Japanese (Irezumi) Tattoos
389 real tattoos · 95 artists · 44 studios
Japanese tattooing (Irezumi) draws on a specific, centuries-old set of subjects — dragons, koi, waves, cherry blossoms, folklore figures — arranged in large, flowing compositions built to wrap around a limb or torso rather than sit as an isolated image. Background elements like wind bars and water aren't filler; they're what ties the whole piece together, which is why this style is traditionally done as a sleeve or back piece rather than a small standalone tattoo.
Why people pick it: Large, flowing compositions — dragons, koi, waves — planned around the body. Best as a big piece or sleeve.
How it ages: Bold outlines and solid backgrounds age very well.
Read first: How to choose a style · Realism vs. fine line · Old school vs. neo-traditional · Blackwork, dotwork and tribal compared · How tattoos age · Compare all styles
Typical medium-sized japanese (irezumi) piece across 16 studios in our catalogue: $400–$600. Median across studios with at least five such tattoos in their portfolio — each studio’s own published price where it has one, otherwise TatSeek’s estimate from local rates; the same figure as on the tattoo prices page. Not a quote for any specific piece.
Top Japanese (Irezumi) artists
