Japanese Tattooing Now: Memory and Transition

by Michael McCabe

Japanese men have been marked by tattoo artists for the past 300 years. Todays urbane Japanese youth continue the tradition, proudly creating and wearing this ever changing art form. Over 530 breathtaking color photos display a vast range of Japanese tattoos, from traditional full-body forms repleat with classical images steeped in symbolism, including Horimono, to modern One-Point style, heavily influenced by the cultures of the West.\nThe fascinating text provides a glimpse of Japans youth culture and recounts, through personal interviews, stories of Japanese masters of the tattoo art, including Senseis Horihide, Horiyoshi III, Horitoshi I, Horiyasu, and Horikoi. Readers will see some of the most intricate tattoo art in the world, while traveling through time from the 19th century Edo Floating World to the busy streets of modern Tokyo.

176 pages, Paperback

First published December 4, 2004

Reviews

[Gabriel Abbott · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really great collection of interviews including some of the most notable masters of irezumi. Accompanied by a decent collection of images.

[Ethan Amarant · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the best books on the present condition of tattooing in Japan and the influence western style one point (and western influence in general, i.e. individuality) has had on it. McCabe enhances his clear, journalistic writing style with remarkable and colorful tattoo photographs, city settings, and vibrant flash from Japan's top artists. If you like tattoos this is a must read.

[Nomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is not as pretty as some other tattoo books, but it more than makes up for outward appearances with the quality of its contents, especially in the form of in-depth, interesting, and informative interviews with traditional as well as modern-style tattoo artists. One of the best book about tattooing in modern Japan I've come across so far. A must-read.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an incredible book on the current state of Japanese tattooing. It covers all styles of tattooing from modern "one-point" to classic handpoked "tebori" style tattoos. Beautifully illustrated with hundred of color pictures; it is perfect for anyone interested in tattooing.