Is Japan's attitude towards tattoos changing?

Traditional Japanese tattooing represents a sophisticated artisanal craft rooted in Edo-era aesthetics, yet it remains widely misunderstood due to historical associations with organized crime. While once a common marker for Yakuza, the practice has shifted significantly, with modern tattooers increasingly influenced by social media rather than traditional apprenticeship-based mentorship. This transition threatens the quality and cultural context of the art form, which emphasizes "iki"—a sensibility of hidden, understated beauty. Beyond tattoos, Japan’s print culture, particularly in districts like Jinbocho, serves as a vital repository for specialized knowledge and community identity. By documenting these vanishing artisanal practices, such as the woodblock-print-inspired body suits, the work preserves a tangible connection to Japan’s cultural heritage, contrasting the ephemeral nature of digital consumption with the enduring value of physical, location-based traditions.