Irezumi Layouts and Composition

A hallmark of classic Irezumi tattoos is their harmony with the body. Unlike many modern designs that work as isolated patches, traditional Japanese tattoo composition transforms the human form into a unified canvas, with each part of the tattoo flowing naturally along anatomy.

Shudai

The Main Motif

  • The shudai tattoo motif is the focal point of every composition.


  • Dragons, koi fishes, masks, warriors, and deities embody strength, wisdom, and transformation.


  • The Shudai establishes the story that the rest of the tattoo builds upon.


Full Japanese sleeve tattoo featuring koi fish as shudai, with waves and sakura flowers by Bardadim Tattoo.
Japanese sleeve tattoo featuring koi fish with keshoubori background of waves and sakura petals by Bardadim Tattoo.

Keshoubori

Supporting Elements

  • Secondary motifs that frame and enhance the shudai.


  • Common choices: cherry blossoms, maple leaves, chrysanthemums, or peonies.



  • In irezumi composition, keshoubori adds depth, seasonality, and symbolic richness.


Background

  • Backgrounds unify the tattoo into one flowing piece.


  • Typical irezumi backgrounds include waves, wind bars, rocks, clouds, and sometimes fire.



  • Often rendered in black or grey, they create contrast that makes the colored shudai and keshoubori stand out.


Backgrounds merge naturally into borders, known as Mikiri

Japanese sleeve and chest tattoo with background waves, spirals, and mikiri border framing the koi design by Bardadim Tattoo.
Japanese sleeve tattoo showing anatomical flow — koi and waves following natural muscle lines and body movement by Bardadim Tattoo.

Anatomical Flow

  • Japanese tattoo flow always respects muscle structure and body lines.


  • Each design is adapted to fit the natural movement of the body, making the tattoo look alive when the person moves.



  • This principle is what gives traditional Japanese tattoo body suits their harmony and balance.


Composition in Irezumi is never random, it is a carefully constructed system where shudai, keshoubori, and background form a seamless flow across the body.

Irezumi Layouts

Entire body beyond

Irezumi flows across the whole body. Explore layouts for legs, back, body suits, and more to see where your story may unfold.

The Irezumi Style Section

Related Pages

Explore other aspects of traditional Japanese tattoo style and learn more about Irezumi layouts, borders, and philosophy.

HIKAE

SHOULDERS AND ARMS

The term ‘Hikae’ means “to restrain oneself,” reflecting this classic tattoo layout. Hikae covers the shoulders and arms, allowing tattoos to be easily concealed with a v-neck shirt. Three common types exist: ‘light,’ covering about one-third of the chest; ‘shallow,’ which stays below the chest muscle; and ‘deep,’ extending over the chest and sometimes around the nipples.

Also called a 'short sleeve'.

Half Sleeve

SHICHIBUSODE:

 'The seven-tenth sleeve'

3/4 Sleeve

NAGASODE - Long Sleeves

Full Sleeve

Irezumi Layouts

A shirtless man with a colorful tattoo on his arm and chest.
A person with a lot of tattoos on their legs
A woman has a tattoo on her back of a bird and flowers
A shirtless man with a lot of tattoos on his body.