Tattoo Glossary — J
Japanese (Traditional)
Traditional Japanese tattooing style using bold outlines, specific colour palettes, and motifs from Japanese mythology and nature — koi, dragons, waves, cherry blossom, tigers.
Related styles
See also
Irezumi
The Japanese word for tattooing, literally meaning 'inserting ink'. Used to describe both the traditional Japanese tattooing practice and its visual style.
Tebori
The traditional Japanese hand-tattooing technique, using a wooden or metal handle with attached needles, applied in a rhythmic hand motion. Still practised by traditional Irezumi masters.
Neo-Japanese
A contemporary evolution of traditional Japanese tattooing that retains iconic motifs (koi, dragons, waves) but applies them with modern colour palettes, realistic shading, and contemporary compositions.