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Culture
Japanese Tattoo
Wabori
The short answer
Wabori (和彫り), or irezumi, is traditional Japanese tattooing, with large body suits featuring koi, dragons and waves. It boomed in the Edo period but still faces stigma.
Where
Japan
Category
Art Form|Custom
When
Ongoing
Origin
Edo Period (popularization)
What it is
Traditional Japanese tattooing style often large-scale and body-covering with specific motifs
Why it matters
A highly respected art form with deep historical and cultural roots despite historical stigma
Fun fact
In 2020 Japan's Supreme Court ruled tattooing is not a medical act, so tattooists no longer need a medical licence.
Kungfucius says: World-class art you are not allowed to bring into most hot springs.
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