Japanese Tattoo Designs
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Japanese tattoos are called irezumi or horimono in Japanese. In Japan, tattoos are usually considered to be a symbol of a yakuza (Japanese mafia) and tends to be perceived negatively by people.
It is believed that the Ainu people (early settlers of Japan), used facial tattoos. Early Chinese documentation of the WA people, the Chinese name for the neighboring Japanese settlers write of the WA covering their whole body in Tattoos. When Buddhism was brought from China to Japan and with it a strong influence of the Chinese culture, tattooing was viewed upon in a negative light. Criminals were marked with tattoos to punish and identify them in society.
During the Edo (1603-1868) period Japanese Tattoo Designs were used by prostitutes (yujos) to increase their attractiveness to potential customers. Japanese Body Tattoos were also common among firemen and laborers.