Tokyo is one of my favorite places in the world – I always feel like I’m high on the energy of the city. Every step I take in that city feels like an adventure, where anything can happen at any moment. Many people think that it’s all bright lights and consumerism. Maybe this is what you’ll see on the surface, but when you venture off into certain neighborhoods you start to realize that this city has a dark side. So do not get it twisted and try to punk someone on some gangster shit, because you could be fucking with Yakuza. The thing is, you’ll never know who is a part of the Japanese underworld when the person is decked out in the sickest designer gear. It’s when that person exposes what’s under their clothes – their tattoos – that it becomes evident that this person is a part of Yakuza. Just like the country itself, filled with so much juxtaposition, these gangsters are a blend of beauty, honor & gangsterism. Today I put together a photo essay featuring Yakuza body art so you can see how outstanding their tattoos are. When in Japan, stay on the light side – don’t venture into a world that may eat you alive!
anotherskeleton
November 27, 2013 at 1:04 am
you should mention pics 8, 9 and 10 come from the AMAZING book ‘Odo Yakuza Tokyo’ by Anton Kusters, not sure if it still available though
headovmetal
October 1, 2013 at 2:12 pm
Sweet Mercy!
James Asskicker
October 1, 2013 at 6:17 am
this is awesome. thanks for posting it.