Video

How we work.

Onko Chishin, a documentary about Japanese tattooing.

Chapter 1 – Horitsune II

In a country where tattoos are associated with the Yakuza (Japanese Mafia), we get a behind-the-scenes look at the art of Japanese tattooing. In the first chapter we meet Horitsune II. Being his favorite Japanese tattoo artist, Admiraal travels all the way to Japan to let Horitsune II finish his back piece. This documentary is a series of five.

Chapter 2 – Tebori or Machine?

In the second chapter we find out why most Japanese tattooers have stopped practising Tebori (tattooing by hand).

Chapter 3 – Yakuza

In a country where tattoos are associated with the Yakuza (Japanese Mafia), we get a behind-the-scenes look at the art of Japanese tattooing. Still, even today, most Japanese style tattoos are inherent to the Yakuza. In the third chapter we explore if there is any truth behind this assumption.

Chapter 4 – The Dragon

In the fourth chapter, we investigate the difference behind the meaning of the dragon in tattooing. The West usually depicts the dragon as an evil creature, while the East has a whole other take on it.

Chapter 5 – The Eye

After five years of travelling back and forth to Japan, Rob Admiraal finally has his tattoo finished. We learn why most Japanese tattooists save tattooing the eyes for last. This is the fifth and final chapter of Onko Chishin, a documentary about Japanese tattooing.