Ancient Japanese Jomon Tattoos and Modification

and Their Modern Applications

Japan is known worldwide for its amazing traditional tattoos, which sprung from the popularity of ukiyo-e woodblock prints during the Edo period (1603-1868). Meanwhile, the customs of Okinawan hajichi tattoos in the south and Hokkaido’s Ainu tattooing in the north still remain, and while their origins have been disputed in academic circles, they are said to have begun as far back as the Jomon period (14,000-300 BCE).

Now, tattoo artist Taku Oshima and photographer/journalist Ryoichi Keroppy Maeda, who lead the promotion of ancient Japanese tattoo revival through their art project “Jomon Tribe,” will introduce specific Jomon tattoo works that have been revived from archaeological research reports in order to bring them back to life in a modern way.

The class will also introduce in detail the variations in Jomon patterns based on era and region, and also explain how to apply them to modern tattoo works.

“Modified Future,” a Japanese/English bilingual book by Ryoichi Keroppy Maeda and Taku Oshima, which covers the history of Japanese body modification, is available now!!

by: Taku Oshima & Ryoichi Keroppy Maeda
Slot: 9 / Room 11 / 12 : Fri. 7pm-8:30pm / Fr. 19:00-20:30 Uhr