If you are an ink enthusiast who loves Japanese tattoo art, then you cannot miss the top 10 must-read Japanese Tattoo Books. These books showcase not only the beauty of Japanese tattoos but also the history, culture, and art techniques behind these stunning body arts.

From traditional Japanese designs to contemporary interpretations, the Japanese tattoo books provide readers with inspiration, education, and insight into the world of Irezumi. Whether you are looking to deepen your understanding of the symbolism behind the motifs or simply want to admire the artwork, these books have something for everyone.

If you are a tattoo artist or a collector, then these Japanese tattoo books will add valuable resources to your library. You will learn new techniques, discover artists, and gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate details that go into producing these masterpieces.

So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the pages of the top 10 must-read Japanese Tattoo Books and uncover the art of Irezumi like never before!

“Japanese Tattoo Books” ~ bbaz

Introduction

If you are an ink enthusiast looking for inspiration to get a Japanese tattoo or simply interested in the art form, you may find these top 10 must-read Japanese Tattoo books quite fascinating. Each book provides valuable information on Japanese tattoos, inspiration, and techniques.

Comparison Table

The Japanese Tattoo

Written by Teejay Dill, this book gives an overview of the history, relevance, and styles of Japanese tattoos. It showcases pictures of beautiful tattoos and the stories that inspired them. The Japanese Tattoo also gives insight into the techniques and tools used in Japanese tattooing.

Bushido

Takashi Matsuba’s Bushido is a detailed read on the samurai code of honor and how Japanese tattoo culture embodies it. The book reviews how to live by the Bushido code and applying its principles to modern-day life. It has stunning illustrations and photographs of samurais and their tattoos.

The Japanese Tattoo Design Handbook

This compact book by Geert Talens and Yushi Takei features lots of Japanese tattoo design sketches suitable for artists looking for inspiration for their next project. The book includes a wide range of themes such as Baku (dream eater), Hanya (vengeful spirit), and Kirin (mythical animal). It also has information on the meaning and symbolism behind each design.

Japanese Tattoos: History, Culture, Design

This colorful hardcover book by Brian Ashcraft and Hori Benny gives a thorough explanation of Japanese tattoo culture from its roots to modern-day adaptation. It has over 150 photos of tattoos and an interview with famous Japanese tattoo artist Horikazu. In addition, this book includes explanations of important Japanese themes found in tattoos.

Horimouja’s 25 Tattoo Collection

This collection features 25 black and white tattoo designs focused mostly on Japanese mythology and folklore. It was created by talented Japanese tattoo artist Jianmin Cao and aims to inspire artists who want to improve their black and white tattoo technique. Each design comes with an explanation of its meaning and significance.

100 Dragon Tattoo Designs (Japanese Style)

Megumi Izumi beautifully illustrates 100 dragon tattoo designs in this small book. Each design features a fierce-looking dragon in unique poses, with scaly skin and horns. This book is a great reference for those interested in incorporating dragons into their Japanese tattoo design.

Japanese Traditional Tattoo Sourcebook

Japanese Traditional Tattoo Sourcebook by Horimouja is known for its highly illustrative, manga-like representations of Japanese tattoos. The tattoos in the book are traditional Japanese tattoos and, therefore, infused with deep symbolism and cultural importance. The book teaches about the deep meaning and significance of popular Japanese tattoo designs and covers tattoo aftercare tips.

Koi Tattoo Designs

Horimouja’s Koi Tattoo Designs is a compilation of koi fish tattoo designs featuring different fish colors, poses, scales, and tails. The designs have a mix of traditional and contemporary styles, ideal for tattoo enthusiasts looking for various interesting ways to represent koi fish in their tattoos.

Reinventing The Tattoo Book

This book by Guy Aitchison contains over 500 pages of tattooing techniques, philosophies, and practices. It covers building a tattoo machine, color theory, and advice on navigating client interactions. This book is a great resource for beginner and seasoned tattoo artists who want to elevate their game.

Japanese Ghosts and Demons: Art Of The Supernatural

This book written by Stephen Addiss and JF Iglesias showcases a broad range of Japanese supernatural beings like ghosts, demons, and yōkai. The book delves into the different kinds of Japanese folklore related to these creatures, including artwork from old Japanese scrolls and contemporary anime. The illustrations in this book will inspire you if you want to have a unique and spooky tattoo design.

Conclusion

Choosing the right Japanese tattoo book can provide you with a wealth of knowledge and inspiration for your next piece of body art. Whether you prefer traditional themes or modern designs, these books are sure to catch your eye. From the creativity of Reinventing The Tattoo to the traditionalism of Horimouja’s 25 Tattoo Collection, there is something for everyone. Happy reading!

Thank you for taking the time to read about our Top 10 Must-Read Japanese Tattoo Books for Ink Enthusiasts. We hope that this list has provided you with insight and inspiration as to the history and artistry of Japanese tattoos.

While each book delves into different aspects of Japanese tattooing, they all share a common theme: a deep respect and admiration for the culture and traditions behind Japanese irezumi. Whether you are an aspiring tattoo artist or simply a lover of body art, we believe that these books offer a valuable addition to any collection.

We encourage you to explore each book further and delve deeper into the world of Japanese tattooing. As always, please take care to research and choose a reputable and skilled artist if you are planning on getting a Japanese-style tattoo. Thank you again for visiting and happy reading!

Here are the top 10 must-read Japanese tattoo books for ink enthusiasts:

1. Japanese Tattoo Art: Traditional and Modern Styles by Brian Ashcraft

   • What is Japanese tattoo art?
   • What are the traditional and modern styles of Japanese tattoo art?
   • Who is Brian Ashcraft?

   Answer: Japanese Tattoo Art is a comprehensive guide to the history and culture of Japanese tattooing, as well as the different styles and techniques used in traditional and modern Japanese tattoo art. The book is written by Brian Ashcraft, a journalist and author who has written extensively about Japanese pop culture.

2. Bushido: Legacies of the Japanese Tattoo by Takahiro Kitamura

   • What is bushido?
   • Who is Takahiro Kitamura?
   • What are the legacies of the Japanese tattoo?

   Answer: Bushido is an exploration of the Japanese code of honor, known as bushido, and its connection to the art of Japanese tattooing. The book is written by Takahiro Kitamura, a tattoo artist and historian who has studied the cultural and historical significance of Japanese tattoo art for over 20 years.

3. The Japanese Tattoo by Sandi Fellman

   • Who is Sandi Fellman?
   • What is The Japanese Tattoo?
   • What does the book cover?

   Answer: The Japanese Tattoo is a photographic exploration of the art and culture of Japanese tattooing. The book is written by Sandi Fellman, a photographer and author who has traveled extensively throughout Japan to document the beauty and intricacy of Japanese tattoo art. The book covers the history, symbolism, and techniques of Japanese tattooing.

4. Tattooing in Japan: Traditional and Modern Styles by Horitaka

   • Who is Horitaka?
   • What is Tattooing in Japan?
   • What are the traditional and modern styles of Japanese tattooing?

   Answer: Tattooing in Japan is a comprehensive guide to the art and culture of Japanese tattooing, written by Horitaka, a tattoo artist and historian who has studied the art form for over 20 years. The book covers the history, symbolism, and techniques of traditional and modern Japanese tattooing.

5. Japanese Tattoos: History * Culture * Design by Brian Ashcraft and Hori Benny

   • Who are Brian Ashcraft and Hori Benny?
   • What is Japanese Tattoos?
   • What does the book cover?

   Answer: Japanese Tattoos is a collaboration between Brian Ashcraft and Hori Benny, two experts in the field of Japanese tattooing. The book covers the history, culture, and design of Japanese tattooing, as well as the different styles and techniques used by Japanese tattoo artists.

6. Japanese Tattooing Now: Memory and Transition, Classic Horimono to the New One-point Style by Michael McCabe

   • Who is Michael McCabe?
   • What is Japanese Tattooing Now?
   • What does the book cover?

   Answer: Japanese Tattooing Now is a detailed examination of the current state of Japanese tattooing, written by Michael McCabe, a tattoo artist and author who has studied the art form for over 20 years. The book covers the history, techniques, and styles of Japanese tattooing, from classic horimono to the new one-point style.

7. Japanese Tattoos: Meanings, Shapes and Motifs by Yori Moriarty

   • Who is Yori Moriarty?
   • What is Japanese Tattoos?
   • What does the book cover?

   Answer: Japanese Tattoos is a comprehensive guide to the meanings, shapes, and motifs of Japanese tattooing,