Irezumi is the classic Japanese tattoo tradition featuring koi fish, dragons, oni masks, and mythic heroes intertwined with peonies, chrysanthemums, and maple leaves. The style relies on flowing composition that wraps the body, guided by negative space known as "sujibori" to keep everything readable.
Emerging from Edo-period woodblock prints and the upscale horishi tattoo masters, Irezumi carries rich symbolism: koi represent perseverance, wind bars protect from evil, and dragons embody wisdom and power. See how these stories translate to skin by browsing Irezumi tattoo ideas.
Large placements—full sleeves, bodysuits, and back pieces—showcase the storytelling best, but smaller chest panels or leg wraps can capture the spirit. Use the AI tattoo generator to experiment with composition before committing to multi-session projects.
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8 FEATURED DESIGNS
Irezumi is the classic Japanese tattoo tradition featuring koi fish, dragons, oni masks, and mythic heroes intertwined with peonies, chrysanthemums, and maple leaves. The style relies on flowing composition that wraps the body, guided by negative space known as "sujibori" to keep everything readable. Review the highlights above to see common approaches to shading, line weight, and composition.
Click any highlight and use My Tattoo Ideas to adapt the prompt with your own theme. You can mirror layouts, rerun edits, and preview the design on real skin before you commit.
Export the AI concept along with your favorite highlights, palette notes, and placement mockups. This gives your artist a clear brief to start sketching within the same style.
