Common Japanese Tattoo Words

Before getting a traditional Japanese tattoo you should know the words that the tattoo artist may use during the application process. Feel free to print this document and take it with you to the tattoo studio:

Hanebori: a hand-tattooing method that uses rows of needles that are attached to a short handle. The technique is done is a “sweeping” method which results in much less skin trauma and faster healing. Hanebori designs look like watercolor drawings.

Horimono: means carving or engraving and is another word for traditional Japanese tattoos.

Horishi: a tattoo artist.

Kakushibori: the term used to describe applying Japanese tattoos in “hidden” areas like the inside of thighs, the buttocks area, or breasts. It also indicates applying tattoos that include hidden words among images.

Kebori: the art of tattooing fine lines, for example, tattooing lines to resemble hair.

Irezumi: the term used to describe the traditional Japanese tattoo method.

Shakki: the sound the Tebori needles make when they puncture the skin.

Sujibori: the outline of a tattoo.

Tebori: the general term used for the Japanese traditional art of tattooing by hand.

Tsuki-bori: the term used to describe a hand tattooing method that involves a thrusting motion.

Yobori: slang word for tattooing with a machine.