You decided to get traditional Japanese tattoos, but now you have more questions than answers. Who should I get tattooed by? Are there different styles of traditional Japanese tattoos? Are there any rules? What are some figures or themes in Japanese tattooing, and what do they mean?
Today I want to share with all of you some resources to help answer those questions by giving you a solid base to build from, and ultimately decide what you really like and who approaches the style you like best.
Below are lists of resources by category, generalized high level to (1) resources that help you understand what's out there - what styles are out there, what do different bodysuits look like, who are some of the different master tattooers; (2) resources to help you understand the universe and meanings of traditional Japanese tattoos; and (3) books on specific Horishi so you can better understand their work.
This order makes sense because first you get a grasp as to what's out there, then you understand what sort of things you can get and why they might make sense, and finally, you delve down to the tattooers that tattoo what you like best. Some tattooers do certain things "better" than others, which is subjective, so having an idea of what you want and then comparing across the board is a good way to drill down your options.
Lastly, this is by no means a comprehensive list, but it's a solid starting point.
-- Books/Resources Featuring A Variety of Japanese Tattooing Masters --
1) Wabori by Manami Okazaki, where you can see high quality pictures and interviews with several modern-day Horishi
2) 日本伝統刺青, a three volume series containing similar content to the above, but more expansive and fully in Japanese
3) 原色日本刺青大鑑, a book fully in Japanese and with many photos of old masters
4) Instagram, because that's where you'll find actual tattooers' pages, contact info. and latest photos
5) Waboripedia Instagram and YouTube channel, where you'll find text and video interviews with modern-day Horishi from all around the world
-- Books On The Meanings and Stories Behind Japanese Tattoos --
1) Waboripedia by Jean Gonzalez (myself), a great resource covering over 100 figures in the world of Japanese culture and history
2) Immovable Anew by Kazuaki Kitamura (Horitomo), although focused on the figure of Fudo Myoo, this book also covers the meaning behind several Buddhist elements, as well as insights as to why traditional Japanese bodysuits are the way they are
-- Books Featuring Particular Horishi --
1) Horitoshi I by Roberto Borsi (Horibudo), focusing on Ikebukuro Horitoshi I
2) Horikazu by Edition Reuss, focusing on Asakusa Horikazu (father and son)
3) Horikyo by Coenen Publishing, focusing on Horikyo and the Horikyo family
4) Bushido by Takahiro Kitamura (Ryudaibori), focusing on Horiyoshi III
5) Tattoo of Horicho, focusing on Asakusa Horicho I
6) Horiyoshi's World, focusing on Horiyoshi II
7) Horihide's World, focusing on Yokozuka Horihide
There are, of course, many other books and resources that are highly recommended once you go down the Horimono rabbit hole. The above should serve as a very solid base for gaining an initial understanding of the world of traditional Japanese tattooing, its iconography, and its different styles.
Cheers and love to everyone who wrote a great book and I didn't mention - I'd never finish this post!
