Stories on Japan's tattoo culture, studios, and tattoo-friendly places, written by the Tattoo Japan team. Search by keyword to find the article you want to read.
46 articles
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Tattoo Meanings & DesignsLettering
Tattoo meanings at a glance: moon, star, snake, koi, dragon and more, the stories behind popular quote tattoos, and what placements like the wrist suggest.
Celebrity TattoosCovering Tattoos
Cookie! of Yasei Bakudan has a dragon-like design and a pistol on his chest, and a star on each wrist. See what each shows and why he tapes his wrists on TV.
Celebrity TattoosCovering Tattoos
Jungkook's first tattoo was ARMY on his right hand, spotted in 2019. See what each hand and arm tattoo means in his own words, and which ones he covered up.
Covering TattoosTattoo Cover Stickers
Where to buy tattoo cover stickers in Japan, from Don Quijote, Daiso and drugstores to Amazon Japan. What to look for, how to remove them and the onsen rules.
Anime & Manga TattoosHunter x Hunter
Where is each Phantom Troupe spider tattoo? See every member's number and location. The manga shows only Uvogin's, Shizuku's and Hisoka's fake one.
Celebrity TattoosBTS
BTS Jimin has seven known tattoos, from NEVERMIND on his ribs and 13 on his wrist to moon phases down his back. See where each one is and what it means.
Celebrity TattoosCovering Tattoos
Ryuta Shibuya of SUPER BEAVER has a dragonfly and kanji numerals below his ear, a crest-like mark on his neck and a peony on his belly. Here's what each means.
Covering TattoosTemporary Tattoos
Don Quijote (Donki) has sold temporary tattoos and tattoo cover stickers, but stock varies by store. Where to look, Daiso and Loft prices, and onsen rules.
Tattoo StudiosOsaka
Compare six Osaka tattoo studios checked in October 2026: tebori Japanese work, small pieces from ¥5,000, female artists, walk-ins and deposits.
Celebrity TattoosRui Hachimura
Rui Hachimura's only tattoo is the kanji 八 (eight) on his left forearm. See why 8 is his lucky number, why he wears 28, and his brother Allen's arm tattoo.
Tattoo BasicsIrezumi
Tattoos aren't illegal in Japan, but they were banned from 1872 to 1948. Learn why the taboo remains, from Edo penal tattoos to the yakuza and onsen rules.
Tattoo AftercareTattoo Basics
Caring for a new tattoo in Japan: washing and moisturizing steps, a healing timeline, which cream to use, when onsen and sunscreen are OK, and infection signs.
Tattoo AftercareInkcare
Inkcare, a tattoo-care brand made in Japan: what its After Care Cream (100g) and UV sunscreen (60g) are, when to start each, where to buy, and studio wholesale.
SkincareInkcare After Care Cream (100g)
4-color trialCLASSE Tattoo Concealer Stickers
SunscreenAfter Care UV Sunscreen (60g)
5-color trialFoundation Tape — Standard
4-color trialHadakakushi Cover Sheets — Regular
Pink OchreFoundation Tape — 5 Large Sheets
5-color trialFoundation Tape — Large
Natural shadeHadakakushi Cover Sheets — Large
Makeup · shade 02MARSH FIELD Body Cover Foundation N
No adhesiveHadakakushi Arm Covers — 1 Pair* Some links include affiliate advertisements (PR).
* Some links include affiliate advertisements (PR).
