Japanese Tattooing Now: Memory and Transition

This book is greatly recomended, buy it now!!Just as everyone else says, the cover doesn't fit this book at all. The dull orange, plus the picture that looks as if it was shot with an unflattering camera phone, makes it seem as if this is just an ordinary and vague coffee table book.However, this is a very insightful book that makes strides in bringing the current standing of tattoos in Japan, its own traditional tattoo style, and influence from America on Japanese tattoo artists as well as Japanese teenage cultures. It has pictures of clients, artists as they are working, studios, and even artist's nameplates and business cards!The only reason I gave it five stars is how it sometimes doesn't showcase enough of certain artists. I definitely felt that the Horitoshi family section could have been longer- its one of the shorter of the traditional work section. The Horihide section alone is worth considering buying the book for- he gives his insight on subjects such as tebori,his thoughts on the current trend towards 'one point tattoos, and there are many samples of paintings done personally himself as well as many pictures of his client's work. Horitoshi's section definitely has Horitoshi Sensei's insightful words, but more of his clients work or drawings could have been shown. Plus, his many apprentices could have been showcased more as well-particularly Horiyamato and Horiharu. Horiyoshi 3's counld have been longer as well, but then again, he has so many books on him or featuring him as it is!Take this as you want, though- I personally favor traditional work considerably more than one point. Naturally, I'd feel that the book should feature more traditional Japanese work than one point work. Really, this book serves as an introduction, though: if you like Horihide's work, check out some of his books published by Keibunsha. For Horitoshi family, look at horimitsu's honey-tattoo blogspot, horitoshi1.com, or Horiyamato's Tattoo soul blog, or Horiharu's wbsite. As for Horiyoshi, just type his name into Amazon book search, ther's a lot on him!However, I like the opinions shared by the tattoists with more westernized work. They've even made a diehard fan of traditional Japanese work like me appreciate one point and its beauty and appreciation more. This is why this is such a great book- in each artists own words, they each have a unique love of the style that they use, and their motivations inspire as well as persuade.This book is balanced in text as well as pictures provided.The book starts off with one point, then starting with the intro of Horiyoshi 3, it goes into tradtional work. Of course, some of the tattoos in the first part may either be American style, or a mix of that and Japanese. From looking through this book, one can decide what style they like better- does one prefer the simple yet bold contemporary work or the complex traditional work? Buy this book, and explore...

What a show stopper: when I brought it in as a guide, nearly everyone at the tattoo shop had to come around to see this book. All of the tattooists were impressed by it.I'll start with the cover; by far the most deceiving part of the book. In no way does it convey the feeling of the book, nor does it even match the design of the inside images and contents. It almost looks like it was taken from another book (or it is the author's girlfriend.) Either way, once you open the book and view some of the amazing images inside the book, you will agree that the cover is cheesy and needs to go.The images are a little inconsistent, but then again, they kind of have to be due to the nature of the book. It looks like there were numerous photographers, and many sources from which they got these pictures. I think some of them look like a camera phone took it (for example, pages 36, 38, 58, and cover.)The back story of the artists is worth the read. Some are hilarious while others are a bit enlightening, especially about Hardy and Jerry and others that are the pioneers of our era. I had no idea purple ink was such an exotic luxury.Anyway, get this book; you will not be disappointed.

I love reading about the history and culture of tattoos, and the pics just made it that much better.Love it! Keep it out in living room so others can see and enjoy as well :)

If your looking at getting a Japanese style tattoo but want to do research on the culture first this book is a must have! I bought several Asian history/tattoo books to learn the history first and this was one of the most helpful book! It goes from the tradtional japanese tattoos to the new Western style Japanese tattoos

Great book. I was surprised by the depth of the content. It turned out to be more than just a picture book of Japanese tattoos, which was really all I'd expected. It's full of terrific photos, but also provides a lot of information on the tattoo artists and the tattooing sub-culture in modern Japan. Anyone into tattooing, Asian art, or Japanese culture would love this book.

Michael McCabe is by far one of the finest cultural anthropologists our generation has seen. His experience as a professional tattooist and his ability to tell a wonderful story make his books both relevant and enjoyably readable---which is not always the case with the THOUSANDS of published books that are supposedly about the tattoo culture.I buy EVERYTHING and ANYTHING with his name on it, and I've never been disappointed.

This is a terrific book full of great Japanese tattoos. There are tons and tons of photos and cool ideas. If you are thinking about getting a tattoo and like classic images, this is well worth it.

Beautiful tattoos in both eastern and western styles, done by Japanese artists. If Mike puts his name on a book, you can pretty much trust that its going to be a winner.

Bought as a gift for tattoo fan, they weren't disappointed. Full of excellent photos.

Good book with a lot of excellent pictures.It also has quite a lot of information regarding Japanese tattoos and their artists/shops

Ok