Irezumi vs Horimono
Two names for the same Japanese tattoos, often traded as synonyms yet far from identical: where each word comes from, why one still carries the shadow of punishment, and which to reach for in front of a master.
Reading Room
Tattoo knowledge, history, culture, craft & personal expression. Explore the stories, symbols, traditions & practical knowledge behind tattooing, with deep-dive articles from the community and the Inked Vice team.
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The Hidden Language of Wabori
A field guide to the dragons, warriors & blossoms of Japanese tattooing: what the classic motifs stand for, and the quiet logic that binds them into a single design.
The Slow Art of Tebori
Tracing the hand-carving method behind Japan's traditional tattoo canon: what the word means, where it came from, and why a handful of masters still keep it alive.
Yobori: Japan's Western Tattoo Style
A guide to Japan's Western tattoo scene. Where the word comes from, what it looks like, and how it fits alongside wabori in modern studios.