Horimono: The Japanese Tattoo

As we now live in the sad age of the disclaimer clause, I must add here that these reviews are entirely the opinion of the author and are nothing else.

References in Japanese

Photos of Horimono

Horimono Designs

Japanese Art Resource Books

Japanese Culture/Historical Reference

Where can I buy these books?

Probably the finest and most complete reference available of Kuniyoshi's Suikoden series. A good place to start for those who wish to learn about the Suikoden, as well as plenty of background on ukiyoe, Kuniyoshi's life, horimono tattooing and Edo history. A few basic mistakes in the reading of the heroes' names and the storyline, but otherwise a very good book. Apparently soon it will be available in paperback. Highly recommended.

Oft-quoted and much praised book showcasing the works of legendary masters Horikin and Horibun II, but much of the limelight is stolen by Yokohama's Horiyoshi III and followers. The photography is good, but I do not take the writings within too seriously (some of the descriptions and explanations of Japanese culture in the text appear to be entirely fabricated). The less light-hearted may take offence at her disparaging remarks about members of the Hokke sect of Buddhism (I wonder what would happen if she had said similar things about Jews or Catholics). It is a photograph collection of three different Japanese tattoo artists' work, but nothing more. Also Horikin is dead and Horibun II retired, so the work is somewhat dated. If you thought Black Rain or the Karate Kid films were wonderful unique insights into Japanese culture this book is probably right up your street; otherwise my advice is save your money. It never ceases to amaze me how many people refer to this as an educational or enlightening work, with many Western writers actually quoting it as a serious academic source.

A book by Western academic Donald Richie. He is one of the West's foremost authorities on Japanese cinema, and has lived in Japan for years. It is quite a good read. The book is divided into four chapters describing each history, symbolism of designs, social psychology and tattooing techniques. It is a collaboration with legendary Asakusa tattoo artist Horibun II and almost all the tattoo photographs are his work; because of this the book is more of a tribute to the Horibun family rather than an overview of Japanese tattoo culture. One caveat however, whilst Richie's writings are well-observed and intelligent, since he is not Japanese his knowledge of folklore and history is limited: his descriptions of the meanings of tattoo designs and their significance are almost all completely wrong (example: the Soga brothers were not 'early revolutionaries,' the meaning of peony has not been 'lost' and Fudōmyō is not the 'Guardian of Hell'). However, the photography by Ian Buruma is excellent and features not just studio work but tattooed men at shrines, festivals, in bath-house and being tattooed, and is otherwise recommended.

This book apparently sold out its first print run completely; however, once I received my copy I was disappointed after hearing a lot of hype for this book. Perhaps I was expecting something else. It is unshamedly written for the American market and appears to be the personal experience of an American totally obsessed with the concept of Western-idealised samurai. To the Japanese academic of horimono it reads like the puff for a Chuck Norris film - lots of superlative, amateurish writing and a good helping of American 'Mystic East' musings. To quote heavily from an English version of Miyamoto Musashi and yet not even read Bunshin Hyakushi is a fairly good indication of the content. Personally I cannot understand the repeated assertions of the book, i.e. that horimono represents the essence of the samurai spirit. The informed student of horimono will realise this is tosh; unfortunately horimono fans in North America probably can't get enough of it. The saving grace for this book is the colour photograph collection, as there are some very nice plates, but I would not take the writings of Kitamura too seriously. Those looking for a more rigorous study of horimono in English are advised to buy the Richie or van Gulik book.

A hefty book devoted to both horimono and the tattoos of the Ainu people. The author's history of horimono is detailed, researched and well written, although one will learn nothing more reading it than by simply reading Bunshin Hyakushi (or as he bizarrely calls it, 'Irezumi Hyakusugata'). However, van Gulik's voluminous chapter describing 'the structural-functional significance' of dragon tattoos, including mathematical formula, graph of the 'integration of the five-element cycle with amplitudinal motion of yin and yang' and large chart linking 'plastic, graphic and danger elements,' is utterly ludicrous. Because van Gulik does not have a solid grasp of Japanese (ancient or modern) and he appears not to have any contact with tattoo artists or those who are tattooed with horimono, the book is better described as a literature review of horimono rather than containing any research by the author. However, the photographs and images contained within are a very interesting collection and in my opinion probably the best feature of this book; some of the plates are quite unlike anything I have seen elsewhere and are very illuminating. Recommended.

A book of the history of tattooing by tattoo enthusiast Steve Gilbert. He devotes an entire chapter to the history of Japanese tattooing but his research into horimono is limited and there are many mistakes and inaccuracies in his reporting, and the scope of his literatury references is narrow.

The Keibunsha re-issue of this 1937 classic book covers everything about traditional Japanese tattooing: the history of tattooing in Japan, the significance of designs, Edo culture, tattoo photos, famous tattoo artists of the past and much more. Horihide referred to this as a most important reference during his apprenticeship. There probably isn't a single traditional tattoo artist in Japan at the moment who doesn't have a copy in his library. I recommend this book above any other.

A book describing one hundred different aspects of Edo period culture; the editor deemed horimono to rank tenth out of his selected hundred. The essay by Iwata Hideyuki, of Atomi Women's University, on the subject is in depth, enlightening and without trendiness.

Genshiki Ukiyoe Irezumi Hanga (Original Colour Ukiyoe Prints of Tattoos - Fukuda Kazuhiko, 1977, Haga Shoten)*

A large collection of 100+ A4 colour ukiyoe prints of subjects that feature horimono. Much like erotic shunga prints, these were suppressed by the Meiji government to attempt to destroy the practice and culture of tattooing in Japan in the late 19th century. Each plate is accompanied by a thorough description and there is also a very detailed essay on the history of Japanese tattooing. An excellent reference.

Genshiki Nippon Irezumi Taikan (An Encyclopedia of Japanese Tattoos in Colour) (Fukushi Katsunari and Iizawa Tadasu, 1973, Haga Shoten)*

A large format book showcasing truly traditional horimono. The tattoos shown within are some of my favourite by some of the legendary tattoo artists of yesteryear: Horiuno, Horibun II, Horiyoshi II and others. The book includes lengthy discussion and description of the history of horimono and there is also a short essay in English by Iizawa for the benefit of Western readers. There are also many ukiyoe prints upon which horimono are based, with each plate accompanied by well-researched and in-depth commentary and medical information and examination of the histology of tattooing (Fukushi was a senior pathologist at Tokyo University Medical School and responsible for the preservation of many tattooed skins). The English essay on horimono is well done, probably one of the best of all the English literature on the subject I have read during my research so far; it has been quoted many times over - sometimes directly copied without acknowledgement - in some of the more recent English books out there (some of the mistakes are reproduced exactly in the English writings of many Western 'experts' e.g. Iizawa's interpretation of sushiya-bori). Otherwise highly recommended.

A lengthy and informative book all about the practice and culture of tattooing today in Japan, including horimono, western style tattoos and historical information from the Jōmon period onwards. Lots of good and rare pictures (almost all b&w unfortunately) and well-researched text, streets ahead of any contemporary work in English; Saitō has dug up some real gems of Japanese literature from the past. In particular, his extended interviews with Horiuno III are illuminating and insightful. Although out of the scope of my interest, his examination of modern Japanese tattoo culture is also thorough and well done. Highly recommended.

Two books by the famous traditional tattoo artist Bonten II, designed to direct the aspiring Japanese tattoo artist towards achieving his goal. Lots of guidance on both machined and tebori work, plus an open invitation to visit his studio in Machida to learn how to tattoo proper.

Suikoden (Ten Volumes) (Yoshikawa Kōjirō and Shimizu Shigeru, 2000, Iwanami)

A new translation of the original Chinese, entitled Chūgi Suikoden. Includes original Chinese illustrations and pieces of narrative in 18th century Japanese from Okajima Kanzan's edition. A must for someone who wants to understand what the Suikoden is all about, and why it became so popular in Japan. Personally I feel it should be recognised as one of the literary classics of the world, not just China.

A study of the life and works of Yokohama's Horimitsu, a tattoo artist with over 35 years' experience. Includes colour photographs of his best works and designs of all 108 Suikoden heroes as interpreted by the artist. There is an introduction and interview with Horimitsu in English, but the rest of the book is in Japanese. If you can afford it, buy it!

A homage to possibly one of the greatest 20th century tattoo artists in Japan, the late Horiyoshi II of Azabu, in Tokyo. His master and father, Horiyoshi I, was a former ukiyoe print designer known as Yoshie from the Kuniyoshi school; his teacher was the famous ukiyoe artist Yoshitora. If you cannot read Japanese, ask for the first edition when buying this book, as it contains much more English text than the second, including a short essay by Horiyoshi's friend D. Ed Hardy.

Shūhō III is one of the only ladies in Japan who tattoo in the traditional style, this book is a tribute to the life and works of her, her brother Shūhō II and their late father Shūhō, one of the most famous artists of the Shōwa period.

A brilliant study of master artist Horichō, of Asakusa. With a career of over 40 years behind him, his work is both masterful and beautiful, with photography to match. Horichō is now partly retired, as his apprentice has been officially bestowed with his name, and this book is a good chance to see the career's work of a true master artist of the old school. Like the Horimitsu book, if you can afford this book, I would absolutely recommend you buy it.

A collection of tattoo photos by over 100 different current traditional artists in Japan, with the studio contact details of each. A good introduction to the different styles of horimono around at the moment, and good value too. If you are contemplating travelling to Japan to be tattooed, this is a must-see book.

Over 120 full colour, large size photos of tattoos by seventeen different traditional tattoo artists. Although in my opinion Japanese women are generally very beautiful already, these ladies augment their natural attractiveness with the additional beauty of horimono. This book is very high quality, and the price reflects this; you get what you pay for.

By popular demand, the second in the tattooed ladies series featuring the work of other tattoo artists, different works by the same artists as the first in book one and also new models.

A small collection of tattoo photos. The quality of photography is very high, and the tattoos are my favourite style - very traditional, old - but the book suffers from a small number of models: there are only about six, all men. With a foreword in Japanese.

Gifu Horihide - Tattoo Illustrations and Photographs (Two Volumes) (Oguri Kazuo, 2002, Keibunsha)*

A large collection of over 500 full colour traditional tattoo designs and photographs by master tattoo artist Horihide of Gifu, each with his in-depth explanation and background stories. With full translation in English and introduction by Dr. Katsunari Fukushi. The first volume is almost entirely composed of human figure designs, the second leans more towards animal-based designs. Books from the first print run of the first volume come with a free colour flash sheet.

Traditional Japanese Tattoo Designs by Horichō (Nakano Chōshirō, 1999, Keibunsha)*

Over 250 black and white traditional tattoo designs by master tattoo artist Horichō of Asakusa. A good place to start if you are contemplating a Japanese tattoo, this book has a whole range of designs, from Suikoden heroes, Japanese historical figures, Buddhist and Shintō art, flowers and animals. The book comes with an insert sheet that has all the names of the designs in English, with a translated foreword by Horichō himself. This book has been a long-time bestseller (especially among Western tattoo artists) since its publication nearly three years ago.

100 designs mostly based on traditional Japanese stories by Western favourite artist Yokohama's Horiyoshi III. The art is absolutely stunning but the book is not much of a reference for horimono; the designs are not very traditional (the author acknowledges this), it is a Westernised version of the old hyakki yakō. There are also mistakes in the English text, and some American stockists seem to be charging ludicrous prices for this book (often over 120% RRP) although it is possible to buy direct from the publishers and avoid this daylight robbery.

A scrapbook-like collection of small designs by Horiyoshi III of Yokohama. The designs are mostly black and white and are not very traditional. Includes an introduction and glossary by Ed Hardy.

Heroes & Ghosts - Japanese Prints by Kuniyoshi 1797 - 1861 (Robert Schaap, 1998, Hotei Publishing)*

A large and beautiful collection of colour plates, all well annotated, of representative works by Kuniyoshi. A truly great work that befits the genius of the great master himself. Highly recommended.

A print-by-print description of Kuniyoshi's series telling the true story of the Chūshingura, Seichūgishiden. Another very high quality publication by the Hotei house.

Yoshitoshi Taisō Funfzig Helden Des Suikoden (Gottfried Ruetz, 1987, Galerie am Haus der Kunst)*

Print by print description of each of the 50 prints of the Biyūsuikoden series. Text in German and English. An awful lot lost in translation from Japanese to German to English, but as an artistic reference quite excellent, since to my knowledge there are no other references of the Biyūsuikoden available in any European language, and around half of the characters depicted in the series appear in horimono designs. If you can find a copy, I would strongly recommend you buy it.

Over 100 colour plates of ghost-themed prints by Kuniyoshi, with descriptions and background, many of which feature in the designs of horimono. Very good for tattoo designs.

Catalogues Nagoya Museum's October 1996 exhibition dedicated solely to Kuniyoshi. Every colour plate has full explanation in Japanese, a 'diet' version in fairly good English and the book has over 300 pages in total. Very handy collection of prints that shows off Kuniyoshi's repertoire very nicely.

In 1824, Toriyama Sekien decided to produce a picture book that catalogued the variety of ghosts and demons that abounded in Japanese literature and folklore. Each of the 100 he lists are described in art and text, and there is accompanying narrative by modern academics. A good collection of ghost- and demon-themed prints that make a good introduction to all things supernatural of Japan.

A full-colour, full-size book devoted to Yoshitoshi's celebrated Sanjūnisō print series. Fairly accurate and detailed research with intelligent commentary, although with a Western bias.

The Bizarre Imagery of Yoshitoshi: The Herbert R. Cole Collection (Roger Keynes, 1980, Los Angeles County Museum of Art)

A collection of prints by Yoshitoshi, with some plates in colour but all in small format. Also some of the background descriptions of Japanese folklore and pronunciation of Japanese text to each print is wrong, but overall a good selection of Yoshitoshi's repertoire.

A 'New Suikoden' written by famous 20th century author Yoshikawa Eiji. Yoshikawa re-wrote many famous literary works in an attempt to give wider recognition to older masterpieces that were too difficult for the majority of Japanese to read, such as Murasaki Shikibu's Genji Monogatari. In this rework of the Suikoden, the characters and storyline are unchanged, but Yoshikawa wrote it in a way to make it more accessible to Japanese readers.

A translation from the Chinese original into English. I haven't got round to reading it yet, but when I do I will add some critical comments. Just flicking through it, it appears the story is cut off at Chapter Seventy, at the scene where the Great Stone Tablet is unearthed. I find it quite perplexing that the translator chose to stop halfway through the story.

Kwaidan or Stories and Studies of Strange Things (Lafcadio Hearn, 2001, ICG Muse, Inc)

A reprint of the 1904 classic. A collection of twenty traditional Japanese ghost stories as narrated by naturalised Japanese citizen Lafcadio Hearn (1850 - 1904) who wrote under the pen name Koizumi Yagumo. Good for those wishing to study the phenomenon of Japanese ghost stories.

Nearly forty traditional folklore and historical tales as retold by Lord Redesdale, a skilled linguist who spent three years (1866 - 1869) working for the British Foreign Office in Japan. He was also the second non-Japanese to be granted an audience with His Royal Highness The Emperor Meiji. A re-issue of his 1871 classic book. Written in true Victorian English, it is blissfully free of political correctness, 'modern history' and other nonsense that plagues literature today.

Edo Culture - Daily Life and Diversions in Urban Japan, 1600 - 1868 (Nishiyama Matsunosuke, 1997, University of Hawaii Press)

A translation of Edo-period expert Nishiyama Matsunosuke's formative studies. As a Japanese researcher, Nishiyama was able to utilise the vast resources and Edo-period literature held in Japanese museums and libraries made inaccesible by the written language barrier to contemporary Western academics. Information contained within is accurate, in-depth and without trendiness or fashionable history; the translation is very well done too.

A collection of photographs and prints taken by Westerners in Japan in the Meiji era. Some wonderful insights into life in Japan at that time; the old photos of horimono shown on this site are from this book.

CD-book pack that outlines some of the most famous stories of kabuki and contains recorded scenes and script. The second volume includes scenes from Kiwametsuki Banzui-in Chōbei and Benten Musume Meono Shiranami.

A large and in-depth exploration of kabuki theatre. With a lot of colour and b&w photographs and a sensible and readable translation, it is a very good introduction book to kabuki. You will also be able to see modern photographs of and read about some of the most famous tattooed kabuki heroes: Danshichi Kurōbei and Benten Kozō.

All the books listed as by Keibunsha are available only direct from the publishers. The other books featured here are mostly out of print now, but secondhand book shops or 'Asian' art dealers are a good place to start looking for them. Barnes and Noble have a fair, if dear, selection of such books for sale online. I have also bought several books recently from the American secondhand book company Alibris and have been most satisfied with their prices, excellent service and selection of books. The highly-recommended 'Brigands and Bravery' and the other Hotei books can be bought very reasonably online here direct from the publishers in Holland. I have purchased both books and ukiyoe online from them in the past and I have found them to be most reliable and professional. The Japanese books were mostly gifts from kind friends in Japan I have encountered during my research or I have bought them from the various secondhand bookshops in the 'book town' of Kanda, in Tokyo.