters
Japanese tattoos, also known as irezumi, is a distinctive art style that has developed over hundreds of years. Known for colourful mythology, monsters and nature motifs, irezumi is a beautiful expression of individualism. The ultimate expression of Japanese tattooing is the bodysuit, which covers the skin in a similar way to clothing.
Where did the bodysuit originate from?
Like irezumi, bodysuits took a long time to develop into the artistic masterpieces that they are today. During the Edo period, the bodysuit started to gain connotations of symbolic protection.
The people who wore them left the section from their armpit to near the elbow untattooed as a way of showing that they weren’t tattooed as punishment.
Traditionally, men got bodysuits and women usually stuck to large backpieces. In the modern day, it’s far more common for men and women to get full bodysuits.
What are the styles of bodysuits?
Interestingly, there are several types of bodysuits and each one is unique to the wearer. Let’s take a look at each style:
