The Japanese Tattoo Design Handbook Vol. 1 (A J!-ENT Book Review)

June 2, 2008 by Dennis Amith 

“A perfect resource for those interested in Japanese tattoos and for tattoo artist’s who need a pictorial source for ideas and inspiration in the art of traditional and modern Japanese tattoo design.”

BOOK: The Japanese Tattoo Design Handbook Vol. 1 – The New Generation of Tattoo Artists in Japan

COMPANY: Cocoro Books (DH Publishing, Inc.)

PAGE COUNT: 80 pages

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Tattoing in Japan goes back to the dawn of the nation’s history.

The ancient Chinese text Wei Zi of 297 AD relates that all men of the land of Wa (Japan) wore tattoos on their faces and bodies. What began as talismanic markings used as protection against harm eventually became decorative tattoos known as Horimono. Today, the techniques and designs used in Japanese tattoos are acclaimed worldwide.

In this first of two volumes presenting the work of some of Japan’s leading Horishi, or tattoo artists, the Japanese Tattoo Design Handbook Vol. 1 introduces over 80 on-skin designs from five masters that blend traditional and modern techniques. Fans of body art and tattooists alike will find this both an invaluable sourcebook and a fascinating first-time collection of ink design.

There has been a misconception that Japanese tattoo design is typically associated with the yakuza in Japan.

For many American manga fans, manga such as “Crying Freeman” was a showcase of characters sporting Japanese tattoo’s throughout their body with the exception of their head, hands and feet.

I have had this curiosity in regards to Japanese tattoos because their design is in a class of its own. Almost like looking at a traditional woodblock art, you can see tattoos that are just as intricate in detail.

From oni (demons) and monsters to traditional styles that incorporate flowers, dragons or fish, there is just an artistic beauty demonstrated by the tattoo artists in Japan.

Currently in America, tattoo artists have been featured in reality show television and even many celebrities sport tattoos with kanji characters and I think that for some people, there is just a fascination of trying to incorporate something Japanese or Asian for tattoo design because of its uniqueness and having something that no one else is sporting

With “The Japanese Tattoo Design Handbook Vol. 1″, Cocoro Books/DHP Publishing showcases the new generation of tattoo artists in Japan: Back in Black’s Hiro, Hori Toshi Family’s Hori no Suke, Sangenjaya’s Hori Taku, 56 Tattoo Studio’s Hori Masa and Tattoo Church’s Carlos.

With a two-page introduction by freelance writer Steven Walsh on Japanese tattoos, the book is filled with full page photos of tattoo design by these artists.

The book doesn’t try to be what the other Japanese tattoo design books out there by documenting the history or even detail procedures of an artist. Its primary goal is to show off the works of the artists showcasing traditional and modern design. It’s straight-forward and for those wanting images, this book is primarily showcasing the tattoos from the upper half of the body, to some full body shots.

The tattoo designs by these artists range from complex, intricate, dark, colorful and beautiful. I was very impressed by the talent of the five artists featured in this book

“The Japanese Tattoo Design Handbook Vol. 1″ is a perfect resource for those interested in Japanese tattoos and a solid resource for those who need inspiration for their own design through the many photos featured in this book.

Similar to other books released by Cocoro/DHP, included is a cardboard slipcase where the book can be placed in.

And for those seeking an inexpensive resource of high quality photography featuring Japanese tattoo design, you really can’t go wrong with this book.

There are a good number of books on Japanese tattoo’s but what I can say safely is that the book is inexpensive and because it features the artwork of the new generation of tattoo artists in Japan, you really can’t beat this inexpensive resource.

It’s simple and straightforward. This is not a book about the history of Japanese tattoos. Nor is it a how-to-tattoo book. It’s a pictorial resource featuring awesome tattoo design by talented artists.

So, for those who are curious about Japanese tattoos or even an artist that need a resource for ideas and inspiration, you really can’t go wrong with “The Japanese Tattoo Design Handbook Vol. 1″.

Definitely worth checking out!