Tattoos, or irezumi in Japanese, have long been synonymous with the yakuza, Japan’s infamous organized crime syndicates. Far from mere body art, these intricate designs—often covering the entire body in vibrant patterns of dragons, koi fish, cherry blossoms, and mythical creatures—serve as profound symbols of identity, loyalty, and defiance. For …
Read More »Why Do Yakuza Get Tattoos? Unraveling the History, Symbolism, and Societal Impact of Irezumi
