ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Irezumi

Irezumi is a type of Japanese tattoo art that has been around for a long time. It's different from the tattoos you might have seen on adults or in movies because it uses special techniques and designs that are unique to Japanese culture.

You know how when you draw, you use colored pencils or markers to make pretty pictures on paper, right? Well, for irezumi, artists use needles and ink to draw on a person's skin instead of paper. But don't worry, they use special tools and techniques to make sure it doesn't hurt too much and the person getting the tattoo is usually very brave and tough.

The designs used in irezumi are often inspired by nature, like flowers and animals, or by important stories and legends in Japanese history. Each design has a different meaning and it's important to choose one that really speaks to you if you want to get an irezumi tattoo.

Some people get irezumi tattoos just for fun or to look cool, but in Japanese culture, it can also be a way of showing courage, strength, and loyalty to your family or community. It's a special kind of art that is very important to people in Japan and all over the world.