Japanese Irezumi Tattoo Designs
Japanese Irezumi is one of the oldest and most respected tattoo traditions in the world. Iconic motifs include koi fish (perseverance), dragons (wisdom and strength), cherry blossoms (life's fleeting beauty), tigers (courage), and waves. Full sleeves and back pieces are traditional, rendered in bold outlines with rich colour fills.
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Japanese Irezumi Tattoo Tattoo, Data & Pricing
Pain level
Moderate
Session time
6-20h
Typical range per session
Ages well
Exceptional
Artist level
Specialist only
Average price by country
Based on verified artist rates. Small = palm-sized · Medium = A5 · Large = A4+
| Country | Per hour | Small | Medium | Large |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇳🇱Netherlands | €150-245 | €225-365 | €750-1220 | €1800-2925 |
| 🇬🇧United Kingdom | £130-210 | £195-315 | £650-1055 | £1560-2535 |
| 🇺🇸United States | $200-325 | $300-490 | $1000-1625 | $2400-3900 |
| 🇩🇪Germany | €130-210 | €195-315 | €650-1055 | €1560-2535 |
| 🇪🇸Spain | €90-145 | €135-220 | €450-730 | €1080-1755 |
| 🇦🇺Australia | A$180-295 | A$270-440 | A$900-1465 | A$2160-3510 |
💡 Full Japanese body suits can exceed €30,000 and take years to complete across multiple sessions.
Estimates based on TatScout market data. Always get a personalised quote from your artist.
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192 verified studios on TatScout
specialise in japanese tattoos worldwide
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Irezumi?
Irezumi is traditional Japanese tattooing, literally meaning 'inserting ink'. It uses specific motifs from Japanese culture, mythology, and nature, often as large-scale compositions covering the back, chest, or arms.
How long does a Japanese sleeve take?
A full Japanese sleeve typically takes 20-60+ hours spread over multiple sessions. Expect 6 months to 2 years to complete.
What do koi fish tattoos mean?
Koi fish represent perseverance, strength, and good fortune. A koi swimming upstream symbolises overcoming adversity.
