Created in 2016 by Hiroyuki Nemoto, the 刺青愛好会, Irezumi Aikokai, literally «Tattoo Lover’s Group», is an association initially dedicated to the organization of parties and events in Japan for tattooed people and fans of tattoo.As years passed, the gatherings grew, attracting also fans of diverse tattoo cultures, from traditional japanese full body to simple tattoo flash. Thanks to the power of social media and to the energy of the group’s founders, they have attracted the attention of an international audienceHere is Hiroyuki Nemoto’s vision for the group and for the tattoo culture:
I am a representative of the tattoo enthusiasts association, Hiroyuki Nemoto. I usually work as an office worker for a general company. The purpose of this tattoo party is to protect the Japanese tattoo culture, which is attracting attention from all over the world, and to promote exchange and friendship among tattoo enthusiasts in accordance with the times. One of the important activities of the tattoo enthusiasts' association is to use social networks to inform the world about modern Japanese tattoo culture and its history, both in Japan and abroad, and to let people know about the artistry and the beauty of Japan's unique tattoo culture.
In recent years, the attitude toward tattooing has been changing in Japan. It is an appeal to an individual's way of thinking and living, and it has also become a fashion statement. In Japan, the concept of tattoos is still very closed, but it is gradually changing as the public's opinion of tattoos increases. Prejudice and discrimination against tattoos are beginning to disappear. I would also say that the era of tattooing as a hobby has truly begun.
In these hard times during COVID-19, the community is a place where people can come together, where people from all walks of life can freely choose to live in different communities. I think it's important to choose the right tattoo community for you. We, as tattoo enthusiasts, are proud to be able to pass on the world-famous Japanese traditional tattoo culture to the next generation in a new form. Finally, we would also like the world to know about the development and excellence of Japanese tattoos and would like to have international exchange. For the future of tattoo culture in the world... Hiroyuki Nemoto
Report: t’s a grey Sunday in Tokyo, the 4th of July. The rainy season comes to its end, in a couple weeks, the hot and humid summer will envelop Japan. Today still, a light rain is refreshing Tokyo while I’m heading for the Ueno station, where the 2021 edition of the Irezumi Aikokai will be held.
A few steps from the station, the event is held in a party hall downstairs, and already a lot of people are queuing. After the mandatory temperature check, I receive a mask and a hand fan that will be very useful during summer! After the mandatory Japanese Tradition «Kampai», where everyone has their first drink and cheers up, everyone starts looking around at other people’s tattoos. I’m impressed by the quantity and quality of everybody’s tattoos. Most of them have traditional japanese tattoos, dragons, tigers, scenes of brave warriors battles against demons, the details and the colors are amazing.
There are also all kinds of different Tattoos: neo traditional, tatau, flash… Everybody is curious and passionate. I get the feeling that for a large number of people, gathering has been rare during the past year, and the joy of meeting new people or seeing long time friends again is palpable. For a couple of years, foreign people living in Japan have been attending this event. Canada, USA, America, Mongolia… A truly international event. And this year, there is even a reporter from an european TV! There is a prize given out, and the winner is selected by a giant battle of Rock paper scissors against the organizer! Then, a tattoo artist is drawing free-hand a phoenix on someone’s back, and finally everyone gathers for the final, long awaited group photos.
This was a heart-warming event, and, as Hiroyuki Nemoto says: an event «For the future of tattoo culture in the world.»
