Japanese tattooing — irezumi — is the most complete tattoo tradition in the world: every motif carries meaning, and every gap is filled with flowing gakubori background so the whole body reads as one composition. It is the style most suited to large-scale work, from a single sleeve to a full soushinbori bodysuit.
Designing a hand
The back of the hand and fingers is bold and always visible, but the small, bony, high-movement surface needs simple, confident designs that won't blur with wear.
Pain
Sensitive over bone and tendons; sessions are short but sharp.
Scope
Usually a single short session; hands often need touch-ups as they wear.
